Often times, children who witness domestic violence need support to process their experiences. Therapists working with children who have experienced trauma may find it more challenging to address trauma connected to the family unit, especially if it remains unresolved. Specialized training to understand these dynamics is critical for therapists working with children. Improving health and human services for survivors and their children is a priority of Shared Safety.   

Safer Futures: Supporting Children Exposed to Domestic Violence in Psychotherapy Conference 

Behavioral Health Training & Education Network (BHTEN), a member of Shared Safety, proposed a conference to train children’s therapists. A multi-agency working group supported with planning and promotion. The CHOP Center for Violence Prevention provided space at the Roberts Center for Pediatric Research. Shared Safety hosted the Safer Futures: Supporting Children Exposed to Domestic Violence in Psychotherapy Conference in August 2025. 

Local and regional experts trained over 50 therapists during this full-day, sold-out, in-person conference. Attendees learned best practices for clinical intervention with children as well as how to navigate supporting the survivor-parent. Professionals can now watch presentations from this conference on the state-wide TRAIN Learning Network. Even more exciting, TRAIN provides free continuing learning credits! 

Watch and Learn from Conference Sessions 

Register for a free account from TRAIN.org to watch the sessions, including:  

1. Safer Futures: Introduction to Domestic Violence
   • This presentation shares an overview of domestic violence, types of abuse, and barriers to leaving an abusive relationship.
   • Presented by Lindy Keefe (Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence). 
2. The Impacts of Witnessing Domestic Violence on Children 
   • This session covers the intergenerational impacts of witnessing domestic violence.  
   • Presented by Wanda G. Vargas, PhD (NY Presbyterian Hospital, Family Peace Trauma Center). 
3. Clinical Considerations for Working with Children who have Witnessed Domestic Violence 
   • This session features a brief presentation with an overview of clinical considerations and a panel discussion. 
   • Presented by Athena Drellos & Lindsay Drucker (Lutheran Settlement House), Wanda Vargas-Haskins (NY Presbyterian Hospital, Family Peace Trauma Center) and Theresa Santore (Center for Family Services). Moderated by Sara Fernandez-Marcote. 
4. Navigating Parent Support in the Context of Domestic Violence 
   • This session features a brief presentation with an introduction to family system-level intervention via supporting the survivor-parent and a panel discussion. 
   • Presented by Kiera Bruce (DOVE, Inc.), Lindsay Drucker (Lutheran Settlement House), Donnell Reid (Women In Transition), Camille Stoudt, and Tony Lapp (Courdea). Moderated by India Azzinaro (Philadelphia Department of Human Services).  

Connect with additional resources for health and human services professionals who serve survivors of IPV and sexual assault. 

Register for upcoming trainings on domestic violence through BHTEN.