Abusive family member

[Ueily]

I think it's time I tried to run away. I have $600 saved up in cash. My reason for wanting to is because my sister, who my parents love to death, has been abusing me for the past 18 years. I tried telling them about it but they said it was just sisterly love. At this point, I feel like my only option is suicide or to runaway and I really don't want to commit suicide. As for the 10 things to ask yourself before running away, I answered all of them and have more than enough resources to attempt a runaway..

I want to make sure I'm doing the right thing though. Do you think there's any other options for me?

[ccsmod6]

re: Abusive family member

Hi

Thanks for contacting the National Runaway Switchboard. We are sorry to hear about the way your parents have been allowing your sister to treat you. No one deserves to be abused. It sounds like you have to tried to reach out to your parents but they did nothing about the abuse. How old is your sister? Does your sister reside in the same home with you? Have you ever considered filing a child abuse report against her? It seems that you have been thinking about running away for a while and have been able to save up some cash. Deciding if running away is the best option can be a difficult decision because there are so many things to consider. If you have left home, have you thought about how you would survive? Where would you stay? How far away are you from your 18th birthday? Will you continue to go to school? Is there any family or friends that would allow you stay with them? Depending on the city and state you live in, there may be youth shelters available. There are always options available however they do vary from situation to situation. If you would like to discuss possible options, it may be easier to do so by calling us toll-free at 1-800-RUNAWAY (786-2929). Our hotline is available 24 hours 7 days. We are confidential and anonymous.

We wish you the best of luck. We also look forward to hearing from you.

~NRS

[Ueily]

I am 18, march 8th was my birthday. I've already graduated school. I can't call the hotline because after I told them about my sister they were worried I would start telling other people and took my phone away. My sister is turning 23 this year and yes she lives with me. I want to continue going to school but I would rather get out of this house first. I was homeschooled in high school and my parents didn't really let me keep in touch with my friends from middle school. As for family, Most of them have kids that are 2+ and already have trouble keeping them. My other grandparents stay in a old folk's home that doesn't allow children to stay with them, only visits. We don't have a homephone either so my only way to call you guys would be to borrow my parents cell phone and they could easily just call back to see who i was calling. I don't know what they would do if they found out I was trying to run away.

[ccsmod6]

re: Abusive family member

Hi:

Thanks for getting back in touch with the National Runaway Switchboard. We appreciate that you have provided us with additional information. It’s good to hear that you have graduated from school, that’s an accomplishment. Since you are 18 years of age, you might not be considered a runaway. The age of majority in most States is 18 which mean that you are recognized as an adult by that State. If 18 is the age of majority in your State, you can leave your household at your own accord. It doesn’t seem that you would have any informal alternative housing options if you decided to leave. However since you are 18, you may go to a youth or adult shelter depending on what is available in your area.

You can continue to contact us through the bulletin board, email, or Live chat (between 4:30pm and 11:30pm CST) since you cannot call us. We can provide nearby resources if needed. Remember our hotline is toll-free so if you can get access to a payphone, you can call at 1-800-RUNAWAY (786-2929) free of charges.

Best Wishes
~NRS