Q1 2024: MAJOR MILESTONES & LEARNINGS IN THE JOURNEY TO OVERCOME CDV

“You may encounter many defeats, but you must not be defeated. In fact, it may be necessary to encounter the defeats, so you can know who you are, what you can rise from, how you can still come out of it.” - Maya Angelou

Recapping a transformative Q1 from January through March 2024, the spotlight was on building awareness and providing resources around the numerous occasions that Childhood Domestic Violence (CDV) is closely connected with.

In January, National Mentoring Month, mentorship was a crucial theme in the quest to temper the magnitude and impact of CDV.

Into February, the spotlight was on the disproportionate impact of CDV on minorities, plus the often overlooked connection between Teen Dating Violence (TDV) and CDV.

March, National Social Workers Month, was a celebration of the tireless first-responders who help change the lives of at-risk youth and adults each day, and the welcoming of spring with fresh opportunities and resources for renewal and life-changing transformations.

JANUARY: Unlocking Potential Via Mentorship, Connection, Role Modeling and Social Justice

In January, to commemorate National Mentoring Month and National Hugging Day, the focus was on recognizing the profound impact of mentorship and connection for individuals impacted by CDV.

National Mentoring Month highlighted the transformative role of mentors in the lives of at-risk children, offering guidance and support to foster resilience. Roger Lockridge - a contributor to CDVA's Bestseller INVINCIBLE- shared his experience on both sides of the fence in this powerful blog post.

Highlighting National Hugging Day underscored the importance of nurturing, positive, warm, compassionate relationships and secure attachments for those who have faced a major adversity like CDV. Our featured blog encouraged mentoring and the healing power of human connection.

MLK: Challenging the LIES, Embracing the TRUTHS

On Martin Luther King Jr. Day, the spotlight was on Dr. King's legacy of peace and social justice, drawing parallels between his vision and the fight against CDV. Reflecting on his principles of nonviolence and empowerment, the quest for collective action to challenge harmful narratives - like the LIES of CDV - and embrace the TRUTHS can be life-changing. Amplifying voices and promoting awareness can create a world free from the cycle of violence. Read more in our blog post.

Check Out CDVA's Revamped Website, Tools & Resources

An exciting achievement in January was also the re-launch of our completely revamped website, CDV.org. With simple clear journeys for different constituents, it offers comprehensive tools and resources - from our mentorship program, CHANGE A LIFE, to our Emmy-nominated children's segment, FAMILY SECRETS, to support and empower healing and positive change for anyone impacted by CDV or anyone who cares about or works to help someone who was. Check it out today!

FEBRUARY: Spotlight on Black History Month & Teen Dating Violence

Addressing Disparities of ACEs in Black Communities

As February marked Black History Month, it was vital to acknowledge the impact of CDV, which disproportionately affects minorities. For instance, studies show that black children are 20% more likely to experience multiple adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), including Childhood Domestic Violence (CDV). Explore our blog for more.

Breaking the Cycle: The Link Between CDV & TDV

Diving into this month traditionally associated with LOVE, we also delved into some complications of "love" such as Teen Dating Violence awareness (which February also connotes). Shockingly, 1 in 3 adolescents experiences intimate partner abuse. Those facing CDV are more prone to perpetuate violence in their own intimate relationships as young adults. They're also 2-3 times more likely to repeat this cycle in adulthood.

This all underscores the importance of open conversations and role-modeling of healthy relationships for these young people. Trusted adults can make a life-changing difference by sharing alternative perspectives and ways to behave. Learn how to step in for an impacted child with simple support and messages of hope that can change their life - take our free Change A Life 40-minute online program, which has already empowered 5,000+ people to foster resilience in children of CDV. #BeTheOne

Empowering Compassion: Making a Difference on Random Acts of Kindness Day

Finally, observing Random Acts of Kindness Day on Feb 17th offered a unique opportunity to extend compassion to those affected by CDV - whether offering a different perspective to a child facing CDV or supporting adults impacted by CDV in childhood who still struggle, or hosting a local fundraiser to raise awareness and funds. You can play a crucial role in their journey to overcome the impact and rewrite their story. Explore this resource for guidance on supporting children.

March: Empowering Women, the Role of Social Workers, and Mental Wellbeing

In March, the emphasis was on the resilience of women as well as celebrating the contributions of social workers in mitigating major adversities like CDV. As spring unfolds, the importance of mental well-being and happiness were also highlighted, alongside resources to guide individuals toward healing and fulfillment despite past experiences.

Empowering Women and Recognizing Social Workers

Amid adversity, women globally exhibit remarkable strength. This Women's History Month was a time to reassess the major challenges, including violence against women, that limit opportunities for them. CDV, which 1 in 7 face, has a profound impact on both women and their potential perpetrators. Research shows that those exposed to CDV in childhood are 74% more likely to commit violence in adulthood, including violence against women. On International Women's Day (March 8), the focus was on sharing stories to raise awareness and honor the resilience of women worldwide. You can share your story now.

March also marks National Social Workers Month, a time to celebrate the tireless contributions of social workers in mitigating the far-reaching impact of major adversities like CDV. They often serve as frontline responders, identifying signs of CDV and facilitating early intervention. They also often provide holistic support. Hat's off to their dedication and commitment to making a difference, one life at a time.

Promoting Healing: Spring's Renewal and Mental Well-being

As Spring unfolds, symbolizing renewal and growth, we're reminded that those impacted by CDV can also find a path to healing and happiness. Despite the challenges, hope can guide their journey towards well-being. March 20th marked International Day of Happiness, celebrating resilience, and we offered resources to guide their quest for attaining happiness that show them they are more than their childhood trauma. #YouAreMoreThanYouKnow

CDV can also foster lingering sadness and depression, plus disrupt sleep, impacting overall mental health. On March 15th - World Sleep Day - the spotlight was on awareness about this connection. We also highlighted World Teen Mental Health Day (March 2) and Brain Awareness Week (March 11-17) - which served to illuminate the impact of CDV on brain development and mental well-being.

RESOURCE CORNER

Blogs

January 10: Mentoring

January 15: Martin Luther King Jr Day

January 21: National Hugging Day - Attachment Styles

February 1: Black History Month

February 22: Teen Dating Violence

March 13: Brain Awareness

March 25: Social Workers

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ABOUT THE CHILDHOOD DOMESTIC VIOLENCE ASSOCIATION CDVA strives to increase awareness of Childhood Domestic Violence (CDV), educate caring adults to serve as a lifeline for those impacted, and empower adults who experienced CDV as children, so they can overcome the impact. Visit CDV.org.