The relief nursery at Stillwater Domestic Violence Services (SDVS) is provided to families utilizing our services or referred by other agencies. This is designed for parents and children to help reduce stress. Relief nursery provides time out from parenting on a limited basis. The nursery is currently open three days a week, Mondays and Wednesdays from 9 am – 12 pm and Fridays from 1 pm – 4 pm. Additionally, we provide children's group lay time for children whose parents are attending Choices or Healing Hearts. While children are at the relief nursery, staff provides them with a small snack in addition to developmentally appropriate activities.
While children are in our shelter, we work closely with their parents to make sure that the children's needs are met. The Child Advocate performs an initial evaluation and assessment of each child when they enter the shelter. Additionally, the Child Advocate assists the mother in finding daycare if needed and/or enrolling her children in school.
Facts about Domestic Violence and Children:
• 30% of all child abuse cases involve domestic violence
• 50% of men who abuse their wives also abuse their children
• 60% of abused women report that their abuser abuses the children too
• In 43% of child fatalities, the mom also reports being a victim of domestic violence
• Between 3.3 and 10 million children live in homes where domestic violence takes place
• 75% of boys who witness domestic violence have been found to have demonstrable behavioral problems
• The risk of sexual abuse is 7 times greater for girls whose fathers batter their mothers
