Connecting Three Dots

Sometimes when he scares me, I fight back. Sometimes I run away.

Sometimes when he gets really mad, I just stay still. Or I just say yes to whatever he wants just to make him stop.

Children living with disability, like everyone else, may respond to violence in different ways. Fight, flight, freeze, fawn.

I get scared for my mom and sister, too.

When he hurts them or does things to them that they don’t want, I try to protect them.

Children can be hurt by violence even when it’s not directed at them. It can be physical, verbal, coercive, or take other forms.

I tried to protect my dog, too.

My dog doesn’t deserve to get yelled at or hurt. He didn’t do anything.

They may put others’ needs ahead of their own.

I see and hear what’s going on. Even if you think I don’t, I do. I feel it. It affects me.

Children develop skills to get through each day. These may take the form of behaviors that seem out of place.

They may also hide their feelings in an effort to stay safe.

It’s not my fault, even if they say it is.

Children living with disability may not be able to communicate in ways that you are used to, but they can be every bit as impacted by family violence.

I may not be able to say I’m not okay with words, but I’ll show you if you let me. Don’t ignore me just because I am different.

Look for the signs.

Be curious. And don’t be afraid to ask questions.

Together, we can protect children with disability from the impacts of family violence.