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Faizan
Your daughter may be starry-eyed because of her charming, funny, popular and good-looking new partner -- but if you notice unhealthy changes in her behavior, she may be the victim of an emotionally abusive relationship. Knowing the warnings signs of emotional abuse is important for a parent, and educating and helping your daughter will empower her to deal effectively with the situation.
Warning Signs
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, sudden and inexplicable changes in your teen are a cause for concern. Your teen may be a victim of emotional abuse, AAP cautions, if her grades begin to drop or she gives up school activities, family time and current friendships. Changes in her personality -- including anxiety or depression, avoiding eye contact, difficulty making decisions and being constantly consumed with thoughts of her dating partner -- are also warning signs of abuse.
Explaining Emotional Abuse
Your teen may think she is not in an abusive relationship because there is no physical violence involved. Take the chance to talk often with your teen about healthy dating relationships and respect. Explain to your teen that a partner can be emotionally abusive when he says or does something that makes her feel bad about herself. Tell her that if someone calls her names, uses cruel language when speaking to her, insults and embarrasses her in front of others, speaks poorly about her family and friends and blames her for his problems -- this is also abusive behavior and should not be tolerated.
Silence
Understand that your teen will likely not tell you about the abuse she is experiencing. The AAP states that she may feel ashamed and fear being hurt, or have convinced herself that the way she is being treated is her fault. She may be afraid to lose her partner, believing that the relationship is important and frightened that if she confesses what is happening, she will be forced to break up with him. She may convince herself that things will get better and she can be a part of bringing about positive change in him. Since she may not come to you with her concerns, it is important to be proactive in approaching her.
Dealing with Abuse
If you suspect your teen is being emotionally abused by her partner, give her a chance to talk while listening carefully, letting her know that you are there to help and not to blame. Do not put down her partner, or she may become defensive and retreat. Focus on her safety and self-esteem and point out how unhappy her behavior has appeared to be. Point out that it is not her responsibility to help her partner change, and enlist the support of her friends from before the relationship so that she feels strengthened and encouraged. If she does not want to talk to you about the abuse, don't be upset with her. The Center for Young Women's Health states that it is important for you to find a trusted adult for her to open up to -- even if it's a teacher, school counselor, health care provider or spiritual leader.
Warning Signs
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, sudden and inexplicable changes in your teen are a cause for concern. Your teen may be a victim of emotional abuse, AAP cautions, if her grades begin to drop or she gives up school activities, family time and current friendships. Changes in her personality -- including anxiety or depression, avoiding eye contact, difficulty making decisions and being constantly consumed with thoughts of her dating partner -- are also warning signs of abuse.
Explaining Emotional Abuse
Your teen may think she is not in an abusive relationship because there is no physical violence involved. Take the chance to talk often with your teen about healthy dating relationships and respect. Explain to your teen that a partner can be emotionally abusive when he says or does something that makes her feel bad about herself. Tell her that if someone calls her names, uses cruel language when speaking to her, insults and embarrasses her in front of others, speaks poorly about her family and friends and blames her for his problems -- this is also abusive behavior and should not be tolerated.
Silence
Understand that your teen will likely not tell you about the abuse she is experiencing. The AAP states that she may feel ashamed and fear being hurt, or have convinced herself that the way she is being treated is her fault. She may be afraid to lose her partner, believing that the relationship is important and frightened that if she confesses what is happening, she will be forced to break up with him. She may convince herself that things will get better and she can be a part of bringing about positive change in him. Since she may not come to you with her concerns, it is important to be proactive in approaching her.
Dealing with Abuse
If you suspect your teen is being emotionally abused by her partner, give her a chance to talk while listening carefully, letting her know that you are there to help and not to blame. Do not put down her partner, or she may become defensive and retreat. Focus on her safety and self-esteem and point out how unhappy her behavior has appeared to be. Point out that it is not her responsibility to help her partner change, and enlist the support of her friends from before the relationship so that she feels strengthened and encouraged. If she does not want to talk to you about the abuse, don't be upset with her. The Center for Young Women's Health states that it is important for you to find a trusted adult for her to open up to -- even if it's a teacher, school counselor, health care provider or spiritual leader.
Posted in: Teen Dating & Sex
