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Navigate: FAQ Home Page > Violence > Coping with abusive father
Posted on: 01/19/2011
Question
How do I cope with being around a father who has beat my mother? He didn't care if his young children saw it and now he has started to call us names and get into drugs.
Answer
I am so sorry that this describes your living situation. As much as we all wish it were true, sometimes parents cannot do what is right for their children. You have a couple of choices - one is to get a counselor - if you have insurance that will cover the cost. Two, you can ask the counselor at school to talk with you and set up a safety plan when things get scary at home. Please note, any abuse you tell the counselor about has to be reported to some version of Child Protective Services. Three, you can talk to another family member or a minister or your doctor who can guide you to some support. I am sorry and please be safe.