how do u help your teenager deal with sexual abuse?

Answer 1

I am a victim myself and I told no one. I was ashamed to tell my parents and that has affected me my whole life. I believe the best thing is to get them to share that either with you, a therapist, or a group of other teenage victims. I think the more one talks about it the more you heal and are removed from the act, if that makes since. I am now in my 30's and for the first time can talk openly about it with loved ones. Sharing is key. Many abusers were also victims at one time in there life.
Also, I think you have to be a good listener. Meaning don't pass judgment or show anger. The reason I didn't tell my parents was I was afraid that my dad would get angry and do something to the abuser. I was afraid my Dad would get in trouble. Sounds silly but that's what you think as a child.

Answer 2

I would say find a psychologist or family counselor she or he can trust. You can let them know you love them and are there for them but sexual abuse is a very deep issue that should be addressed by a professional. Especially as a teenager they may feel very embarrassed about discussing this with a parent. It may take awhile to find the right therapist. It needs to be someone you child can completely trust and open up to. No matter how good a therapists credintials are the has to be a "personality cick" between patient and doctor for therapy to really work in these situations. If there is not a feeling of complete trust on your child's part than it will be very hard for them to open up. Let them be completely involved in the process of choosing the right person to help them.

Answer 3

first of all, counseling. Second all remove them from the situation, and/or any reminders or triggers that they may have which might make them recall abuse. If they were physically forced, self-defense classes may be empowering, and anything that might help to build their self-esteem would be beneficial. Get them involved. Sitting around thinking about it is the last thing they need. Also, let them know that you are a safe place to land and are always there to talk or help no matter what.

Answer 4

Sexual abuse is a very hard thing to deal with for adults and teens. They need to have counseling and support groups to help them better handle what they have encountered. The effects are long lasting but, do not have to be all negative. With counseling and support, your child will be able to come to grips with it.
Strong feelings of guilt and shame accompany sexual abuse. Your child needs to be reassured constantly that it was not his/her fault. The guilt and the shame are what need to be addressed. God bless.

Answer 5

If silent give them their space & privacy and let them heal in their own way. Counseling if it is agreed, give them the option but let it be their dicision. Don't ask too many questions and if they are irritated by the talk quit! Maybe a relaxing vacation or get away to help start building new happy memories - You could also explain lightly and sincerely especially if female that it happens to most all people in some form or another, at one point or another.

Answer 6

Don't ever let anyone touch you inappropriately! It is your body. If my teenager was going through sexual abuse I would want him/her to tell me and we would immediately do something about the abuser. It is wrong to abuse people. wrong wrong wrong. Then I would go to counseling to work through the feelings of shame guilt, anger and so on. I would put the abuser behind jail cell walls.

Answer 7

Listen to what the teen has to say. Get them some counseling, and away from the abuser. Call the police, report it, call social svcs.. Do anything you can to help them. No child (regardless of age) should ever have to be put through something so terrible!!! Most importantly help them to understand it's not their fault, and nothing they did brought any of it on!!!! The sick person who did it to them is at fault, and should be punished to the fullest extent of the law!!!!!

Answer 8

Hmm...A good question. It actually depends on the person; some just suck it up and get over it. Others, however, take legal action, and the rest bear it and then go to therapy later. Whatever works for the individual, I guess.

Answer 9

Listen to them and take their side, get them some professional help because you don't have the knowledge to help them heal. Just be their for them and be the one to take the first step in the healing process by getting them the help they need. Good luck, this is not an easy road. I feel for you and your child, I have been there with mine and it still haunts her today , she is 21.

Answer 10

It is very important not to force anything out, ask them when they are ready to talk. That emotional damage will always be there, but make sure they know they are loved and not to hold on to the anger, it only makes matters worse.