A deadly weekend stabbing has shaken an Albany neighborhood, not only because a man died, but because children apparently witnessed the attack.
Four kids were in the home when police say a woman killed her boyfriend. WALB News Ten's Tayleigh spoke to specialists about how witnessing violent crimes can affect children.
33-year old Leslie Ballard faced murder charges in court Monday. Police say she stabbed 40-year old Anthony Hartsfield to death Saturday night in the home on Cherry Avenue.
"Witnessing a crime like that may make the children feel insecure, they'll have nightmares, flashbacks, and feel unsafe," said Psychologist Cheryl Kaiser with Insight Psychotherapy and Assessment Services.
Amy Boney, Regional Director for Child Advocacy Centers of the Lily Pad, says many times boys experience anger and girls may feel fear after they witness domestic violence in the home. It's a vicious cycle that's becoming an epidemic across America.
"Someone has to stop the cycle," said Boney. "If the parent can find the strength to get out of that relationship, the children will have a better chance of not entering into one."
Boney has seen domestic violence cases go up since 2008. Each year, in Dougherty County, the Lily Pad sees roughly 450 children involved in violence or sexual assault cases. About two thirds of those cases are in Albany. Many times, financial struggles ignite the domestic violence.
"It's serious and deadly and people have the community's support," Boned added.
The Lily Pad, which serves 30 counties in southwest Georgia, offers counseling and medical referrals at no charge. The Liberty House also offers shelter and other free assistance to domestic violence victims too.
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