One of the links off of Mariska Hargitay’s website was for Safe Horizon. I spent some time investigating the site, and I got some information from them.

Safe Horizon does not focus only on child abuse. They work with victims of all types of abuse. Everything ranging from child abuse, to date rape, stalking, domestic violence and abuse in teenage dating situations, along with helping the victims of the World Trade Center attacks.

They offer services such as a phone hotline, domestic violence shelters, operate a mental health clinic, and operate a child advocacy center. This is a small portion of the services.

In the small packet of information I received, were some expected brochures:

10 signs of domestic violence and abuse

10 signs of child abuse

10 signs that you may be experiencing relationship abuse

Then there was one that I didn’t expect.

Signs that a child is witnessing violence or abuse

Why haven’t we seen something like this before? Every teacher, social worker, minister, or anyone who works with kids should have a copy of this card. Many people don’t realize that the trauma and impact that simply witnessing domestic violence can have on a child. This is a form of emotional abuse.

One of the things I really like is the very detailed safety plan on the website. If a partner is in an abusive situation, it details how to get out safely, and an extensive “packing list” of important documents to take along. They even talk about something that we always advise foster and adoptive parents to do. Document, document, document! All physical acts of violence, threats, and property damage.

There was a quiz of about ten questions on the website. It was questions about how well you knew the facts of child abuse. I did pretty well. I only got two questions wrong, and that’s because I overestimated the number of children who were sexually abused. Do you think I’m a little skeptical?

Safe Horizon is based out of New York. If you’re on the east coast and need help, please contact them. The Attachment & Trauma Network’s conference will be on the east coast next year. I hope people from Safe Horizon will attend, be presenters, or exhibit. I think they have great information that we all need to get out there.

For information/instructions on how to subscribe FREE to your favorite AdoptionBlogs, please visit this link.

Photo credit Mariska Hargitay with the "No Disrespect" tattoo from Safe Horizon