Teenage behaviors can be hard to comprehend.It may be difficult to know what is normal and what isn't.If you are an adult family member, your teen may not feel comfortable talking about abuse.If you suspect your teen is being abused or neglected, you need to know how to spot the signs.There are indicators of physical abuse, sexual abuse and emotional abuse.If you see these signs in your teen, you can find out how to help them.
Step 1: Pay attention to how your teen is dressed.
If you suspect that your teen is being beaten by someone in their life, you will want to pay close attention to their dress code.All teens have different styles and preferences, so be on the lookout for clothing that is out of the norm for your child.The signs of abuse may be hidden by your teen.There are scratches, burns, bruise, bite marks, and broken bones.The person is wearing long sleeves or pants.They might keep a hoodie on.There are changes in their attire that are not appropriate for the weather.A teen who once took pride in their appearance stops grooming themselves or putting any effort into what they wear or how they look.This could be caused by depression or the trauma of abuse.
Step 2: It's a good idea to beware of frequent injuries.
Has your teen been injured recently?There are unexplained wounds, bruised or broken bones that could be a sign of physical abuse.If your teen's explanation doesn't fit with the injury, or if they refuse to give an explanation at all, be suspicious.Let's say your daughter comes home from a date with a big bruise on her shoulder.She says that she bumped into the roof of the car when she got out.She could be ashamed of the bruise and trying to cover it up.
Step 3: The teen may be afraid or anxious around caregivers.
Are you suspicious of the relationship your teen has with other caregivers?Being reluctant to be in a room with a person who is on guard could be a sign of abuse.A teen who is abused may not want to go home.They may show a general fear or anxiety in regards to any social interaction, not just when around their caregivers.
Step 4: There are signs of withdrawal or shyness.
A common sign of physical abuse is a teen flinching after a sudden movement.They may have developed this behavior because they fear being struck.
Step 5: Sexual promiscuity is something to take note of.
If your teenage daughter or son has advanced knowledge of sex that is abnormal for their age, watch them closely.One of two types of victims of sexual abuse are found.Some adolescents who suffer from childhood sexual abuse go on to avoid sexual contact because they see it as dirty.Their self-esteem is tied to sexual desirability.They engage in sex to feel appreciated and good about themselves.If you don't know what age-appropriate behavior is, talk to a counselor or therapist.If your teen's sexual interest or activity is normal, they can let you know.
Step 6: There may be trouble walking or sitting.
A teen who has been sexually abused may have pain in their genitalia or anus.When sitting, your teen may walk differently.
Step 7: You should beware of depression or suicidal thoughts.
Many survivors of sexual abuse don't speak out because they internalize feelings of guilt or shame.Many victims of sexual abuse will experience bouts of depression and even take their own lives.Symptoms of depression in victims of sexual abuse include withdrawing from loved ones, feeling sad or "blue", making self-loathing statements, experiencing changes in eating or sleeping habits, and having thoughts of suicide.Depression can show up in a number of different ways, such as rage, unexplained irritability, or aggressive behavior.You need to get your teen to a mental health professional if they show signs of depression.If you think your teen is at risk of suicide, you can call a suicide hotline.
Step 8: Look for ways to deal with substance abuse.
Substance abuse is linked to sexual abuse.In an effort to numb self-blame, shame, or guilt, your teen may develop a problem with drugs or alcohol.Your teen may be using substances if you notice sudden changes in their social group, an increased need for money, theft or missing items in your household, decreased performance at school or work, and loss of interest in activities they once enjoyed.
Step 9: There are signs of self-injurious behavior.
The start of self-injury is an indicator of sexual abuse in adolescents.If your child has recently been burning, scratching, cutting or engaging in other forms of self-injury, you need to get them help as soon as possible.In teens with depression, self-injury is very common.When coupled with other signs it is a strong indicator for abuse.
Step 10: According to their age, check for inappropriate behavior.
You might be concerned that your teen is being emotionally abused or neglected by their caregivers.A teen who acts inappropriate for their development is one of the hallmarks of this type of treatment.A 13-year-old may have to help younger siblings with homework or get them ready for bed because the parent is not engaged.A teen may have to cook meals for younger siblings, walk them to school or sacrifice their own leisure time to act as the grown up.The child may act out because they don't get any attention or affection from their caregivers.
Step 11: Pick out poor self-esteem.
Teens who suffer from emotional abuse feel worthless and lack self-confidence.They can be called names, belittled, or treated like nothing.The teen internalizes the abuse and starts to think less of themselves as well.Teens who have been emotionally abused may be slow to join in on social activities.You might notice that your teen is low in self-esteem.Your teen may stop liking the activities they used to enjoy.They may stop liking friends and social activities.Low self-esteem can help victims of abuse.Abusers are more likely to hit someone if they see someone walking with their head held high.Having low self-esteem can help protect a victim from abuse.
Step 12: There are signs of malnutrition or illness.
A teen who is persistently sick is an indicator of neglect.Children who are neglected may get sick more often and have a harder time getting better.
Step 13: There are poor hygiene and dress.
Teens who are neglected may be disheveled.Poor hygiene can be demonstrated with overgrown nails, unkempt hair, and oversized or tight clothing.Teens who are neglected are more likely to dress unsuitably for the weather.They may not wear a jacket during the winter.
Step 14: There are behavioral or academic problems.
In a teen's school performance and behavior, there may be both emotional abuse and neglect.A teen who was once a star may lose interest in school, be late or suffer from failing grades.The teen may get into fights, or even skip school.
Step 15: If your teen is in danger, call for help.
If you suspect that your teen is at risk due to abuse or neglect, you need to get help.It is important for your teen to know they are not alone.You can get help by calling the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline.You can speak with a trained professional who can help you find resources in the community and get you and your teen assistance.
Step 16: Encourage them to speak up.
If you notice the warning signs of abuse, you need to offer your teen a safe place to get advice and comfort.Many victims of abuse don't want to speak out because they fear the abuser will punish them.Affirm your teen's feelings, but also remind them that speaking up can help them get the help they need.You might say that you don't want to discuss the sexual assault.This person might get away if you don't use your voice.If you have established open lines of communication between you and your teen, they will feel more comfortable approaching you.Talk to your teen about their lives frequently.They can talk to someone who is interested in their wellbeing.Remember, too, that your teen may feel ashamed, and they may not want to share every detail with you or even have you present when they speak to the police.Allow them to talk with you at their own pace, and make sure you respect their timelines.
Step 17: Get them to a safe place.
Abuse can affect your teen's future relationships and development.Getting your teen to safety as soon as possible is the only way to minimize this damage.Your teen needs to know that you are a source of comfort.If they are still in the household with the abusive person, see if they can live with you.Try to stay with your family or friends.To make the teen feel comfortable about the decision, work with them to choose the next steps together.
Step 18: They should be connected with appropriate mental health services.
A lot of difficult emotions have to be managed by teen victims of abuse.They might have trouble trusting caregivers, developing intimacy, or rebuilding self-esteem.See to it that your teen gets the services they need to talk about the abuse and learn how to cope with it.A child abuse hotline can often give you a referral to local therapists and community resources to help you move forward after abuse.Being aware of your teen's readiness and comfortability is important.Don't insist that they get over it or move on if they are in this moment.