Violence is not O.K., and nobody should have to put up with it. Being angry, confused or frustrated are all normal emotions, and there are non-violent ways of expressing these emotions. Deciding to do something about your violent behavior is a big step and it takes a lot of courage.
Look at what makes you violent. To stop this behavior, it might be useful to make a list of the things that trigger your violent behavior. By knowing what triggers your violent behavior, you can start to avoid these things or try to work out ways to deal with the situation.
Who is affected by your violent behavior? Does it hurt anyone physically or emotionally? These questions might help you see how your violent behavior can negatively affect you and the people around you.
Talk to someone. Putting an end to violent behavior is not always easy, and having someone to support you can be helpful. You don’t have to do it by yourself.
Drugs, alcohol and violence. Using drugs and alcohol increases the likelihood that a person might act in a violent way. If you’re finding that you become violent while drinking or taking drugs, you might want to look at ways to better manage your drug and alcohol intake.
Acknowledgement: This fact sheet was originally developed by youth and staff at ReachOut.com, a website that helps teens get through tough times.
