Robert still wore diapers. And unlike most children his age, he still didn't talk, depending on his sister to speak for him. Robert played quietly with toys, not really interacting with any of the children except Rachel.

Rachel, on the other hand, was outgoing and expressive-- the little girl who knew all about boys, hairstyles and conflict with girlfriends. Like many older children from violent homes, she took on an adult role. She was very protective of her brother and readily understood his likes and wants.

From the beginning, Rachel actively participated in "circle time," sharing with other children that her father was an alcoholic who physically abused both her Mom and her. To escape his violence, they were forced to hide in the bathroom, the only room with a door that locked, comforting each other until he fell asleep.

During the six months they participated in the group, Rachel and Robert grew and changed dramatically. Rachel learned that the group was a safe place where she could use her imagination, play games and have no job other than being a kid. With Rachel's attention diverted elsewhere, Robert had more room and space to speak for himself. His verbal skills quickly increased and he began to express his needs and share his frustrations and fears. He no longer asked where his big sister was and interacted well with the other kids.

Rachel talked about how she felt about the abuse and how she hated being in the middle of visitation battles. She shared what she had learned about alcoholism from another group she and her mother attended. Her participation became considerably deeper, filled with emotion rather than just relating matter-of-fact information. And she was able to ask the other kids about their situations and show support for them.

The group experience enabled Rachel and Robert to face obstacles and test new waters. They gained a renewed trust in adults, especially their mother.

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© 2000-2003 Eastside Domestic Violence Program