Teen Violence

Many think of domestic violence as a man/woman domestic dispute, not child or teenage violence. But, adults and siblings can also be victims of child or teen domestic violence. Get information on the causes, effects, and help for teen domestic violence.

The teen years can be a very difficult time. There are changes happening in the body, and even in the structure of the brain. These changes can be confusing and overwhelming. Some teenagers, when faced with these changes, become violent. This can be a difficult situation, but it is important to do what you can to help curb teen domestic violence, and get the teen the help he or she needs in order to develop into a person that can function better in society.

Causes of teen domestic violence

It is important to consider the different possible causes of teen domestic violence. In some cases, the teenager is having trouble adjusting to the changes in his body, and may be frustrated and unsure of how to express herself or himself. In other cases, violent teenagers are the product of violence they have witnessed at home. When teenagers see parents that are violent toward each other, they grow up believing that violence is an appropriate response to stressful situations. Those who have violent parents are more likely to be violent in turn, engaging in dating violence and other forms of abuse.

Other causes and triggers of teen domestic violence can include depression (although this is likely to result in violence mainly against oneself), drug and/or alcohol abuse, sudden changes at school in friend relationships, an upheaval in the teen’s life (such as moving), or the death of someone close. Another cause can be some sort of head trauma due to accident.

The effects of teen domestic violence

Violent teenagers can cause a wide range of issues in a number of relationships. First of all, a violent teen can affect the physical safety of those in the home. Younger siblings can be put in danger from a teenager with violent behavior. Even parents can be endangered, since teenagers are often just as big as parents, and strong enough to do harm. When a teenager has access to a weapon, such as a knife or a gun, the physical effects of teen domestic violence can be even more devastating.

Teen domestic violence can also have psychological consequences. Younger children may be damaged emotionally by witnessing this type of violence, feeling as though they cannot be safe. This can cause issues throughout life. Additionally, there is a chance that repeated exposure to a violent environment will result in younger siblings and others becoming violent as well.

There can be affects on the teen as well. Many violent teenagers end up unable to carry on healthy relationships with others. This includes romantic, professional and platonic relationships. Continued violence can also result in teen depression for some, which can lead to its own problems. It is important to get help for a violent teen, encouraging him or her to learn to control emotions and channel them in ways that are more constructive.

Getting help for violent teens

It can be hard to decide what to do about domestic teen violence. However, it is unsafe to allow a violent teen to continue living in your home. There are a number of social service programs that can help your teenager make changes in his or her life to control violent tendencies. Anger management programs, as well as counseling, can be ways to help teenagers come to grips with themselves, and make positive changes.

Another option is to send your violent teen to some sort of boot camp program. There are residential and short-term programs designed to help reduce teen domestic violence. These programs teach teenagers leadership and character, as well as techniques to help them better control their anger. It is important to do your research, though, since not all programs work equally well on all teenagers.

In the end, you need to protect the others in your family circle. If you have a violent teen, you need to do something in order to help him or her get control, and find other ways to express his or her feelings.