Family Abuse And Violence / Question
Published: September 23, 2003
Dear TeenHealthFX,
I have a serious problem ok and I am so mad. I am mature for my age. 13. And I am female. My parents. They always let me have pets but do you know what the do? Do you know!! Every time they let me have pets I mean small pets like turtles then they kill them in front of me for getting bad school grades. They never warn me they just say I can own pets. You don't really own pets. You have to have love. They say I can have them but then if I am bad at learning they just take me into the kitchen and they kill them. Do you know what that feels? It couldn't be worse. Well what I have to write you is to know your answer to my question, which is this. What should I do? I have a kitten now and I am also doing poor in science. I don't know if I told a teacher if they might just give me the good grades to not have my animals die. It's not right for them to kill my animals and make me watch. I get so upset. Please help
Signed: Parents Kill Pets If I Don't Do Well In School
Dear Parents Kill Pets If I Don't Do Well In School,
What your parents are doing is not only wrong, it is against the law in every state in this country, and is a FELONY in many states. You can find out more about this subject or find out where to report the abuse to the American Society for the prevention of Cruelty to Animals. It is important for you to realize that you are not responsible for any harm that has come to your pets.
In addition to the cruelty of your parent's actions it can also be considered a form of emotional abuse towards you. TeenHealthFX cannot phantom how your parents can believe that killing your pets is a good idea to inspire your school performance. Even if it did, the resulting trauma far out weighs any possible gains. You need to tell another family member, neighbor or an adult you trust what has been going on. Chances are Child Protective Services (log onto ChildHelp USA to find out how to report where you live) will be notified and an investigation will be conducted to make sure you are living in a safe environment. If the household is safe then most likely you and your parents will be mandated to attend therapy. The goal would be for your parent to learn more appropriate ways of parenting and for you to be able to process this ordeal. If your home were deemed unsafe then you would be removed to a safe environment until significant improvement if the family took place. The goal of child protective services whenever possible is to keep the family together is a safe loving environment.
TeenHealthFX thinks it might be a good idea to give your kitten to a friend or shelter until this situation can be resolved. Although it may not seem fair, you probably can agree that there is too much going on right now to care for an animal. Once the situation gets better, you will be able to enjoy your pet without having worry about someone harming it.
Signed: TeenHealthFX
Compared with other age groups, teens have the lowest rate of seat belt use, and male high school students are more likely than female students to rarely or never wear seat belts.
