Children Exposed to Domestic Violence: Understanding the Community Service Response & Needs in Texas

Project Overview

Parenting and family-centered services are emerging areas of support available in domestic violence agencies. However more information is needed about the help-seeking, support needs, and service access and experience of Texas children and adolescents exposed to domestic violence.

In collaboration with the University of Texas Medical Branch Health Center for Violence Prevention, Texas Council on Family Violence and Texas Alliance for Children and Family Services, this project sought to understand the landscape of children’s services in domestic violence agencies in Texas. A secondary aim was to understand the needs and availability of supports for children exposed to domestic violence and their adult survivor parents in child-focused agencies such as Children’s Advocacy Centers (CACs) and CASAs. The project was a programmatic assessment of direct services for children exposed to domestic violence in Texas domestic violence and children service agencies. The evaluative assessment explored service availability, needs and experiences to enhance current practices.

The project aimed to guide development and implementation of new services for children exposed to domestic violence. Specifically, the project team examined the state of domestic violence services for children, adolescents and families in Texas by:

1. Scanning available services for children exposed to domestic violence,
2. Identifying best and/or innovative practices,
3. Recommending capacity planning and program improvements; and
4. Increasing understanding of children’s experiences and needs.

This project was completed in 2020. Please contact the Principal Investigator with any questions.