Typically when we thing about domestic abuse we thing primarily of the adults in the situation, but according to Safe Haven these scary situations can also be a big impact for kids.

“Even in a situation where abuse is happening in the home and the kid never ever sees it and it’s never witnessed by them, they’re still that disconnect from their caretakers,” says youth advocate Magdalene Kummet.

The youth advocates play a big part when parents are escaping a domestic abuse situation. They help with being a mentor, programing, and giving them living essentials. That’s because often times the kids come in with only a few things in a backpack.

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When spending time with the kids, the youth advocates focus on helping kids get out of the survival mindset. Which Magdalene describes as, “I need to make sure I go to school, I want clothes. I need food. I need to make sure my mom’s okay.”

Even as something as simple as throwing a holiday part helps child survivors connect back to their inner kid.