The Flip Side of Break

The Flip Side of Break

There’s an unspoken side to break for students in abusive homes

Zaynab Zlitni| News Editor

As winter break approaches, you might pull on your fuzzy socks and anticipate what gifts you’ll receive over the holidays, but for many BSHS students that is not the case. Winter break is not often a happy reality for students who spend it in abusive households.

Denise Chowning, the social worker at BSHS, works with students who struggle with these challenges regarding mistreatment at home.

“It’s an interesting dynamic because teachers and some people are so excited about the holiday and are just ready to get out, and for some students, school is the safe place that provides them food and stability,” Chowning said.

Throughout winter break and remote learning, students within abusive households are left without the support they need. In the absence of the resources provided through school, winter break is often a difficult time rather than a relaxing vacation.

“Everyone in this building is a mandated reporter,” Chowning said. “Over winter break there’s a high need for support, but we don’t necessarily know about it because they’re not in school.”

Middle school teacher Erin Rausch experienced the flip side of break firsthand throughout her childhood. Rausch experienced abuse from a family member at home.

“There was a lot of anxiety about being home with them in the house,” Rausch said. “It was extremely scary being home for a long break because you never knew what was going to anger them.”

Oftentimes in school there is a conversation of positivity surrounding break, which isn’t the reality for all students.

“I would get so nervous when we had to talk about our summer or our break, and

hearing classmates talk about all the great things that they got for Christmas,” Rausch said. As an adult, years after her abuse ended, Rausch has a better understanding of students who might be going through the same experience as her. She has developed more empathy around winter break for students who are in abusive households.

“Of course I love a good break,” Rausch said. “But I know of the students who are going home to very similar situations like mine, and I do worry about those kids a lot.”

Many communities offer the opportunity to “adopt” a family for Christmas, giving them presents, food, and other things that they might not have access to.

“I didn’t realize this at the time, but as a kid, the only reason we were even able to celebrate Christmas was because my mom was

given gifts from different organizations,” Rausch said. “One thing I really struggled with, especially in middle school and high school, was just how differently we recognized the holidays.”

During the winter months, the Bonner Springs community does offer various programs for citizens in need.

“Our community is great. Feed His Lambs provides a lot of support and Vaughn Trent,” Chowning said. “Some of the libraries and churches will also provide different things.”

The anxiety that can build up around the time of winter break for abuse victims can slip by unnoticed by others. It’s easy to focus on the positives of winter break, but as you talk about your New Years’ plans or the hot cocoa you have waiting at home, keep in mind the flip side of break that your peers might be experiencing.

700,000 children are abused in the u.s. each year

1,770 children died from abuse and neglect in 2018

243,039 cases of sexual abuse were investigated in 2019

78% of child abuse cases are inflicted by a parent

Photo by Zaynab Zlitni

Statistics: nationalchildrensalliance.org