How to Help a Teenager in an Abusive Relationship
A teenager who is in an abusive relationship can cause trouble if you do not know how to tackle his/her behaviour in different conditions.
Your teenager may be going through a rough time at school, being bullied by classmates, or they may have been the victim of someone within your family. These abusive relationships are destructive to your teenager’s personality and mental health.
To put a teenager’s life back on track and help them tackle abusive behaviour from others, you have to become their mentor and hold their hand through every step.
Instructions
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1
Be kind
If you think that you can tackle an abused teenager, who is already facing ill behaviour from their abuser, through heavy-handed tactics, you are mistaken. Be kind to the teenager and let them know that you are not like their abuser as you care for them. -
2
Give confidence
The lack of self-confidence in a teenager can make them shy and introverted, which further deteriorates the relationship. An abused teenager becomes isolated if not given the proper emotional support. Give them confidence and try to encourage them every time they make an effort. -
3
Listen
Ask the teenager what has been troubling them at school. Let them take their frustration out by telling you what they feel about their abuser. Listen to what they have to say. Most teenagers are aggressive in the sense they just want to have everything their way—even if they know they are wrong. So brace yourself for negative opinions and thoughts from the teenager as you have to give them a chance to express themselves. When you are trying to fix the broken relationship with a teenager, you cannot jump to conclusions and force them to think the way you do. -
4
Encourage physical activity
Take your teenager out for a while on a daily basis. If he/she is isolated and does not like to take part in physical activity, it is time to introduce something that they can do to keep themselves busy. Physical activity does not have to involve massive work-outs or outdoor sports; it can be anything like walking a dog in the evening or going out to dinner with friends and family. -
5
Help your teenager expand social network
Social networking can help a lot if you are trying to help your teenager to forget the past and move on. Abused children usually hate social gatherings and feel uneasy when surrounded by people. Encourage them to socialise with friends at school, playgrounds, family events and religions gatherings.
