Business line 905-529-8149
24 Hour Crisis line 905-529-8600
TTY Phone Line 905-529-8029
Fax 905-529-6156
inasmuch@mission-services.com

PURPOSE

The LEAF program is an early intervention program for children age 4-16 who have witnessed the abuse of their mothers.  The purpose of this program is to provide women and children with a safe place to discuss the abuse they have been exposed to.  Each group will run 10 weeks with each session running 1 1/2 hours.  All services are free, confidential and include childcare, transportation assistance, snacks and wheelchair accessibility.

TOPICS FOR KID'S GROUPS MAY INCLUDE:
-What is abuse?
-Creating a safety plan
-Identifying feelings
-Abuse prevention
-Building self-esteem
-Family changes
-Anger management
-Conflict resolution
-Dating violence

TOPICS FOR MOTHER'S GROUPS MAY INCLUDE:
-Defining and understanding abuse
-Impact of children witnessing abuse
-Parenting skills
-Health child development
-Self esteem
-Self care
-Safety planning for children and adults
-Custody access issues

If you are interested in finding out more information regarding this group, please call the LEAF Group Facilitator at 905-529-8149 x122.

DID YOU KNOW?

• It is estimated that 80% of children of abused mothers have directly witnessed the abuse.
• Children living in an abusive home grow up in an atmosphere of tension, fear, intimidation and tremendous confusion.
• Serious behavioural problems are 17 times higher for boys and 10 times higher for girls who have witnessed abuse.
• Children who have witnessed abuse suffer the same emotional effects as those who have been physically abused.
• In 1 of 3 families where the mother is assaulted, the children are also directly abused.