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Victims of Domestic Abuse
Every year in the United States, an estimated 1.5 million women face domestic abuse. Studies suggest that between 3.3 and 10 million children are exposed to domestic violence annually and more than half of these children are under 12 years of age (Family Violence Prevention Fund).
Children who grow up in an abusive home are often left with learning delays and both behavioral and health problems due to the crisis environment in which they live day to day. Through the support of generous donors, such as the Annie E. Casey Foundation, K.I.D.S. has been able to donate new toys and clothes to children facing difficult life circumstances.
K.I.D.S. supports agencies and shelters, including the Center Against Domestic Violence in Brooklyn, N.Y. and New Beginnings Without Violence and Abuse in New Hampshire, that provide a safe place for survivors and their children and offer services to assist them as they work through the trauma of domestic violence.
With donations from K.I.D.S., the children in these centers have one less burden to worry about, one less distraction from focusing on their work in school, and one less obstacle to improving their sense of self-worth. In the serious work that must occur to restore a child’s sense of safety and routine, new belongings can be an affirmation that life can be stable once again.
“New Beginnings Without Violence and Abuse has received generous amounts of jackets, underwear, shirts pants, hats and mittens for boys, girls and babies from K.I.D.S. Our crisis center and emergency shelter provides services and donations to those whose lives have been affected by domestic and sexual violence and stalking in Belknap County. When women and children flee they often come to shelter with only the clothes on their backs. You can imagine their surprise and reaction to receiving the generous donation from K.I.D.S. There are exclamations of glee and tears of gratitude from all. Many times they are so shocked they don’t know how to respond. One woman said, “Now that my son has a jacket, I can face the teachers at school. This is a lifesaver.” On behalf of New Beginnings Volunteers, Staff, Board of Directors and those who have experienced family violence we thank K.I.D.S. for choosing to support our work with victims/survivors.”
- Kathy Keller, Executive Director, New Beginnings Without Violence and Abuse
