Mrs. Simpson had been teaching fourth grade for the better part of two decades, and she noticed that Colin’s personality had been changing since the start of school. He had been a quiet, well-behaved student, but he seemed to be evolving into a bully. He was pushing kids around on the playground and slinging insults at them in class. He had even become mouthy to her and was beginning to be a regular source of disruptions.
What Mrs. Simpson didn’t realize was the relationship between Colin’s mother and her new boyfriend was becoming increasingly abusive. Colin was terrified of the man and confused by what his mother was going through. He felt weak and powerless at home, so he sought control and power at school. He wanted people to know he was there and respect him. Without realizing it, he began to emulate the behavior of the man he feared.
We often refer to children as the silent victims of domestic abuse, and we want to help their voices be heard in positive ways. Thanks to our community partnerships, we have mentors who provide one-on-one time, tutors who help kids keep up with schoolwork, and other volunteers who provide security, entertainment and encouragement.
When adults go out of their way to invest in a child, they can change their outlook, attitude, understanding of what is healthy and appropriate in a relationship. That is where we begin to break the cycle of abuse.
