TeenHealthFX - Answers - Inappropriate Sexual Comments About Me By My Father and Peers

Family Abuse And Violence / Question
Published: February 9, 2009

Dear TeenHealthFX,

i am 14. i am scared alone, and i absolultley do not know how to handle my situation. my father is abusive, so about a year ago, my mother left gim because of it. He is making my life hell, literally. He even told people that in the fuure i would rape my sister! i mean why would he do that?! also, kids a school call me GAY, FAG and all of the above. why do they insist of being immature, reatards i do not know, but one thing is for sure it is getting to me...and i'm scared.

Signed: Inappropriate Sexual Comments About Me By My Father and Peers

Dear Inappropriate Sexual Comments About Me By My Father and Peers,

TeenHealthFX is very concerned about you, and thinks that it is important for you to reach out for help with this situation as soon as possible. FX recommends that you start by talking to your school social worker, psychologist or guidance counselor. Let that person know exactly what is going on with your father and with your peers – and be clear with that person that you are feeling scared and need help. Depending on the situation, a school staff member may recommend private individual and family counseling, may speak with your father directly, may contact your mother to see if you could live with her, or may call child protective services if they feel there is reportable abuse going on in the home.

It is absolutely not okay for your family members or peers to be verbally abusive to you. And it is very important for your emotional well-being for you to get connected to at least one (preferably more than one) trusted adult who can be there for you with guidance and support in figuring out how to improve your situation. So please speak to someone at your school right away.

If you live in northern New Jersey and need help finding a therapist you can call the Access Center from Atlantic Behavioral Health at 973-247-1400. Outside of this area you can log onto the US Department of Health and Human Services Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration website for referrals in your area. You can also contact your insurance company to get a list of in-network mental health providers or check with your school social worker or psychologist to get a list of referrals in your area.

You did not mention feeling suicidal, but since you are feeling so scared and unsure of what to do, FX wants you to know that if you get to the point that you are seriously considering suicide, are afraid of your impulses, or are afraid your physical well-being is in jeopardy at home, then you need to seek help immediately. You can call 911 or go to your nearest hospital emergency room. In northern New Jersey you can also call the crisis hotline from Morristown Memorial hospital at 973-540-0100. Outside this area call the Suicide & Crisis Hotline, 1-800-999-9999, 24 hours, 7 days a week.

Signed: TeenHealthFX