NEWS: Breaking the Cycle of Family Domestic Violence, One Child at a Time
San Mateo County, California sent this bulletin at 05/29/2025 12:49 PM PDT
May 29, 2025
For Immediate Release
Breaking the Cycle of Family Domestic Violence, One Child at a Time
Redwood City – “This conversation is confidential. Do you have a moment to talk?”
That’s Laura Syracuse on the phone with a survivor of domestic violence. A survivor with children, specifically.
Syracuse is with CORA – Community Overcoming Relationship Abuse. She is on the front lines of a building effort to break a stark and painful pattern: children who witness domestic abuse or the chaotic aftermath are at greater risk of being violent or victimized in their future relationships.
“What happens in childhood has a lasting impact,” Syracuse said. “If we can help a child with their confusion and anger and trauma, we can help that child in the way they respond to difficult situations for decades to come. We’re working to break a cycle of abuse.”
Trying to repair damage left by family violence is the focus of SPARK – Shaping Positive and Resilient Kids. SPARK works like this:
Law enforcement officers throughout San Mateo County provide CORA with contact information for families where domestic violence is suspected. Client advocates from CORA then contact families with an offer of mental health and other critical interventions for parents, guardians and children at no cost.
