I don't know what to do

[Unregistered]

Within the past year me my mom and my sister have lived in several different places in effort to escape from my manipulating and emotional and one time physically abusive dad. My 18 year old brother recently moved to Florida trying to get away from him, and I have called the police on him 2 times. No daughter should ever have to do that. He smoked marijuana daily and it bothers me and my mom. Yet my mom does nothing about it, except for she gets all the divorce papers ready goes to court and gets me so excited to leave and be happy without him, but then he just manipulates her and makes her think he's changed but he never does. This has happen well over 5 times, and my mother has made so many promises to me saying that she'll leave him so but she never follows through and I can't stand living with him anymore. That is why I want to move out to a friends house, or my mom's good friends house. I have a part time job and I am a junior almost a senior in high school and I feel like I will be much happier and better off living In an environment that isn't so negative. I would really like somebodies opinion on what I should do. I've been looking into emancipation laws and I am wondering if I can qualify, any advice helps. Thank you

[ccsmod2]

Re: I don't know what to do

Hello,

It sounds like you are really going through a rough time with your family situation. You understandably sound pretty frustrated. It also sounds like you’ve given this some thought and want to make a mature decision. We appreciate that you’ve reached out to us. We are here to listen and to help in whatever way we can. You don’t have to face this all alone.

We never tell anyone what to do though we might be able to help you process what your options are. You mentioned you could possibly live with some friends in order to get away from your dad. Maybe you could explain to your mom – and, possibly, your dad – that you would like permission to do so. If that is not an option, or if they say no, you could look into emancipation. However, that is often a lengthy, costly process and each state has different qualifying laws for emancipation.
You mentioned that your father has been emotionally abusive and, at one time, physically abusive. You always have the right to file a report with the authorities. We can file that report for you if you would like. But, again, that is your decision.

Would you be willing to give us a call so we can help you explore your options further? That’s usually the best way that we can be of assistance. We can discuss the laws surrounding emancipation in your state as well as what you can do to stay safe and avoid the negativity in your family right now. Our number is 1-800-RUNAWAY and we are here 24/7 and are totally confidential and anonymous. We are a safe place to talk about stuff like this. If you feel more comfortable using our chat feature you can find that on our website (www.1800runaway.org) and chat with us from 4:30pm-11:30pm Central Standard Time.
Again, we are really sorry you are going through this. But you sound like you want to do what is best for you. We hope to hear from you!

Best,
NRS Staff

[Unregistered]

Thankyou, you're support really means a lot to me. I feel like I'm all alone right now and I nave nobody to turn to for help, I'm so distant from both of my parents and none of them ever know what is going on in my life. I'm a varsity cheerleader and my high school and have been since 9th grade, because of that I feel like I have to portray this perfect image and I know everyone will talk about me and judge me for my situation if it were to get out. I'm so confused on what to do, ice turned to drugs and alcohol once and I even cut myself a few times when I was younger and things were really rough. My mom has a tracker on my On my phone and never let's me leave the house unless it's to work or practice. My grades have severely suffered I when from a 3.2 to a 1.7 just this year and now I'm scared I can't go to college, this whole thing is just ruining my life. And I'm scared to do anything about it, I'm so confused on everything my friends don't talk to me anymore because I can never hang out and I'm always busy with babysitting my sister all the time or just because my mom won't let me. I just feel alone.

[ccsmod6]

re: I don't know what to do

Hi

Thanks for reaching out to the National Runaway Safeline. Support is very important and we are happy to be able to provide you with some. It sounds like you feel alone and isolated from everyone. You've mentioned that you don't get to get out much because you are stuck babysitting or just isn't permitted. We can only imagine how tough it has to be to be in your shoes. It sounds like you just want an active healthy social life which doesn't sound like a lot to ask for. We are sorry to hear about your grades. It seems that you are concerned about your chances of going to college, which is understandable. Have you been able to talk to the school guidance counselor about this matter? If you have a record of generally maintaining a good GPA, you may be able to write a personal statement or get a waiver due to some type of hardship.

You stated that your parents are unaware of what is happening in your personal life. It sounds like there may be a lack of or poor communication between you and your parents. Would you consider your parents to be actively involved in your life? It may sometimes be hard to parents to understand how much involvement their teens or children want and need from them. Do you feel comfortable expressing your feelings to your parents? It sounds like you may be under a lot of stress and you shouldn't have to deal with it alone. We are always here to provide support as well as to look up local resources that may be able to assist. The National Suicide Hotline is also available 24/7 and can be reached by dialing 1-800-273-TALK (8255).

We hope the information provided helps. Remember we are available 24/7 and can be reached by dialing 1-800-RUNAWAY (786-2929). Our hotline is confidential, anonymous, and toll-free. In addition to our hotline, you can receive live assistance via CHAT between 4:30pm and 11:30pm.

Best Wishes
~NRS