What can I do if my daughter is being abused?

If your daughter is being physically, sexually or emotionally abused and controlled by her partner, your connection to her can provide guidance and courage to safely end the relationship. You may feel angry and powerless knowing your daughter is being hurt, but there are steps you may take to assist her during this process.

What should I do if I am worried about my daughter?

Pay attention to your own needs. Constant worry and concern for your daughter can be emotionally draining and exhausting. Do not neglect your own physical and emotional needs — rest, eat healthy, exercise, spend time with friends and get medical attention when necessary.

What is parental abuse and what are the signs?

Parental abuse occurs when a child — usually a teenager but sometimes a pre-teen — engages in behavior that is abusive toward a parent. It may be a one-time incident or it may escalate in frequency, even to the point of a daily occurrence.

What are the signs of abandonment from a mother?

“My mother wasn’t mean,” one daughter writes. “But she was emotionally disconnected from me and still is.” These behaviors can include lack of physical contact (no hugging, no comforting); unresponsiveness to a child’s cries or displays of emotion, and her articulated needs as she gets older; and, of course, literal abandonment.

What should I do when my Daughter tells me about her relationship?

When your daughter talks to you about her relationship, be sure that you truly listen. Also, refrain from judging her so that she will feel comfortable knowing she can confide in you. Ask questions and stay alert. Be prepared to hear anything she has to say without freaking out.

How should I deal with my daughter’s batterer?

Refrain from judging your daughter. You may feel frustrated if she doesn’t heed your advice or if she reconciles with her batterer each time she tries to leave. This is a normal part of the process.

How can I help my daughter deal with a breakup?

As a result, it is vital that she be in charge of when it ends. When your daughter talks to you about her relationship, be sure that you truly listen. Also, refrain from judging her so that she will feel comfortable knowing she can confide in you. Ask questions and stay alert. Be prepared to hear anything she has to say without freaking out.