Children in domestic violence situations can often express themselves better on paper, and experts say if we look closely enough, we can help. News specialist Jill Atwood has the story.

Many times the words just won't come out. But give a troubled child a blank piece of paper, and a whole world of hurt opens up.

Julie Epperson/Art Therapist, Y.W.C.A.: "THE PROCESS OF DOING THE ARTWORK EMPOWERS THE CHILDREN BECAUSE THEY FEEL LIKE THEY HAVE CONTROL OVER THE EVENTS THAT HAVE HAPPENED TO THEM."

At the YWCA shelter, artwork has become a form of therapy for the scared and confused kids that come through.

One boy's drawing is particularly disturbing. He watched a family member murdered.

Julie Epperson/Art Therapist, Y.W.C.A.: "IT WAS THROUGH THIS THAT WE WERE ABLE TO TALK ABOUT THE FEELINGS HE HAD RELATED TO THAT, HOW BAD HE FELT, HOW IT WAS STILL HAUNTING HIM AND FOR THE INTRUSIVE THOUGHTS THAT KEPT COMING TO HIM."

In another picture, the imagery is also clear-- X-ed out hearts, a little girl hungry for her parents' love.

Jill Atwood, Eyewitness News: "NOW IT'S IMPORTANT TO POINT OUT THAT WE SHOULDN'T AUTOMATICALLY ASSUME A CHILD IS A VICTIM OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE JUST BECAUSE HE OR SHE DRAWS A SCARY OR NEGATIVE PICTURE. THERE ARE LOTS OF OTHER BEHAVIORAL PATTERNS TO LOOK OUT FOR."

Victim advocate Wes Galloway sees victims of domestic violence every day.

Wes Galloway/Victim Advocate: "THE BOYS I SEE, A LOT OF THOSE THAT I SEE ARE A LOT MORE AGGRESSIVE, SORT OF CRITICAL-- FEMALE BASHING. THEY WOULD BE ALMOST MIMICKING THE BEHAVIOR OF THE ABUSER."

Little girls, he says put on a brave front, but are easily startled.

Aside from a happy homelife, he says these children need support, or in the case of one little girl, some shelter from the storm.

There is plenty of support out there.

This month is actually domestic violence awareness month; the goal is to "reduce the abuse."