Domestic violence in families also impacts children

Among the various causes being recognized annually during the month of October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

While many people might think about the devastating effects of domestic violence on adult victims who are sadly caught up in those situations, it is important to remember that if there are children involved, they also suffer consequences that may affect their entire lives in multiple ways.

Whether those children are direct victims of physical, sexual or emotional abuse, or they are witnesses to a parent or close family member being abused, the subsequent trauma that arises must often be dealt with through intervention options such as counseling therapy, spiritual guidance and medical examinations if necessary.

The Appomattox Department of Social Services (ADSS), located at 318 Court Street behind the Appomattox County Public Schools Administration Building, is a local source that helps adults and children who find themselves in difficult family situations.

There’s more to this in the current issue of the Times Virginian newspaper. Support local journalism by purchasing the issue at a local newsstand or subscribing at www.timesvirginian.com/subscriber_services to receive the print edition or view the full article in the e-edition version.