Living in a violent home is like growing up in a war zone. When a woman is battered, images of their mother being beaten will be imprinted on them forever.  Children witnessing abuse are at serious risk for developmental delays, post-traumatic stress disorder, and irreversible psychological damage. It’s likely they’ll also be physically, emotionally, or verbally attacked.

Intervention can help. We need to help. We need to support these kids. Whether it’s with ten dollars or a thousand, we make the difference.

This past April, I gave a reading of The Murderer’s Daughters at the Odyssey Bookshop in South Hadley, MA.  Book sales at the reading benefited Safe Passage, the sole provider in Hampshire County of comprehensive services for women and children who have experienced domestic violence. Safe Passage provides one-on-one emotional support to children of all ages, and parenting support to help families heal from abuse, but they are having difficulty maintaining their funding for children’s programs.

I have donated to Safe Passage and I urge you to do the same. I guarantee that we’ll make a difference in a frightened child’s life. You can donate online at safepass.org/donate, or donate by mail or phone:

Safe Passage
Attn: Sarah Smith
43 Center Street, Suite 304
Northampton, MA 01060

Phone: (413) 586-1125 x19

One strong adult in a child’s life can make all the difference. I believe this and I believe in this program. To learn more about Safe Passage visit
www.safepass.org.

Help Stop The Cycle of Violence