Brief Interventions with Children in a Battered Women's Shelter: A Model Preventive Program

Abstract

HONORE M. HUGHES** A description is presented of a number of brief interventions which were implemented for purposes of providing services directly to children which interrupted the cyclical perpetuation of violence across generations of families. The model preventive program included intervention with: 1) children, 2) mothers, 3) schools, and 4) shelter staff members. Children's services consisted of individual counseling as well as peer, sibling, and family group meetings. Mothers received education regarding parenting skills and child development. A school liaison system was established; the shelter staff members were trained regarding child advocacy and child development. Informal assessment, intervention strategies, and limitations of the program are also discussed.