Why I Took On a New Role at the Childhood Domestic Violence Association

If you follow me on social media or subscribe to my email newsletter, you know I’ve been quiet for a while.

And here’s why: I’ve taken on a new role as the Director of Marketing & Communications for the Childhood Domestic Violence Association!

This transition has been huge for me, and not just because I’ve been working as an independent consultant for the past five years. It’s because of what this new role means for me.

Hi. I’m Jenni, and I’m a survivor of childhood domestic violence.

I grew up living in a home where my mother was physically, verbally, and emotionally abusive to my dad and me. I hid bruises under my long sleeves, endured my mother calling me terrible names (including “fat” and “slut”), and quaked in fear when my parents got into fights that often turned physical. At one point, I even witnessed my mother trying to kill my dad and had to run next door to call the cops.

At the time, I didn’t know what to call my experience. As I got older, I heard the term “child abuse,” but I didn’t know there was a word to describe what was happening when I watched my mother hurt my dad. Now I know the term is “Childhood Domestic Violence” (CDV).

If you grow up living with domestic violence, you grow up with Childhood Domestic Violence (CDV).

The Childhood Domestic Violence Association (CDVA) reports that about one in seven children experiences CDV.

That’s wild.

Out of every seven people you know, at least one of them has probably endured CDV as a child.

So I decided to do something about it.

I’ve joined CDVA’s team to help raise awareness about CDV. Even though a startling number of children live with CDV, fewer than 10% of people have ever heard the term “childhood domestic violence” or realize that this epidemic has lifelong effects on children as they grow into adulthood.

I’ve been part of CDVA’s team for a month now, and I’ve been inspired to speak about my experiences growing up with CDV.

The effects of CDV are alarming.

As a result of growing up with CDV and other Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), I struggle with a lot of challenges:

  1. I demonstrated serious behavioral issues when I was in school;

  2. I struggled to make and maintain friendships as a child;

  3. I have an eating disorder;

  4. I have PTSD and an anxiety disorder; and, at times,

  5. I’ve experienced serious bouts of depression.

Though I’ve faced these challenges for my entire life, I was only able to make the connection to CDV when I connected with the team over at CDVA.

Joining CDVA’s team was not an easy decision for me.

As many of you know, I’m not just an independent consultant for nonprofits. I’m also a podcaster, frequent social media poster, and public speaker.

Joining CDVA’s team was a difficult decision for me because I’ll have to cut back on my client projects and other obligations to bring the energy needed to this new role. But if I can help other adults make the connection between their symptoms and CDV, the sacrifice will be more than worth it for me.

The best part about working for CDVA is they aren’t just spreading awareness about this epidemic; they also provide tools for those who grew up with CDV to recover, and they support professionals who work with those impacted by CDV.

You’re invited to join me for a free event.

On October 15-18, CDVA is hosting a free screening of their award-winning documentary THE CHILDREN NEXT DOOR. They’re also hosting a free Q&A discussion with the filmmakers, cast, and CDVA staff on the evening of October 18 to help you learn more about CDV.

Would you join me in watching this film and Q&A? I think you’ll especially enjoy the session if you’re a nonprofit professional who works directly with kids and adults impacted by CDV, but the documentary is fascinating regardless. If you like true crime, family dramas, and/or social issues, you will appreciate this film.

If you’re reading this after October 18, 2022, you can still join my journey.

About once per month, I’ll publish a new blog post about what I’m learning about myself and about this role at CDVA. I’d also love to hear your story! Please email me at jennih (at) nonprofitjenni (dot) com to let me know about your experiences with CDV.