October is recognized as Domestic Violence Awareness Month, a time to remember those affected by domestic violence, to appreciate those who care for them and work to promote safety in families, and to raise awareness about resources in our community. Domestic violence impacts every individual in the family, including children.

Talking to kids about safety can feel uncomfortable. Most parents don’t want to introduce scary ideas or make their child anxious. But the goal isn't to make kids feel afraid; it's to help them feel safe and prepared. When kids have simple, concrete ways to understand what’s safe and what’s not, they’re actually less vulnerable, not more.