Represent gives inspiration and information to teens in foster care while offering staff useful insights into teen concerns.
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Child Abuse (41 found)
Note: These stories are from Represent and its sister publication, YCteen, which is written by New York City public high school students.
Jennifer, born in Paraguay, adopted, re-named, and raised by an abusive white woman, goes into care and wonders who she considers family. (full text)
In this introduction to the issue, the writer explains how abuse can cause people to develop "maladaptive" behaviors. (full text)
The writer endures sexual abuse by her uncle until she blurts the truth out to a teacher. Her mother does not rise to the occasion. (full text)
Olivia is physically abused by her father as a young girl and begins to dissociate when she remembers it. Dissociation also takes her away from her mother's alcoholism. (full text)
Therapists describe techniques that use the body to help abuse survivors recover from their trauma—EMDR, Somatic Experiencing, and EFT Tapping. (full text)
After being taken away from her drug-abusing mother and then beaten by her first foster mother, the author doesn't trust adults. (full text)
Anthony escapes his abusive mother and writes down what happened to him. This helps, as does talking to a good therapist. (full text)
The author's father abuses her for many years and she goes into care. Now, when she's 17, he wants forgiveness, but she's not sure whether to trust him. (full text)
Dr. Sylvia Lester talks about how to gain more control by getting out of a bad situation, building resilience, and going after the things you want in life. (full text)
After her mother dies, the writer is adopted by a family friend, who physically and psychologically abuses her. She gets herself out of that home and her life improves drastically. (full text)
Suheiri summarizes the upcoming Supreme Court case that will decide if a child can be questioned about abuse in school by a law enforcement agent if the child has not reported abuse herself. (full text)
Ella's dad abuses her regularly from an early age, and she falls into the habit of running away. When she goes into care, she keeps AWOLing but tries to learn ways to stay. (full text)
Chaquana can never depend on her drug-addicted mother. She ends their conversations by saying “goodbye” instead of “I love you.” (full text)
After being arrested for assault, Fred is sent to a residential treatment center, where he eventually finds help to deal with his anger and his violent past. (full text)
Physically abused by his mother, Miguel takes out his anger on others by being a bully and on himself by attempting suicide. (full text)
The author loses her close relationship with her grandmother when she speaks up about the abuse that’s happening in their home. (full text)
The author resolves to deal with the anger she’s developed from her abusive childhood, so she won’t abuse others. (full text)
Zeena slowly realizes that the abuse she gets from her parents isn’t just part of their culture—it’s wrong. (full text)
Psychologist Sylvia Lester speaks to Represent about the effects of past abuse on teen sex and parenting.
The writer, just 14 and in an abusive home, feels strong maternal instincts, believing a baby will bring her happiness.
A therapist discusses how young people can come to terms with fathers who were neglectful, abusive, or missing in action.
How adults can prevent abuse in foster care, and how teens can protect themselves.
Akeema interviews therapist Shelly Petnov-Sherman about why abuse can be hard to report, and how youth can deal with feelings of guilt and self-blame.
When her mother goes back to using drugs, Tamara makes the difficult decision to move out.
Mistreated at home, Derrick finds the companionship he craves in the rough life of the streets.
When Griffin’s father is dying from AIDS, he finally opens up to his son.
After years of childhood abuse, Christine doesn’t know how to have a healthy relationship with her body.
When the writer starts smoking marijuana to deal with her turbulent emotions, it worsens her relationship with her abusive mother.
To deal with her abusive past, Christine mentally dissociates and begins to cut herself.
Merli grew up watching her father abuse her mom. When her father turns his violence on her, she finally speaks up.
Cutting helps the writer temporarily forget the pain of being physically and sexually abused, and she’s not ready to give it up.
James, 20, identifies with Elisa Izquierdo, a child known to the foster care system who was killed by her mother. James was severely abused by his foster mother for years, yet no one heard his cries for help. He gives advice on how to prevent abuse from going undetected.
A supportive male staff member breaks down Clarissa’s fears about men.
The writer takes out her anger at being a teen mom on her baby. After the child almost dies, she finds help from a peer support group.
Julie finds that opening up about her feelings helps her to deal with them in more constructive ways.
The writer is being abused at home but can't share that secret with anyone. She bonds with a teacher at school, who offers support and love when the writer needs it most.
Luce is verbally and physically abused by her mother. She endures it for years before finally speaking up. Luce now lives in foster care and their relationship has improved.
The writer is verbally abused and constantly threatened by his violent father.
Ana has many childhood memories of watching her friend Irma being abused by her mother, Carmen. Ana was deeply disturbed at the time and considered calling a hotline, but didn't act. Now, Ana holds herself responsible because she was silent when she should have spoken up.
The author witnesses her friend being beaten by her mother, tries to intervene on more than one occasion, and feels helpless when nothing she does seems to help.
The writer joins the Bloods to gain status, respect, and love, having suffered from physical and sexual abuse in her adoptive home.
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