For decades, federally chartered Child Advocacy Centers (CACs) across Washington have provided therapeutic support to young victims of crime.
But what happens if a child is not the physical victim of violence but instead the witness? According to the U.S. Department of Justice, one in four children (26 percent) are exposed to at least one form of family violence during their lifetimes. A recent study published on JAMA Open Network found that 12.9% of violent deaths in Washington state were connected to domestic violence.
Rep. Roger Goodman (D-Kirkland) wants the state legislature to authorize CACs to provide help to kids who see and hear violence in their homes or their community. This week, he pre-filed House Bill 1028 to push for that approval.
Early intervention
“Children who witness domestic violence and community violence experience trauma and a sense of helplessness, which is often more emotionally and psychologically harmful than being a direct victim of physical violence,” Goodman said.
Goodman wants the bill to result in a new scenario when police receive a domestic violence call: When police arrive to deal with battling adults, he wants a specialist to intervene with any children in the home who may have witnessed violence.
“The earlier we intervene with children, the more we can reduce the adverse effects of trauma,” Goodman said.
Impacts of witnessing violence
According to the National Children’s Advocacy Center, witnessing violence as a child can cause short- and long-term social, emotional, and behavioral problems, including:
- Mood and anxiety disorders
- Depression
- Post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Substance abuse
- School-related problems
- Lack of sense of security
- Aggressive behavior
- Developmental delays
- Academic problems
- Fear of being alone
- There is a higher likelihood of abusing substances
- Adverse effects on children’s functioning
Many of these consequences continue into adulthood. According to the federal Office on Women’s Health, kids who witness domestic violence have a significantly higher chance than other kids of becoming domestic violence victims or perpetrators as adults.
No cost, but big help
Goodman says House Bill 1028 won’t cost the state more; rather, it is a policy change to expand Child Advocacy Centers’ authority and will lead to interventions with children who witness violence in various places, including homes, police departments, courthouses, and the CACs in each county in Washington.
The lack of a fiscal note may increase the bill’s chances of approval — during the upcoming legislative session, which begins January 13, lawmakers will be tasked with approving a budget in the face of a projected $10 billion deficit.
Still, Goodman says the breadth of the problem makes the most compelling case for the bill’s passage.
“Domestic violence has arguably reached epidemic levels, and we know how serious the problem is,” he said.
Pre-filing a bill does not assure that it will be heard in committee or on the floor of the House or Senate during the coming session. However, it is an important first step in getting an issue on the radar of other lawmakers, constituents, and issue advocates.
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