Join the National Movement to end Domestic Violence
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October is National Domestic Violence Awareness and Prevention Month. As a community provider, CFS has been at the forefront of fighting Domestic Violence (DV) for the last sixty years. The Center’s Stop Abuse by Family Empowerment (S.A.F.E.) Kids program focuses on education, prevention and treatment services for individuals and families impacted by domestic and intimate partner violence.

Throughout the pandemic, CFS has continued to provide much needed services to those impacted by domestic violence. In fact, since January, the number of referrals for S.A.F.E Kids have risen significantly. We noted a 127% increase in clients seeking safety and treatment for sexual abuse, with 68% of these referrals being survivors of domestic violence. The average age of these clients is 22 years of age. With the continued economic and social effects of the pandemic, and the push to speak out regarding domestic violence, the numbers are expected to continue to grow.

Schools are often the only safe place a child may experience within their day. The closing of schools during the pandemic created additional social and emotional stressors for families. Children suffered. Following the reopening of schools, the number of referrals for those impacted by domestic violence and sexual abuse rose. In fact, the average age of referrals for the months of August and September was 14 years of age, with the youngest being just 5-years old.

CFS is a safe-haven for clients traumatized by abuse. As the only state approved Sexual Abuse Treatment Provider in Palm Beach County, our services for survivors and their families are unmatched. Our specialized training helps create safe places where survivors can heal and recover. Our therapists work wonders. Last year, 99% of our clients in the S.A.F.E. Kids program expressed that they had learned coping and safety strategies for self-protection.

If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence, please call CFSPBC today at 561.616.1222

Please help us meet the growing tide of need, that as an agency and community, we must serve. Donate today.