Mentoring Youth Involved in Domestic Violence

Are you familiar with any young people who have ashe loved me. If your partner hits you once, it will
domestic violence background? Would you becontinue to happen until your partner gets
honored to instill in them a message that discouragesprofessional help or suffers the consequences."
inflicting harm against others, especially the ones theyTeach youth who are involved in domestic violence
live with? You will learn methods you can use toto work toward having a powerful sense of
mentor youth who have committed domesticself-esteem and worth. Explain that hitting your
violence or are at risk for engaging in this behavior.brother, sister or partner demeans you and does not
You will also learn how to assist young people whoactually make you feel good. Inform the youngsters
have been victims of domestic violence.they will not truly have a sense of worth if they
One way you can assist young people who haveinflict or accept physical or emotional blows.
committed or threatened violence against familyHelp young people learn the proper way to have a
members or partners and help youth who have beensense of power. Let them know they will only have
on the receiving end of violence is to encouragereal power if they abstain from hitting their loved
them to get counseling. You can offer to help payones and refuse to accept abuse.
for counseling sessions.Teach boys how to be real men. Tell them, "You are
Another method you can employ to assist youthnot a real man if you hit or fight a girl or lady, even if
who engage in domestic violence is to attempt toshe hits you first. If she hits you, walk away. There
reach the root of their problems. It will be easier tois great honor in being a gentleman."
help them by asking what is making them angry andHelp youth learn how to control their anger. Inform
violent.them they can be locked up or experience physical
Use your personal experiences as a strong exampleretaliation if they strike someone. Encourage them to
to get your message across. If you attacked aignore petty things and find a peaceful way to
family member or partner as a young person, youresolve conflicts.
could say, "One time when I was young, I hit myAssist youth who suffer from domestic violence in
girlfriend during an argument. I was wrong to do itescaping their situation. Encourage them to notify the
and I regret it to this day." If you were physicallyauthorities when they are attacked. Try to help them
attacked, you can say, "I put up with my girlfriendfind a safe shelter for victims of violence.
hitting me from time to time because I did not feelHeed this advice to effectively mentor youth
worthy and she constantly apologized and told meinvolved in domestic violence!