| I Don't Feel Safe At Home | Family | I Don't Feel Safe At Home | <div class="ExternalClassE16CAD856CE14A098EC4582D302700CF"><p><span class="ms-rteFontFace-1 ms-rteFontSize-3 ms-rteThemeForeColor-2-4" style="">I stayed at a
friend's house for a few days, but I have to go home tonight. I don't feel safe
doing so because my mom and little sister constantly fight and it can get close
to violent. My mom once threw a shoe at her head but missed and my dad once
punched a wall next to her and ended up breaking his hand. My dad used to break
up the fights but he had back surgery recently and cannot do more than sleep
because of the pain meds. I don't sleep or eat when I'm there because I'm
terrified something is going to happen. The police came to my house once but my
parents claimed I was lying and exaggerating. </span></p></div> | <div class="ExternalClass470409BA1711447A87AA7250DE0E797C"><p><span class="ms-rteFontFace-1 ms-rteFontSize-3 ms-rteThemeForeColor-2-4" style="">Thank you for contacting Your Life Your Voice. It isn't easy to reach out when you are struggling, but we are glad that you did. It has to be very difficult living in a war zone. Home should be a place that you should be comfortable, but this does not appear to be the case. </span></p><p><span class="ms-rteFontFace-1 ms-rteFontSize-3 ms-rteThemeForeColor-2-4" style="">One thing that you can do is to talk to your mother. She is the adult in the situation, and it would be great if she does not engage your sister in arguments. See if you can constructively problem solve with your mom so that the peace can be maintained at home. If you are not comfortable talking to her, you can write your mother a letter and let her know how the fighting in the house affects you. Even though your father has some physical problems, try talking to him about the situation as well.</span></p><p><span class="ms-rteFontFace-1 ms-rteFontSize-3 ms-rteThemeForeColor-2-4" style="">It is important to surround yourself with people who are positive and supportive. Are there any relatives that live near you that can provide you with emotional support? Also, is there a teacher or a school counselor, or a close friend that you can talk to? You need those support systems around you when your home becomes a battleground.</span></p><p><span class="ms-rteFontFace-1 ms-rteFontSize-3 ms-rteThemeForeColor-2-4" style="">Try to develop a safety plan when things are explosive at home. If anyone is in danger, call 911. Another thing that you can do is to remove yourself so that you don't have to hear them fight. Go to another room in the house, take a walk, go to a neighbor's home, put on ear phones and listen to music, television, or a movie. Try to stay out of the conflict, and take care of yourself. That's the best thing that you can do when people are out of control. </span></p><p><span class="ms-rteFontFace-1 ms-rteFontSize-3 ms-rteThemeForeColor-2-4" style="">We want you to know that we are here for you. Crisis counselors are available, 24/7, at 1-800-448-3000. Please take care and let us know how you are doing.</span></p><p><span class="ms-rteFontFace-1 ms-rteFontSize-3 ms-rteThemeForeColor-2-4" style="">Nancy, counselor</span></p></div> | 15 | | |
