I'm 17, entering college in the fall and I want to run away.

[Unregistered]

I've always experienced problems with both of my parents. I always feel like the unwanted child because my younger brother was treated better than I am. Whenever he makes a mistake, he never gets punished. When I make a mistake, I get a beating and lecture. I'm always told that I'm not enough, that my grades are mediocre and that the college I go to is bad compared to where their friends' kids are going. What I considered as my best is less than average for them. I've had thoughts of running away ever since junior year and now that I've graduated high school and this is the summer before I go off on a full ride to a 4 year university, I want to run away. I have no idea where I'm going (I'll most likely stay with my boyfriend if his family allows) but I can't take it anymore. I thought that this summer would be better than the rest and since school is over I wouldn't get anymore yelling from them. But I was wrong. My mom thinks I'm a lazy bum who never does anything and always take her anger out on me. She works 4 days a week and on those days she's home, I'd have to be the one doing chores and pick up my little brother from school while she plays Candy Crush on her phone. She thinks I disrespect her when she yells at me and I'm merely telling her my side of the story. She never listens to me and what I have to say. We've had multiple arguments about college before and it just fueled my desire to run away. Since I got a full scholarship to a 4 year university and there's only about 95 days until move in day, I thought I could endure it until then. But I can't. This is just too much for me to handle and I want to leave now. I can't talk to them about how I feel because they don't understand. They're not fluent in english and I'm horrible at chinese. My mom had threatened to kick me out of the house and starve me plenty of times before. I'll turn 18 in September and I'm afraid I can't wait until college to be freed.

[ccsmod10]

Re: I'm 17, entering college in the fall and I want to run away.

Hello,

Thanks for posting at www.1800Runaway.org. We are so sorry to hear how bad things are for you at home. No one deserves to be mistreated or spoken to in such an abusive manner. You mentioned that you recently graduated from high school, and were given a full scholarship to a 4-year university, those are amazing accomplishments that you should be proud of. It is really disappointing to hear that your parents do not seem to appreciate your achievements.

How do you think your parents would react to you leaving? At NRS we are not legal experts so we can only give what is a general answer to your question.

In most states the majority age is 18 yrs of age since you are now 17 yrs old your parents most likely are still considered your legal guardians.

If this is the case in regards to your situation your parents could possibly contact the police and report you as a runaway. This may allow the police to detain you if you are picked up and held until your parents are notified and you’re released in their custody.

We often present the option for a person concerned about the age of majority to contact the non-emergency number of your local police department for more specific information on this matter.

If you do not want to contact the police there may be a legal aid resource in your area where you can get this information as well.

You are welcome to contact our 24hr 1-800-Runaway (786-2929) crisis line and perhaps we can locate a legal aid referral in your town.

Thank you again for reaching out to the National Runaway Safeline.

Take Care

NRS

[Unregistered]

Re: I'm 17, entering college in the fall and I want to run away.

I've always experienced problems with both of my parents. I always feel like the unwanted child because my younger brother was treated better than I am. Whenever he makes a mistake, he never gets punished. When I make a mistake, I get a beating and lecture. I'm always told that I'm not enough, that my grades are mediocre and that the college I go to is bad compared to where their friends' kids are going. What I considered as my best is less than average for them. I've had thoughts of running away ever since junior year and now that I've graduated high school and this is the summer before I go off on a full ride to a 4 year university, I want to run away. I have no idea where I'm going (I'll most likely stay with my boyfriend if his family allows) but I can't take it anymore. I thought that this summer would be better than the rest and since school is over I wouldn't get anymore yelling from them. But I was wrong. My mom thinks I'm a lazy bum who never does anything and always take her anger out on me. She works 4 days a week and on those days she's home, I'd have to be the one doing chores and pick up my little brother from school while she plays Candy Crush on her phone. She thinks I disrespect her when she yells at me and I'm merely telling her my side of the story. She never listens to me and what I have to say. We've had multiple arguments about college before and it just fueled my desire to run away. Since I got a full scholarship to a 4 year university and there's only about 95 days until move in day, I thought I could endure it until then. But I can't. This is just too much for me to handle and I want to leave now. I can't talk to them about how I feel because they don't understand. They're not fluent in english and I'm horrible at chinese. My mom had threatened to kick me out of the house and starve me plenty of times before. I'll turn 18 in September and I'm afraid I can't wait until college to be freed.

I would just like to say that this applies to my life exactly but a little tweak. I received a full ride to a college out of state and my parents refuse to let me stay. I contemplate just going anyway but I know that because I'll turn 18 in december, the police will just bring me back home because I am a minor. I want to move in with my friend and her mom but I know that my parents would never allow me to leave, so the only choice I have is to be emancipated. Luckily my friend's mother is amazing and is trying to get me out of this house. But I'm scared that my case will be denied and I'll be forced to live with my parents.

[ccsmod10]

Re: I'm 17, entering college in the fall and I want to run away.

Thanks for posting on the National Runaway Safeline Forum. We are glad that you have found that someone is in a familiar situation as yourself. We hope that our response was useful to you as well. Should you need additional information or would like resources please call us at 1800-RUNAWAY.

Best Wishes,
NRS

[Guest]

Hi im being forced to move out the country to north africa my mom wont let me move out let alone be independant also When we move shes going to adopt a kid and make me the parent.Ill only be 17 then i want to runaway when im there to come back here and go to college etc. Id still be 17 what should i do ?whats recommended ?

[ccsmod15]

Hi there,
Thank you for writing to us here at National Runaway Safeline (NRS). We understand it takes great courage to reach out, and we appreciate you sharing a little bit about what’s going on. It seems there is a lot that you are faced with right now and you’re feeling like leaving is one of your only options. It seems you want to know some information on runaway laws.
While we are not experts on the law, 18 is generally the age that an individual may leave home without parent permission. If you are under 18 and leave home, your parent/guardian may file you as a runaway and you may be returned home. Also, those you stay with may run the risk of being charged with harboring a runaway. For more specifics on the law, the local non-emergency police or legal aid may better answer legal questions.
We are here as support to help through this challenging time. We can best help by phone or chat as NRS is unable to respond more than twice by forum to assist you. If you would like to talk more in detail please call or chat soon.
Our contact information is 1-800-RUNAWAY (786-2929); www.1800runaway.org (click on the chat button).
If you are at risk of any danger or feeling unsafe, we encourage you to reach out to 911 or seek emergency assistance immediately.
Be safe,
NRS