Stop Child Abuse Now (SCAN) - 2175

Tonight's special guest is Dr Linda Olson from Atlanta, Georgia. She grew up with childhood domestic violence (CDV) and, for over 30 years, has been a licensed clinical psychologist and a CDV victim advocate, specializing in helping women, children, couples, and families who witnessed domestic violence heal from anxiety, depression, and trauma. CDV, the impact experienced by children who grow up in a household where there is domestic violence, is a devastating crisis that affects one billion people around the globe and, at the same time, is an issue that is rarely mentioned by the news media. This tragic “well-kept secret” affects one out of every 7 people in the U.S. Young children exposed to domestic violence suffer the same kind of trauma as PTSD experienced by military veterans – a trauma that research has found literally “rewires” their brain, with a destructive and lasting impact. “These kids really have lost their childhood,” Linda says. “And the saddest part is they don't understand why they are so fearful, lack confidence and feel so guilty. I love teaching my patients the skills and tools that can undo these years of damage.” Linda is also the founder of Project Hope Bear, a Trauma, Grief and Loss Teddy Bear program, to bring hope, comfort and healing to children and families who witnessed violence between parents or caregivers or lost a loved one to violence. Teddy bears reduce a sense of loneliness and anxiety in children who have experienced trauma, loss, and grief. Socially isolated children benefit from touching and holding a teddy bear and express more positive emotions. Linda is hoping to bring “Project Hope Bear” to children throughout the U.S.