EDUCATION

Programs that work: Building Humane Families
(article provided by Children's Hospital and Health System's Child Abuse Prevention Fund)

Each year, more than three million children in the United States are exposed to domestic violence in their homes. In Wisconsin alone, more than 25,000 incidents of domestic abuse were reported in 2000. When domestic violence occurs, children and household pets are often in harm’s way, and studies show there is a link between animal abuse and violence toward humans. The Task Force on Family Violence is working to end the cycle of violence through its Building Humane Families program.

Created in collaboration with the Wisconsin Humane Society, Building Humane Families is an education program for the entire family. The seven-week program is divided into three groups: preschoolers, school-aged children, and parents and caregivers. The preschool group learns how to identify feelings and problem solve without the use of violence. They also learn about protective behaviors. School-aged children work directly with animals at the Wisconsin Human Society and learn altruistic behavior. They also learn how to prevent animal abuse and identify animal feelings. Parents and caregivers work with a parent educator and learn how to prevent conflicts and manage anger. In addition, parents are taught about age-appropriate child development and ways to strengthen family relationships.

“Building Humane Families is a proactive effort to promote positive parenting and educate children about developing healthy relationships with others,” said Cyrus A. Behroozi, director of child advocacy for the Task Force on Family Violence. “Program participants learn tools for non-violent conflict resolution.”

At the end of each class, participants in all groups get together to share their experiences and discuss what they learned. After the session, everyone participates in a graduation celebration and receives a T-shirt and graduation certificate.

“As valued members of the family, animals play a vital role in the program by helping to promote important messages of empathy and kindness,” said Behroozi. “The Building Humane Families program is working to end the cycle of violence in Milwaukee by stopping violence before it starts.”

The Task Force on Family Violence in Milwaukee provides education, advocacy and access to services to empower people to lead lives free from violence. The Task Force served nearly 6,500 people in 2004.

Governor Doyle delivered his budget message to the Legislature in February without any mention of Primary Enforcement. With a safety belt usage rate of 75 percent in 2006, Wisconsin remains in the bottom 20 percent in the country. Currently 25 states and the District of Columbia have Primary laws including Mississippi, Kentucky and Alaska which all passed Primary laws last session.

Wisconsin’s New Burden of Injury Report
This report provides injury statistics and information for Wisconsin and its counties. The report ranks the top five injuries for 2002-04 by three categories: injury deaths, injury hospitalizations and injury emergency department visits. Visit our Web site to access the report, the child specific findings and a map of Wisconsin counties.