ABSTRACT
The current state of the field will be described with respect to abuse of adolescents in chemically dependent families. That incidents such as exhibitionism with minors must be reported to state agencies, the image of the bruised, bleeding child is joined by the image of the silently suffering child who has been impacted in non-physical ways, or the unduly aggressive child who is reacting to the environment. Physical abuse of adolescents is unlikely to feature the fractures, burns, and internal injuries, which are common indicators in young children; more likely are unexplained bruises, facial damage, and/or swollen or tender limbs. Adolescents constitute more than a fourth of abuse and neglect cases; about half of these are thought to be “graduates” of long-term abuse. Usual teenage issues become exacerbated in cases of chemically-abusing families. Educational programs have sprung up for parents and children, in order to intercede before rising tensions recreate old patterns of violence.
