Albuquerque — Wendy Prieto is a 15-year-old student who witnessed domestic violence.

“I always thought about my problems, and I didn’t like to get close to people,. Because I thought they were all the same,” she said.

The situation grew worse when her grades went down. She fell into a depression and grew angry, but most of all, she was frightened.

For Prieto, her life took a different path when her mother approached Enlace Comunitario, a non-profit organization that fights against domestic violence, and spoke to her about a group for young adults.

“They teach us how you can overcome the violence and change your life,” she said.

And for Lazo Venzor, a member of the boy’s group, finding Enlace meant a total change of attitude.

“Before, I was always in trouble, but when I started to come, I changed. I don’t know how it happened, but I’m different; now I have plans to study,” he said.

Witnessing violence causes children to be five times more likely to undergo or use violence when they’re adults, according to the study Incidence and Nature of Domestic Violence in NM. For this reason, Enlace offers two support groups: one aimed at girls, and one for boys, which are held simultaneously every Thursday from 4 to 6 p.m.

According to Margarita Wills, coordinator of the boys’ group, the feeling of loneliness that adolescents who witness domestic violence experience can make them feel guilty, sad and angry, and can cause low self esteem, eating disorders, sleep disorders, suicidal thoughts or tendencies, among others.

“The attitudes of boys and girls are very similar, but boys usually take it out on other people, while girls do harm to themselves, or become withdrawn,” Wills said.

Each year, one in four women and one in 20 men in New Mexico report that they have been victims of domestic violence, while 80 percent of children from abusive homes witness the abuse.

“Children think they should defend the victim, and it’s the parents who should protect the children,” Wills said.

As therapy, she said, a child should remain at a distance from the problem, although they can call the police, have an escape plan and “know where to go when there’s a crisis or stay in their room when it would be a good idea.”

The support groups for adolescents engage in activities to increase self esteem, offer workshops to make them aware of the problems of juvenile detention, of their rights, and above all that they’re not alone, and that there are many people like them.

“The support group gives them the confidence to say how they feel. I think it’s the most powerful group for the kids, because normally violence is a secret they keep at home,” Wills said. “When the kids know they’re not alone, they stop feeling guilty and start to process past traumas. They learn new patterns of masculinity and how to communicate.”

Although to enter the support group mothers or fathers must first qualify for assistance with Enlace, the organization is considering opening the service to the community in general.

Sandra Ortsman, director of services for domestic violence, said that along with other institutions that work for immigrant rights, they are planning to open a house with various services for immigrants.

“The function of Enlace will be focused on strengthening immigrants’ families, and will give classes about raising children, such as how to have a healthy relationship, because we think that it’s necessary to prevent the violence before it begins,” she said.