'Silenced' - A short film of domestic violence through the eyes of a child.

‘Silenced’ is a short film brought to you by Got Your Back Sista, funded by the City of Newcastle and produced by Limelight Creative Media. It aims to bring awareness to the impact of domestic violence on children who have both witnessed and/or been abused themselves: domestic violence through the eyes of a child.
Domestic violence is an ongoing experience of physical, emotional, psychological, financial and/or sexual abuse in the home that is used to establish power and control over another person.
What effect does witnessing domestic violence have on secondary victims, such as children who live in homes where partner abuse occurs?
Witnessing domestic violence can have life-long impacts on children and cause profound psychological harm. It disrupts their sense of safety and at a young age can impact their brain development.
Domestic violence keeps them locked in a cycle of fight-flight-freeze and their brains flooded with cortisol; which has a long term can impact on their ability to learn, concentrate, problem solve and regulate their emotions. Children who grow up witnessing violence and abuse can have social problems, fall behind in their learning and demonstrate challenging behaviours that are due to their trauma: however, these often get mistaken for ADHD.
They can go on to experience anxiety and depression and often struggle with healthy relationship choices and substance abuse as they enter adolescence and adulthood. Child witnesses can display inappropriate attitudes about violence as a means of resolving conflict and indicate a greater willingness to use violence themselves.
We need to break the cycle. If you think that a child has or is being abused; or a criminal offence is happening and a young person is at immediate risk of harm, you should contact triple zero 000 immediately or contact the Child Protection Helpline 132 111.
It might feel scary to make a report, but it could mean the difference of that child and family getting the support they need.
NSW Police Force
Call your local Police Station;
Crimestoppers on 1800 333000;
or in the case of an emergency dial 000
Child Protection Helpline (to report suspected child abuse or neglect)
Phone: 132 111 (24/7) or 1800 212 936 (TTY)
KIDS Helpline
If you need to speak to a counsellor, call 1800 55 1800, (24/7).
If you can’t get to a phone, try www.kidshelp.com.au
Lifeline 131 114 (24/7)
Child Abuse Prevention Service (CAPS) NSW Phone: 132111
Domestic Violence Line 1800 656 463 (24/7)
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Got Your Back Sista was established as a registered charity in 2016. We provide a range of services which aim to see women and their children happy, thriving and living independently after escaping the trauma of family violence. We provide services within the Hunter and Taree Regions!