Parental Abuse

How do you know if your home environment is violent and/or abusive?
Read over these questions to evaluate your relationship
(If you answer YES to ANY you could possibly be in an unhealthy environment):

• Do you feel safe at home?
• Do you ever feel threatened at home?
• Has anyone in your family ever slapped, hit, shoved, or threatened you or another family member?
• Do you or anyone in your family have trouble with drinking, substance abuse, and/or uncontrollable rage or anger?
• What happens when your father, mother, sibling, or other family member drinks or uses another substance?

You Should Know:

• No one has the right to abuse you. You don't deserve to be abused.
• Parents/guardians are responsible for stopping the violence
• If you are being abused, you are a victim. It's not your fault that you are being treated this way.
• It is wrong that you are suffering this pain, fear, and/or sadness.
• You are not alone. Other kids suffer abuse, too.
• Sometimes abusers scare or threaten kids so they won't tell. Abuse is not something you should be afraid to openly discuss. As with any problem, a dialogue must be started before positive change can begin.
• Violence has a lasting effect on a child's emotional and physical health
• Domestic violence normally worsens over time, so the key is to stop it as soon as possible.
• There are people who care about you and want to help you.

Warning Signs that someone you know and love may be in an abusive relationship:

• Physical signs of injury
• Truancy/ Dropping out of school
• Failing grades
• Indecisiveness
• Changes in mood or personality
• Use of drugs or alcohol
• Emotional outbursts
• Isolation

Visit the "Resources" page or call the Jane's Due Process legal hotline at 1-866-www-jane or 1-866-999-5263 for information on how you can get help if you are living in an abusive home.

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