Blog
The Impact Adversity in Your Childhood Home Has on Your Pursuit of Life, Liberty and Happiness
Our founding fathers believed everyone was “endowed by our creator with certain unalienable rights; among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.” This principle also applies to anyone who grew up facing adversity in their childhood home. But, while we...
Symone’s Story
“Sharing my story in INVINCIBLE was the beginning of a new journey into myself. I know through being vulnerable and opening up to you, that we both are healed.” As a child, I believed many of the LIES children of domestic violence learn, like feeling Worthless,...
CDV PROFILES: FORMER CHILDREN, FUTURE CHAMPIONS
In the Spotlight – ROGER LOCKRIDGE Lewisburg, WV Child Advocate Fitness Expert & Writer, Bodybuilding.com Some of Roger’s earliest memories, dating back to the early ’80s, are memories of the many nights of violence at home. Memories that are vividly embedded in...
Open Letter to Young People Who Are Growing Up with Domestic Violence
Last month you heard a lot about domestic violence in the news. It must have been difficult, I understand. I grew up living with domestic violence from the time I was 5 until my late teens. I know what it feels like. I also know of millions of other people who...
For Traumatized Children, An Offer of Help From The Muppets
“Sesame is better known for teaching preschoolers letters and numbers. But those familiar furry characters are also taking on tougher topics” For children growing up with Childhood (CDV) and other Adverse Childhood Experiences(ACE’s), seeing their favorite TV...
Dear Mom, I’m so Sorry You Grew Up Living With Domestic Violence
A card for Mother's Day takes time to pick out. For a person who grew up living with domestic violence, it takes even longer. There is so much they want to say, but Hallmark hasn't quite captured the language. If I were to write one, I would probably start out with,...
Why Childhood Domestic Violence Is Often Mistaken for Physical Child Abuse
I explained that, yes, child abuse IS a big problem, but that it's not our specific focus. I then thought to myself, "Why is it that Childhood Domestic Violence is often confused with physical child abuse?" I was talking with a woman I met on a flight the other day...
You’re More Compassionate Than Resentful If You Faced Adversity in Childhood
Experiencing adversity in your childhood home can make you more compassionate than most. It can make you a more compassionate adult, because if you experienced suffering, you understand suffering. And deep down you want to take the pain away. Not cause more. This is...
Why You Can’t ‘Just Get Over’ the Adversity You Faced in Childhood
Did you know that most adults who faced adversity in childhood cannot overcome their past simply by choosing to "get over it"? It often takes more than that. You might wonder why this is, considering that as an adult you are now in control of your thoughts. You have a...
How Childhood Domestic Violence Impacts Us… Young and Old
By Brian F. Martin and Ruth M. Glenn, MPA, Executive Director, National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV) We recently conducted focus groups with women who were residing in domestic violence shelters. There were many insights, but one new conclusion was...
Giving Teachers the Tools to Help Build Resiliency
A teacher writes on a chalkboard during a class at the Korean High School in Tokyo, Japan, on Thursday, Sept. 25, 2014. The school in Tokyo’s Kita ward looks much like any such Japanese institution with a large clock sitting atop of gray buildings. Inside, all notices...
Why Does No One Google Search “Children and Domestic Violence”?
I grew up living with domestic violence. So did my mom. So did her mom. So did 40 million other adults in the US. So I asked some of them, “In your life, can you remember a time when domestic violence was more talked about?” They all said, “No, never.” Then I asked,...
CDV & Nickelodeon’s Emmy Nominated Children’s Program Spotlights Childhood Domestic Violence
“It was very unpredictable, we didn’t know what to expect…I believe my mom stayed because she wanted to make it work.” – Chelsea Waldroup “When my parents would fight, to me that was normal because I didn’t know what a normal parent was at the time.” – Emily Waldroup...
CDV, Nick News with Linda Ellerbee Program Receives Emmy Nomination
Special about Childhood Domestic Violence Accomplishes Three Critical Goals Read the Hollywood Reporter article We could not be more honored to have had the opportunity to work with Nickelodeon in the creation of the Nick News with Linda Ellerbee special, “Family...
5 Things I Shared with Graduates Who Grew Up Facing Adversity in Childhood
Last week, I had a chance to speak with young men and women who just graduated; some from high school and some from college. They all had one thing in common — they grew up facing adversity in their childhood homes. They also shared one other common bond — they were...