Family Abuse And Violence / Question
Published: December 5, 2002
Dear TeenHealthFX,
i despise my step thing, despise is an understatement. he's an alcoholic and he hits, slaps, pushes...my mom when he's completely crazy. no exagerations, I want him to die. what do i do?
Signed: Despise Step-Thing
Dear Despise Step-Thing,
TeenHealthFX is assuming by "step thing" you are referring to your stepfather. Whoever this man is he has no right to physically abuse, intimidate or belittle you or anyone in your family. Wanting him to die is a strong indicator of how much you despise him. However, you must realize that causing this man harm will only damage your life further. How your step father treats your family is wrong and the only way to change the situation is to make him accountable for his behavior.
You need to confide in an adult that you trust and tell them what has been happening in your family. If it is someone at school or a health professional, they will be obligated to report your situation to Child Protective Services in your area. You can not resolve this situation on your own. Your step father needs professional help to stop drinking and to stop taking out his own emotional difficulties on your family. He may get angry and blame you, which is what many abusers to their victims, but you and your family or the ones who are being hurt, not him. Staying silent will not make the situation go away. Asking for help is the best way to stand up to him.
It would also be good for you to seek out counseling for yourself. Your stepfather's behavior has caused you a great deal of anger and this can impact other areas of your life. Hating him will only allow him to continue to be a major force in your life.
Signed: TeenHealthFX
Statistics show that giving a teen a credit card does not teach them to be financially responsible or to encourage self-restraint, but actually promotes a “spend now and deal with the consequences later” mindset.
