Recovering from Domestic Violence as a Teenager

Healing from domestic violence is the hardest issue to overcome, especially if you cannot see the warning signs of abuse. Domestic violence and abuse have many warning signs that affect you emotionally, physically, verbally, and financially. However, growing up and seeing your parents go through domestic violence themselves is not an easy subject to understand. Often one parent can be controlling, and they set this example to their teenagers. As a teenager, you might believe that this is a common aspect of marital life and that you might experience domestic violence in your marriage.

Yet, growing up and experiencing domestic violence and abuse at an early age is difficult to recover from. It is essential to forgive your parent who did the verbal abuse when you were growing up. Also, it is necessary to have healthy relationships with your friends and with adults that you can trust. Building up your self-esteem and taking care of your emotions. Although, you will remember what you experienced through the verbal abuse; It is important to join a support group as a teenager or as a young adult.

There are support groups for children that can be recommended by your medical provider, shelters, and domestic violence organizations. By joining a support group, you can feel safe and can be open to speaking about your worries. You can speak about your doubts, fears, and anything bothersome. Additionally, these support groups help you learn about healthy and unhealthy relationships. Furthermore, learning about your boundaries and speaking up when you feel uncomfortable.

Your medical provider can also recommend cognitive behavioral therapy and your therapist can give you tips on how to feel less anxious. The more aware you are about the warning signs of domestic violence and abuse; You can prevent and stay away from unhealthy relationships. Keep in mind that it is a tough job to be a parent but as a teenager, it is necessary to forgive them. Show your support to your parent who will stay with you after their separation or divorce. Forgiving is the first step for healing and recovering from verbal abuse. 

Do not blame yourself for verbal abuse. Understanding the reasons for their verbal abuse can take a lifelong process. Other times you might never know the reasons why a parent or family member does verbal abuse. Insults, name-calling, and physically hurting you must not be permitted. Other warning signs such as controlling your money from your job are another warning sign.

If your parent or family member is controlling what you wear such as your makeup and clothing; Avoid arguing with them. Also, if you do not feel safe, find a family member or an adult to help you. Make a safety plan with your supportive parent, family member, or other adult. Attend your cognitive behavioral therapy sessions because it helps you to problem solve and it helps you to manage your feelings. Do not be afraid to speak about your verbal abuse or any other kind of experiences with domestic violence and abuse.

Childhood Domestic Violence leaves emotional scars besides physical scars. Children who are exposed to domestic violence often hear their parents argue, hit, and mistreat each other. Also, they see the injuries, scratches, and other physical harm on one of their parents. Therefore, children who are exposed to childhood domestic violence need a lot of support from their single parent and professional therapy. Seeking professional therapy can prevent depression, heavy drinking, abusing substances, and preventing them from dropping out of high school, and other emotional issues as an adult. 

Recovering from Domestic Violence and abuse as a teenager is possible. It does require a lot of support, self-care, and therapy to boost your self-esteem. With the help of therapy, you can boost your self-confidence and your communication skills. As well as forgiving your abuser and not having rancor. Here are websites with information about Childhood Domestic Violence. 

Domestic Violence Support-National Domestic Violence Hotline:

Domestic Violence Support | National Domestic Violence Hotline (thehotline.org)

Violence Impacts Teens' Lives-CDC:

Violence Impacts Teens’ Lives | CDC

Children, Youth, and Teens-Futures Without Violence Futures Without Violence:

CHILDREN, YOUTH & TEENS - Futures Without Violence Futures Without Violence

A Comprehensive Guide on Childhood Domestic Violence-Domestic Shelters Organization:

A Comprehensive Guide on Childhood Domestic Violence (domesticshelters.org)

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