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In recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, OJJDP Administrator J. Robert Flores offered the following commentary on how domestic violence affects children and on OJJDP's Safe Start Initiative:

This October, we mark Domestic Violence Awareness Month and remember that domestic violence hurts hundreds of thousands of Americans each year. In addition to recognizing the need to hold offenders accountable to provide safety and security for victims, OJJDP is concerned about the impact of domestic violence on children who are exposed to violence in their own homes. The consequences of this exposure can be profound:

"In the short term, exposure to violence can result in the total upheaval of a child's life. In the long-term, many children exposed to violence experience difficulties at school, at work, and in relationships; have physical and mental health problems; and may be at risk of being revictimized throughout their lives. Additionally, these children are at greater risk of becoming offenders themselves." (Safe From the Start, OJJDP, November 2000, page xi.)

OJJDP, through its Safe Start initiative, delivers a range of research, evaluation, practice resources, training, technical assistance, and general information and educational tools to help communities and families address domestic violence and its effects on children. Under the Safe Start initiative, public and professional education is provided through the National Center for Children Exposed to Violence and the Safe Start Center. These centers provide communities and service providers throughout the United States with tools, content expertise, consultation and evidence-based practice information on working with families living in violence. OJJDP also funds research on the scope and consequences of children's exposure to violence and evaluations of prevention and intervention programs.

The effects of domestic violence go far beyond the hurt caused by the physical, emotional, and sexual abuse of the victim. Exposure to violence can have short- and long-term effects on children's ability to feel secure, grow, and learn—whether they are the primary victim of the violence or a witness to the violence. OJJDP is committed to improving services for these children. Children need to feel physically and emotionally safe in their homes, schools, and communities. Communities and professionals—including, families, teachers, police officers, judges, pediatricians, mental health professionals, child protection workers, domestic violence advocates, and many others—all have a responsibility to help. OJJDP is committed to working with partners at all levels to develop an effective community response to support families in protecting their children from harmful exposure to violence.

Information on addressing domestic violence is available through the Office of Violence Against Women's resource page. Information on OJJDP's Safe Start Initiative is available through the OJJDP Web site.