Help Your Child

What can I do to help my son? He is going to be 17 and we have been living with his very abusive father since he was born. Now I am seeing very similar traits in him just like his dad. I have been out of the house now for 6 months and my son chose to stay with his dad. Everyone I talk to says there is nothing I can do. I refuse to not only let go of my son but also to let him follow in his fathers footsteps!

- 39, Connecticut

It's great that you are trying to be a good source of support for your son. There are ways to continue to provide that support. One such way is by providing him with information on building healthy relationships and helping him recognize his abusive traits. Some schools or organizations may also offer workshops that address domestic violence issues with teens. You can encourage him to find such a program that he can participate in. Another idea might be to suggest to him that he talk to someone about his experience witnessing the abuse in your relationship with your husband.

Most importantly, continuing to offer him support and letting him know you're willing to help is always good. Dealing with these types of issues can be something difficult to work through but it can be easier knowing there's someone there to help.

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