How do you represent a 14 year old girl who has been sexually and physically abused by her step-father and his brother She only wears black and has multi piercings?

Answer 1

I am concerned with the word "represent", as that is usually spoke by an attorney. If you are one, your course of action is to file a motion to withdraw and send her to an attorney familiar with these things.

If you are speaking of "represent" in another way, and having concerns over her dress and appearance, tell her this:

"Being a grown up is NOT wearing whatever you want, being a grown up is knowing what people think about different dresses and appearances and acting accordingly. If you want to be taken seriously, you'll dress appropriately, if you simply wish to feel oppressed, continue as you are."

Sexual and physical abuse are serious matters - and if a young woman can't take it seriously enough to ditch the "bling" and dress nice, then she can't expect anyone to take her seriously. Her step father, by the way, may be counting on this - knowing he can get away with it, as no one will take her seriously.

Is that unfair, that society won't take her seriously with black lipstick and such? Sure. But such is life. Being molested isn't fair either, and I'll tell you what also isn't fair:

It's not fair that the step dad may have opportunity to molest and abuse another girl, because your friend won't do what it takes to get him punished.