New books and DVD from Safe from the Start in Australia

'When Daddy Hits the Table' & 'When Mummy Shouts' are two Aboriginal stories written for Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal children to assist them to understand different behaviours by their parents.

Written specifically to be included in the Safe from the Start resource kit, the books aim to address violent behaviour by either parent and to encourage children to discuss their feelings with other family members or their teacher.  

Both books can be used to engage children who have witnessed or been exposed to violence, have been abused or live with parents displaying violent behaviour. Suitable for children aged 2-6 years. 

'Little Jack the Wallaby'

An Aboriginal Children's Book was launched in 2013 to address the lack of suitable Indigenous resources available to include in the Safe from the Start resource kit.  The author and illustrator are both Tasmanian Aboriginal women who have written a delightful book for both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal children.

The illustrations using the aboriginal colours for the moon, rock carvings, pyjama jackets and blankets enables children to ask questions about the Aboriginal meaning of the illustrations.  The story encourages children to share their feelings with other family members when they don't feel safe. 

The Safe from the Start DVD was created to assist workers to engage with young children demonstrating how some of the Kits resources could be used to engage with and listen to children who have been exposed to family or domestic violence. 

The DVD shows how counsellors could read a story in therapeutic or activity based play.  It shows how to engage with a child – by reading a story or using a puppet.  The child can be encouraged to express their feelings of being sad, scared or angry and share their experiences.

Safe from the Start aims to educate parents, teachers and the wider community that children who witness family or domestic violence are affected and need to tell someone about it. The project was inspired by the research quote:  

'A child who lives with violence is forever changed, but not forever 'damaged' and there is a lot that we can do to improve their future prospects' (Baker & Cunningham, 2007)

This encourages anyone working with children that one single encounter with a small child is special and could be remembered by the child forever. 

Visit: http://www.salvationarmy.org.au/en/Find-Us/Tasmania/Safe-from-the-Start-Project/New-Projects/