Citation

Walker SL, Smith DJ. J. Prev. Interv. Community 2009; 37(4): 316-325.

Affiliation

Generations Center, 12300 Ford Road, Ste 405, Dallas, TX 75234, USA. sharonwalker@generationscenter.org

Copyright

(Copyright © 2009, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/10852350903196316

PMID

19830626

Abstract

Violence impacts the lives of children on a daily basis. In their communities, they witness drive-by shootings, drug deals, and violence in their schools while many endure abuse, neglect, and violent behavior in their homes. Because the traumatizing impact of such exposure disrupts a child's ability to concentrate and learn, the Dallas Independent School District (ISD) sought content expertise to develop a training vehicle for school district professionals. The program aimed to raise the awareness of educators to problems related to domestic violence and the myriad of circumstances at home and in the community that lead to exposure to violence. Approximately 15,000 faculty and staff of Dallas ISD were educated in the identification, intervention, and prevention of exposure to violence. Referrals and inquiries related to abuse have increased (approximately 70%) while the city of Dallas has witnessed a drop in the number of domestic violence and child abuse offenses.

Language: en