QUESTION/PROBLEM:
I have a friend that says that her father often abuses her mother. She is always depressed and recently started cutting her self. I am worried and I am not sure of what to do in this situation. I have seen her mother who seems to be equally depressed. Her fathers abuse is not physically affecting her but it is mentally. What should I do?

TEEN LINE WROTE:
Hey, thanks for contacting TeenLine,
It seems like the situation that you are currently in is really tough. Abuse in a family is a particularly hard thing to deal with even when you are not the one being abused. Do you know whether or not your friend's father is abusing your friend, or anyone else in the household? For most teens it is helpful to talk to one of their friends, a school counselor or a trusted adult when they need help. You could offer to talk to your friend about the things that she is going through. If you would like to talk about it further you could reply or call us at TeenLine. There are listeners here to take your call from 6:00 to 10:00 every night. You can call TeenLine us at 1-310-855-4673 if you are located in California, or 1-800-852-8336 if you are calling from anyplace else.

Here are some references that you could give your friend:
Safe Alternatives:
1-800-366-8288
Safe Alternatives offers support for those who engage in repetitive self-harm behaviors.

Or the Safe Alternatives Website:
www.selfinjury.com

Also, If your friend is concerned about the abuse, she should not hesititate to call 911.