A new program will benefit those affected by family violence.

The federal government announced $582,216 for the Kids Club and Moms Empowerment Program to be offered through the Beausejour Family Crisis Resource Centre.

The program will support children exposed to family violence by helping to develop their emotional regulation skills and challenging beliefs about the acceptability of violence.
It will also empower mothers by giving them resources and tools to support their children and their parenting skills.

Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, Infrastructure, and Communities Dominic Leblanc made the funding announcement today in Shediac, “Child maltreatment and family violence are serious public health issues that have profound and long-lasting consequences. These issues affect families in all parts of Canada and include many different forms of physical, sexual, and emotional abuse and neglect. The Government of Canada is committed to supporting all survivors of family and gender-based violence, as well as safeguarding the health and safety of those at risk.”

Centre Executive Director Kristal Leblanc says the program is offered in Southeastern New Brunswick and Fredericton, “The impact of family violence on children is profound. Children exposed to violence experience immediate physical and emotional trauma, and if left unaddressed, they often struggle to form healthy relationships which leads to a continued cycle of generational violence.”

The ten-week program was developed by Dr. Sandra Graham Berman from the University of Michigan and is offered to children between the ages of 6 to 12 years old and to mothers.

“The moms learn from one another without judgment and they develop new tools to help themselves and their children heal. We are so very grateful that the Public Health Agency of Canada has entrusted us to bring this critical program to our province. This funding is helping to address children’s consequences of seeing far too much, far too young in a place that should be their home,” Leblanc says.