Raising Teens

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Teenage behaviors can be confusing and hard to read. It may be difficult to recognize what’s normal and what’s not. Whether you are a parent or some other adult family member, your teen may not feel comfortable talking about abuse. However, if you suspect your teen is being abused or neglected, you need to know how to spot the signs. Know the indicators of physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse and neglect. If you see these signs in your teen, find out how to take action and get them the help they need.
[[Category:Raising Teens]]
[[Category:Child Abuse]]
== Steps ==
===Spotting Physical Abuse===
#Pay attention to your teen dressing inappropriately. If you suspect that your teen is being beaten by someone in their life, you will want
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You ask about it and she replies, “Oh, I bumped into the roof of the car when I was getting out,” then averts her eyes. This could be an indication that she is ashamed of the bruise and trying to cover up abuse.
#Notice if the teen is fearful or anxious around caregivers. Are you a co-parent or relative who is suspicious of the detached relationship your teen has with other caregivers? Being reluctant to be in a room with the caregiver or seeming very cautious or “on guard” in their presence could be a warning sign of abuse. A teen who is physically abused ay also fear going home.https://www.helpguide.org/articles/abuse/child-abuse-and-neglect.htm
#Spot signs of withdrawal or shying away from touch. Another common indicator of physical abuse is your teen shrinking back or flinching after sudden movements. This jumpy behavior may have developed because they fear being struck. http://www.eschooltoday.com/child-abuse/physical-child-abuse/signs-of-physical-child-abuse.html
===Reading the Signs of Sexual
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If you think your teen may be at risk of suicide, call a suicide hotline such as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK.https://www.rainn.org/articles/suicide
#Look for unhealthy coping through substance abuse. Substance abuse is highly linked to the experience of sexual abuse. In an effort to numb self-blame, shame, or guilt, your teen may develop a problem with drugs or alcohol.
#*If you notice sudden changes in your teen’s 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 like once enjoyed, your teen may be using substances.https://www.rainn.org/articles/substance-abuse
#Look for signs of self-injurious behavior. Another prominent indicator of sexual abuse in adolescents is the onset of self-injury. If you have recently discovered your child has been burning, scratching, cutting or engaging in some other form of self-injury, you need to get them help as soon as possible.