Studies obtained that: the incidence of violence against teens cut across classes and race and religion and educational attainment. Data further claims that violence exists within the context of power exercised by assailants over the victims of abuse. Understandably, the assaults are physically and emotionally shattering to the victims.

More often than not, the victims of abuse are silenced by their fear of stigmatization and a lack of institutional support. However, as the need to address the issue on the abuse of teens arose, so had the support system for abused teens came into existence.

Here are three institutions who have continuously worked for the prevention and elimination of abuse:

The Access Mental Health is a mental health institution that functions through telephone clinicians. These clinicians discuss concerns about a child or adolescent’s mental health and paves the way for a speedy initial check-up of disturbed individuals. The National Domestic Violence Hot line Help is a 24/7 helpline for the victims and anyone calling on their behalf to provide crisis intervention, safety planning, information and referrals. The RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network) is the nation’s largest anti-sexual assault organization; it provides counseling services and educational discussions to the victims of sexual abuse.

Now is the time to put an end to the cycle of violence. Call these hot lines for further information on intervention programs, referrals, shelters, and counseling and therapy sessions.

FOR VICTIMS OF PSYCHOLOGICAL ABUSE:

Access Mental Health…………………………………….. 800-854-7771
24 hours www.dmh.co.la.ca.us
Information and referrals on emergency and non-emergency mental health issues.

FOR VICTIMS OF PHYSICAL ABUSE:

National Domestic Violence Hotline…………………. 800-799-7233
TTY:1 (800) 787-3224 www.ndvh.org
Information and referrals for shelters and counseling.

FOR VICTIMS OF SEXUAL ABUSE:

RAINN (Rape, Abuse, and
Incest National Network)……………………………….. 800-656-4673
24 hours www.rainn.org

Abused teens often don’t realize that they are being abused because they are not fully aware of their basic rights as a person, nor are they fully aware of what the basic forms of abuse are. Actually, there are three basic forms of abuse: psychological, or sometimes called emotional abuse; physical abuse; and sexual abuse.

There is no distinct form of psychological abuse but acts such as putting a teen or a youngster down, calling her names, making her think she is crazy, as well as playing mind games with her. These are the common occurrences that characterize this type of abuse Physical abuse is generally about battering. Meanwhile, sexual abuse can be categorized as pornography, sexual harassment, sexual assault, sex trafficking, and rape.

How do you know that your teen is being abused? Different signs manifest itself, depending mainly on what form of abuse your teen has encountered, the gravity of the abuse, as well as the frequency of the abuse,

Among the signs of sexual abuse are: excessive masturbation, unusually aggressive behavior toward family members, friends, toys, and pets. engaging in persistent sexual play with friends, toys or pets, engaging in self-mutilations, such as sticking themselves with pins or cutting themselves. The signs of physical abuse includes, but are not limited to, unexplained burns, bites, bruises, broken bones, or black eyes, evident fear of the parents and protests or cries when it is time to go home, and shrinking at the approach of adults. Meanwhile, difficulties in school, eating disorders, low self esteem, depression, and anxiety, rebellious behavior, sleep disorders and vague physical complaints are among the signs of psychological abuse.

A person who has experienced abuse have a tendency to pull away, even as the people around her tries very hard to reach out and help her. Do not fret if such is the case. Studies show that counseling can help tremendously. In fact,experts say that talking about the incidents of the abuse with a parent or a close family member is also helpful.Hence, parents should not underestimate the power of an open communication between themselves and their teens—otherwise, the parent might as well have triggered the onset of a more severe case of depression to the abused teen.

The abuse of teens has been a phenomenon for the longest time. This means that the abuse of teens constitute one of the most prevalent form of violence in this time and age. The abuse of teens has been allowed to continue because the problem has been protected by a wall of silence, denial, and neglect. However, efforts to give aid to the abused have also been present.

A long time ago, in Great Britain, Erin Pizzley created a women’s center called Chiswick Women’s Aid, which later became a women’s shelter for battered women. Now, other shelters for abused women, children, and teens have followed. What does this tell us? History tells us that even if the abuse of teens have been around for the longest time, different people from all walks of life, as well as different societies and organizations are always around to help. Thus, there is no need to despair, for help is abundant for abused teens.