Running away

[Unregistered]

Today my mother decided to punch me and my mouth and busted me lip I took pictures of the mark and the swelling I plan on running away to a location she doesn't know about but she know I will be with my boyfriend if she calls the cops and they find me and I show them the pictures of what she did to me will they still make me go home with her I am 17 years old and also diabetic I have all my mess with me and am able to care for myself will law inforcment still make go with her if I have proof if abuse I just don't want my baby sisters to get hurt from this I just wanna leave

[ccsmod10]

Re: Running Away

Hello,

Thank you for reaching out to us during this difficult time. It sounds like you have been through a very painful and scary time. Nobody deserves to be abused. You do have a right to be safe in your own home. It was smart of you to take pictures, do you have a safe place to go?

Although we are not lawyers, we can explain what we know about the runaway laws. Technically, it is not against the law to run away. In most places it’s considered a status offence. However, anyone that you would be caught staying with could be charged with ‘harboring a runaway’. The police do have some discretion when it comes to returning a youth home, especially if home may not be a safe place.

Has the abuse ever been reported before? Here at the National Runaway Safeline, we are mandated reporters. That means that although we are confidential and anonymous we are also required to report to law enforcement if we hear that a minor is being abused. You don’t have to report if you don’t want to , but if you decide to report the abuse, we can help. You can also talk to a trusted adult at school (like a teacher or counselor) or call Child Protective Services directly yourself.

You also mentioned that you are worried about your younger sisters. Do they get abused as well? It sounds like you have a lot to deal with and care about your siblings as well. Since we are a non-directive hotline we cannot tell you what you should or shouldn’t do. We can however help you explore options, offer any resources that may be of use and are always here to support you in any way we can. We can be reached 24/7 at 1-800-RUNAWAY(786-2929) or by live chat at www.1800runaway.org from 4:30pm-11:30 pm Central Standard Time. We look forward to hearing from you and wish you the best of luck.

- NRS