I Don't Feel Safe or Loved at Home Anymore

[Guest]

Hi, Im 13 And Feel The Exact Same Way Its Getting Harder To Stay Here Anymore

[Guest]

My Family Is The Exact Same

[Guest]

I don’t feel comfortable at my house anymore I’m 13 and it’s like every year my grandma gets more and more rude she just screams at me for little mistakes I do and she doesn’t even let me out of the house she says that if dcf sees me out of the house I’ll get taken away and my aunt is moving out and i have a feeling that my
grandma will start abusing me when she moves out because that’s what she did to my aunt when her sisters moved out my grandmas is depressed and she always blames me saying I’m depressed that I want to kill myself and she’s been making me take medicine for years because I have adhd and that I “need” them but it makes me lose my appetite and quiet but when I don’t take it I’m fine I don’t want to be in this house anymore because I’m afraid that when my aunt moves out she will start being more rude and dcf is already involved in my family but they don’t come I just want to get away from this I used to self harm because all I kept thinking. About is if I was going to get screamed at or if they will hit me I don’t know what to do anymore I tell the therapist and they think that I’m lying bc they known my grandma for a while and it “doesn’t seem like her”

[ccsmod10]

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 sounds like you’re quite overwhelmed by things at home right now and you mentioned the threat of being harmed. We’re sorry you’re going through this. You don't deserve to be hurt in any way. If you are at risk of any danger or feeling unsafe, we encourage you to reach out to 911 or seek emergency assistance immediately. You may also be able to report any mistreatment to CPS even if they have already been involved. Child Help USA 1-800-422-4453 www.childhelp.org is an organization that helps protect minors from being harmed. It may also be a good place to explore options for staying with another family member or someone you trust as far as transferring custody. You mentioned wanting to kill yourself due to what you have been experiencing. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-TALK (8255); www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org is also a great resource to reach out to in addition to our crisis services.

Often, having a safe space to share how you’re feeling may bring a variety of solutions previously not thought of. You are not alone in this. We want you to know that we are here as support to help you through this challenging time.

If you would like to talk more in detail please chat soon through our website www.1800runaway.org (click on the chat button) if you are unable to call in. We unfortunately cannot give advice as we are non-directive. You know your situation best

We hope to hear from you soon.
Be safe,

[Guest]

I am 15. I remember since I was 2 yrs old my dad would drag,slam, and yell at my mom. In this memory I remember my mom was scared and my dad threw something at her (I can't really remember what it was) and then he went up to her and grabbed her by the shirt and slammed her on walls and jabbed his finger at her when they argued. I also remember my mom ended up with a ripped shirt when me dad slammed her onto a different wall. My mom only sobbed and tried to argue back at my dad. As the years went by I forgot most of the stuff that happened in my childhood ,but then I remembered about all of the times throughout my childhood he had hit and screamed at her. I thought this was normal but realized about 1 year ago after the most recent abuse incident that it was not okay to hit anyone even if you're having an agruement. These last 2 years my dad hasn't hit her since I last told my uncle that my dad hit my mom. But now my dad is starting to get aggresive with me when he argues. He yells so closely and loudly to my face that I end up with his spit on my face. I remember one time he woke me up and yelled and called my a b***** and other stuff for waking up late. I was shocked and scared since I just woke up and the first thing that happened to me is getting yelled and pushed at. He also pretends he's about to hit me but stops mid way when he argues with me. He has also in the past years slammed me against the bed or wall and hit me hard with his fists. (As I am currently writing this I feel angered and like an idiot for not doing anything... I feel weak and like I can't do anything to stop himMy mom also gets into agruements with me and yells at me and then degrades me about something that has nothing to do with the argument. Also I don't know why but my mom likes to twist my words and complain to my dad about what I said to my mom in an arguement immediately after it happens. An extreme example of when my mom lied to my dad about an arguement we had is , when my mom got pissed at me for not doing a chore and then I saw my sister was watching me and mom argue so I then said "(My sister's name) doesn't deserve this, she deserves a better family." My mom then got shocked and yelled "WHAT DID YOU JUST SAY?" and I was confused why she was VERY VERY angry and shocked (I have never seen my mom act like this level of angry before) She then said, I said my dad touched my sister. And then I got shocked and confused. Where the hell did she get those words for me saying "(My sister's name) doesn't deserve this, she deserves a better family." She then started yelling SUPER loudly at me and slapped me in the face multiple times. While crying I was trying to tell her I didn't say that and that I didn't understand where she got "my dad touches my sister" from any of my words. She then yelled at me to get out of her house multiple times. I then ran away but had to come back home at night since I didn't have anywhere else to go to. My dad was still at work when I cam back but I remember my mom cried angrily at me that she asked dad if what I supposedly said (which I DID NOT and am still confused about how she thought I said that) was true. I then picked up the phone and heard my dad sobbing and saying "Why did you do this me... how could you even do this to me." My dad kept crying and saying how I disappointed he is his own child made up such a terrible lie about him. He then threatened to kill himself while I was on the phone with him.( This whole disaster happened about 2 years ago) My current agreements with them are happening more frequently and my dad is getting more aggressive. I don't know what to do and where to go. I need to leave this house. I can't deal with more mental problems. I also don't wanna call any authorities since I know my sister will ended up put into the foster system and separated from me Please help me!

[ccsmod3]

Thank you reaching out to us. It can be really hard to open up and speak about how you are feeling but we are glad you decided to today. It sounds like you have dealt with a lot of trauma at home at such a young age. That must have been really terrifying and confusing. It makes sense that you have just recently been able to process how that behavior isn’t healthy. It must be scary to see your mom being hit and yelled at constantly by your dad. It’s brave that you were able to tell your uncle about what was happening. If you ever want to talk to someone about the abuse you are experiencing or that you have seen happen you can reach out to the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1800-799-7233.
Since you feel like you are in an unsafe environment, have you discussed with your uncle, friends or other people you trust about what has been going on. Sometimes talking about what is going on can help you gain some support and realize that it is not your fault and that the way you feel is completely normal. You shouldn’t have to be scared of your parent or what he may do to you. If you ever want to report the abuse you are experiencing since you can contact Child Help at 1800-422-4453. Also you could try and talk with family or friends about staying with them temporarily if you feel like things are starting to escalate.
You are doing a good thing reaching out and finding options. It’s unfortunate that your mom isn’t a good support for you especially since she has experienced abuse from your father as well. Maybe you all could benefit from some counseling to discuss some of the ways you are feeling. You could contact NAMI by texting 741741 to discuss counseling services or just have someone to talk to about what you are experiencing. Also we provide a service were we could conference call your mom to start a conversation about how she makes you feel and the way you are feeling about your dad. You would have to call us at 1800-RUNAWAY to utilize the service but it’s an option if you are open to it. Please feel free to reach out to us if you need to and just know that you are not alone in this. We are 24/7 and here to help. Best of luck!

[Guest]

I'm 17 years old and Ive been fostered by my family for 7 years. Thank God I have not been physically abused, but I feel like my parents hate me and hate having me around. They have always clearly loved my other siblings more, never spending time with me, whatever I do , I'm doing something wrong. we have a lot of arguments, I'm either talking back, not answering, having a long face, nothing is ever good enough. Last year there was a big blowout and my father almost deciced to end the fostercare. We managed to sort of come to a compromise and it didn't end up happening.it still, I have always considered them my parents because they are all I have. This week my "dad" said to me that I'm not his daughter, and that he doesn't need to treat me as well as the other kids, that he regrets letting me call them mommy and daddy. They after all these years I'm not their child even I've been calling them my parents for Years and now they took all that back. I'm really hurt by all that has been said. Its been following me the whole week wherever I go. If they are not my parents then I don't have parents. I just don't know what to do with myself anymore. Can you give me some advice?

[ccsmod6]

Thank you for reaching out to the National Runaway Safeline. What your dad has said to you is extraordinarily brutal and callous. It makes sense that you are at a loss with what to do given the circumstances. No one deserves to be treated as you are being treated. It is your parent’s responsibility to create a safe and loving environment for you and if they cannot do that, it says more about them then it does about you.
A potential resource if Child Help, the National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-422-4453 or www.childhelp.org. They may have suggestions on how to deal with your current situation or suggest other resources that may be helpful to you.
Our main concern is that you are safe and off the street. If you are considering leaving home. We can provide potential alternative or transitional housing resources that may be helpful.
Please feel free to contact us any time at 1-800-RUNAWAY (786-2929) or www.1800runaway.org. We have volunteers available 24/7 seven days a week to talk and to help you fine the resources you need.
We wish you the best!

[Guest]

hi im 14 and i hate living in my house im always getting yelled at and im always the one to have to do chores but my brothers dont they get to sit around and do nothing while i get yelled at. last night i told my mom i was gonna go to my schools open house and i was, till plans changed i didnt think to tell anyone and by the time i got home my mom got out of the car and started to beat me and told me im a disappointment and im ruining her and everyone life and that i always ******** up everything this has been gong on for a long time they took my phone away an craked it in half.i hate it here. my dad is verbally abusive and call me a pig or a disgusting person im always getting yelled at for no reason i need help my friend said that she would call cps but idk if they can even take me for this i just wanna leave and make it easier on my family beacuase my dad already ssid if i "******** up" again that he would send me to foster care and then i told him to and he smacked me for it.

[ccsmod6]

Hi there,
Thank you for reaching out to us here at NRS. It sounds like you have a tough situation going on at home. It shows a lot that you reached out to us, situations like these can be hard to navigate and it can sometimes be hard to reach out but the fact that you did is huge, that is something worth being proud of.
And though it may not feel like it right now, and you may be really frustrated, your life is important and you matter. If you feel like you are in danger at home and need emergency services, you always have the right to call 911 for police and other emergency services. We want you to know we care about your wellbeing, and your safety.

It sounds like you've been through quite an amount of pain from your parents. You don't deserve to be beaten or harmed in any way. It may be something you have tried, but we want to mention that an option could be to try to talk to your mom and dad about how they are treating you differently than your brothers and how that makes you feel. You do not have to do this alone, you can always think about bringing in a third party like a friend, trusted adult, teacher, etc to bring in a different perspective. Sometimes having help from someone outside of the family can bring attention to the issue and offer safe ways to bring about change in the home. If you do not feel that is the safest option, we can always brainstorm other ideas that you feel may work and talk about them if you can reach out to us again.

We also want to say that you do not deserve to be beat or verbally abused and it is not okay. If you do feel abused or your parent’s actions are abusive, you do have the right to report what is going on. Child Help (1-800-422-4453) is a great resource that can help answer any questions you have about what reporting abuse looks like, what abuse is, and they can also assist in reporting if you choose to do so. We are also here 24/7 to help as well to discuss reporting as an option or to report as well if you choose to do so. There are many outcomes to reporting and Child Protective Services try to keep the youth’s best interest in mind and safety as the top priority.
As a reminder, we are here to help sort through things with you and identify a plan that is safest and best for you. We do truly care about you and understand it must be an incredibly frustrating situation you are in with your family and their treatment towards you compared to your brothers. We are always here to listen and help brainstorm options that you feel may best fit your situation. We can be reached at 1-800-RUNAWAY 24/7 and we also have an online chat system at 1800runaway.org if you want to chat with us. We hope to hear from you soon!


Best, NRS

[Guest]

I no longer want to stay with my parents and I am pregnant

[ccsmod7]

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. We want you to know that we are here as support to help you through this challenging time. We can best help by phone or chat as NRS is unable to respond more than twice by email or bulletin for assistance. If you would like to talk more in detail and share more about how we can help specifically, 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.
We hope to hear from you soon.

Be safe,

NRS

[Guest]

Oh wow. I came here to ask if I should run away but now I just feel like a spoilt brat. Ok. I am a trans ftm boy. I am 13 and I have not come out. I also might be bi/pan. My grandma once said that transgenders are just looking for attention from the media. Once they caught me binding with bras but they were too thick to realise. The rest of my family is super stuck up and freaked out when my brother used gel in his hair. I don't know how they will react, but I know they won't accept it. I am too much of a coward to tell them anything. It is a struggle for me to tell them when I am ill, and I have already got my period. I haven't told them but have had it for 3 months, nearly 4. If I can't tell them about something that happens to every (sex not gender) girl, how can I tell them about something that is such a minority?

[ccsmod4]

Oh wow. I came here to ask

Hello,
Thanks for contacting the national Runaway Safeline.

We want you to know that you are strong for having gone through so much already. It is perfectly okay to deviate from what others or the common population believe to be “normal”. Your bravery and resilience is so admirable. You are so strong for having gone through so much without having the acceptance that you do deserve for just being you. Remember that you are not alone. If you ever want to talk more about what you are experiencing or get additional support we are here 24/7 at 1800-RUNAWAY or our live chat service. The GLBT National Hotline at 1-888-843-4564 is another option to gain great support from those that are familiar with the issues and experiences of those that are also a part of the LGBTQ community. You can access their website link bellow to utilize all the other possibly useful resources they have to offer: http://www.glbthotline.org/ or 1-888-843-4564.

NRS is here to listen and here to help.
Having a space to vent and explore options may often bring out a solution previously not thought of. We are here as support to help you and your friend through this challenging time. We can best help by phone or chat. If you would like to talk more in detail please call or chat soon.

1-800-Runaway (786-2929) orwww.1800Runaway.org (live chat).

Take care,
NRS

[Guest]

Hi I'm Mystik I don't feel safe or loved at home anymore and I want to explain why this may be a lot to read but I ask of you to please take the time and just hear me out. I'm 16 and I live in MA in a not so nice area my birth mother had problems with drugs alcohol and smoking when I was just a baby she neglected me and I was taken into foster care by DCF as just a baby my father lost his rights to me and I never saw him again I hardly remember him anymore my great grandma adopted me when I was 3 years old being my care taker naturally I called her mom and life was great at first I thought she loved me but the events that soon took place changed my mind here's why we moved alot having a very strict budget and rent kept going up so soon we couldn't afford it at 9 years old I was sent to a residential school called at first it was great I had friends attended events and games I was happy but later on the bullying started and got worse kids were telling me to kill myself that nobody wanted me and my mother and father abandoned me cause I was a mistake I became suicidal and honestly wanted to end my life I was miserable I tried getting help from the adults but nobody did anything everytime my mom called I begged her for help to get me out of there and she would just say i don't want to deal with your drama you can handle it and she would hang up I was shocked and scared I had no idea what to do I later found out she sent me there cause she couldn't care for me but that wasn't the only bad part as soon as I went home after graduating the fights began I hated my mom for abandoning me like that there would be arguing screaming she would swear at me and call me really rude things like miserable little ********** or a selfish rat and it really hurt me I started to lose respect for my mom I began cutting and because of that I got therapy but I stopped going to school I felt emotionally and mentally broken I started to stress eat hardly sleep and barely managed to get up because I was so weak and sick the problems at home and the way my family was treating me made it difficult to concentrate in school my grades were dropping I was failing and my mother was furious with me called me a coward and a lowlife who can't do anything she started to compare me to my mother and that's when the worst of it began my grandpa her son also lived with us and everytime me and my mom fought instead of taking my side or anybody helping me he would hit me he called me things like attention whore and cunt and then one time he even tried to choke me mom said he didn't but I remember it was horrible I could hardly breathe trying to get his arm off my neck DCF got involved again but I couldn't speak up and tell them everything going on and eventually their case was shut the only case left open was the court case about my school situation I'm home alot and honestly I'm afraid that someday they are gonna throw me out or try to hurt me more mom has said multiple times that she has regretted adopting me or doing anything for me she pins everything she does on me her actions her yelling everything is my fault she makes herself seem like the victim I want to be emancipated or something I recently started talking to my birth father and I wish I could stay with him but my mom never lets me she hardly knows him but says he is a horrible person but he is the total opposite I want to run away cause a lot of the time recently mom has been saying things quietly but I can still hear them like "I wish I could kill that miserable **********" and it scares me so badly honestly I don't know what to do I also feel like if I left and something bad happened to them or I told somebody and they got arrested or something I would feel extremely bad and blame myself for eternity I wish I could do something anything to make this horrible life end nobody listens to me or understands me nobody believes me or thinks I could take care of myself if I become emancipated also because I'm 16 I can't leave the house whenever I want to so I'm stuck in basically a hell I hate all of this but I can't do anything about it I want help but I don't know what else I can do I feel trapped or like I'm in a prison what should I do

[ccsmod15]

Hello,
Thank you for reaching out to National Runaway Safeline.

You are so brave for writing on here. It sounds like you have gone through so much in such a short period of time. You do not deserve to be treated the way you are being treated. You mention previously wanting to end your life and hoping your life would end. We take your safety very seriously. If you are having these thoughts you can reach out to The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. You can contact them at 1800-273-8255. They can provide you support and help you with what you are going through.You are not alone in how you are feeling.

Being hit is not okay and neither is the way you are being spoken to. These are also very concerning things happening to you. Child Help might be a great resource to reach out to with everything that is going on regarding those two issues. Their number is 1800-422-4453. They can answer any questions you have regarding the abuse and provide additional resources for you.

Self injury was something else that you brought up. Your safety is our first priority as we mentioned earlier. We are sorry that you have felt the need to do that with everything going on. We understand that this can be a stressful and confusing time for you. NAMI is is a great resource regarding mental health. They can provide assistance in finding some local resources for you and can lend a listening ear. You can reach them at 1800-950-NAMI or text NAMI to 741741.

Being emancipated can be a tricky process and there are quite a few qualifications. We can explore this option further as well as talk about anything else you have mentioned if you would like to contact us further. You can reach out to us via our hotline at 1800-786-2929 our our live chat at www.1800runaway.org. We are available 24/7 and are confidential. We are here for you during this rough time.

Stay safe!
National Runaway Safeline

[ccsmod15]

Hello,
Thank you for reaching out to National Runaway Safeline.

You are so brave for writing on here. It sounds like you have gone through so much in such a short period of time. You do not deserve to be treated the way you are being treated. You mention previously wanting to end your life and hoping your life would end. We take your safety very seriously. If you are having these thoughts you can reach out to The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. You can contact them at 1800-273-8255. They can provide you support and help you with what you are going through.You are not alone in how you are feeling.

Being hit is not okay and neither is the way you are being spoken to. These are also very concerning things happening to you. Child Help might be a great resource to reach out to with everything that is going on regarding those two issues. Their number is 1800-422-4453. They can answer any questions you have regarding the abuse and provide additional resources for you.

Self injury was something else that you brought up. Your safety is our first priority as we mentioned earlier. We are sorry that you have felt the need to do that with everything going on. We understand that this can be a stressful and confusing time for you. NAMI is is a great resource regarding mental health. They can provide assistance in finding some local resources for you and can lend a listening ear. You can reach them at 1800-950-NAMI or text NAMI to 741741.

Being emancipated can be a tricky process and there are quite a few qualifications. We can explore this option further as well as talk about anything else you have mentioned if you would like to contact us further. You can reach out to us via our hotline at 1800-786-2929 our our live chat at www.1800runaway.org. We are available 24/7 and are confidential. We are here for you during this rough time.

Stay safe!
National Runaway Safeline

[Guest]

Hi I'm am 12 and a 1/2 and I don't feel safe with my parents because they abuse me and throw things they grab a tazer and tried to taze me and my mom said she was going to kick me out so I could live on my own !

[ccsmod16]

Hi, thank you for reaching out to us; we are glad that you did. It sounds like you are not safe at home. No one has the right to abuse you and to use a tazer on you. You do not deserve to be treated this way. You deserve to be safe and protected.
There are some things you can do right now to be safe. You can tell a teacher or counselor at school, and they will begin the process of helping you to be safe. You can also walk yourself in to a Fire Station where the firemen and women will take you in and also begin the process of helping you. And if you have a cell phone that you either have or can borrow, you can contact www.nationalsafeplace.org They have a TXT 4 Help where you can chat with a local person to help you. And anytime that you are in danger from them, you can always call 911.
We are also here for you to help you to be safe. We would discuss some of the ideas listed above and help you to make a plan that you are comfortable with. You can also call us at 1-800-786-2929 (1-800-RUNAWAY) or you can reach us via chat through www.1800runaway.org
You deserve our help. You deserve the help of any and all the people I mentioned. We hope this helps to get you started on being safe from the people who are hurting you. That is what you deserve.
We hope to hear from you soon.
Sincerely, NRS

[Guest]

I'm 14 and I'm gay. I feel really uncomfortable in my house because my dad is really homophobic. My mom isn't as homophobic but she thinks it's a joke. My dad has says homophobic slurs all the time and I'm mostly uncomfortable but I also slightly feel unsafe. I have talked with my friends about it and I am thinking about living with them if things continue to get worse. The thing is, tonight I was talking with my friend (on a call) in my room about how I was talking to a guy and my dad kept saying over and over again, "I can hear everything you say". I'm not sure about my grandparent but she works a lot and she might be moving to Florida while her mom recovers from surgery. My father's side of the family is really homophobic. I'm not sure what the legal things are about choosing to live with your friend but I am really concerned and confused on what to do. I also don't want to call the hotline because my dad would hear me. Again, I'm 14.

[ccsmod6]

Hello and thank you for reaching out to the National Runaway Safeline. We are sorry to hear that you are living in an environment where you cannot express who you are safely or comfortably. All people deserve love regardless of their gender or sexual identity and you are no exception. While it is great that your friends are so supportive of you and have your back, unfortunately your parents/guardians have the legal right and responsibility to choose where you live. While it is not illegal for you to disobey that and leave, your parents can file a runaway report which would allow the police to return you home if they found you. Additionally, your parents could potentially press charges against whomever you were staying with for harboring a runaway. While we’re not legal experts, this is typically considered a misdemeanor offense.

It might be worth it to look for some adult advocacy or support. If there is a gay-straight alliance at school, it could be worth reaching out to them for ideas on how to approach the situation and to make you aware of how they can help you. Additionally, you might want to reach out to some national LGBT resources. The Trevor Project (thetrevorproject.org and 1-866-488-7386), the LGBT National Hotline (glbthotline.org or 1-888-843-4564), and the LGBT National Youth Talkline (1-800-246-7743) are all great resources that can put you in touch with someone who has gone through a similar experience to yours and might know how to navigate it effectively.

You mentioned not being able to reach out over the phone, while we are happy to help through our message boards or through chat (1800runaway.org), it might be a good idea, if possible, to see if you could maybe call us or any of these resources from school or a friend’s phone. We would be happy to discuss your situation further and figure out what other options you might have. So, if possible, please call us at 1-800-786-2929 or chat us at 1800runaway.org.

Take care,
NRS

[Guest]

Hello I am 12, I feel like my parents and my siblings hate me and don’t care about me my dad and mom hit me whenever I back talk they yell at me over little things ground me for months from seeing my friends and playing video games and those 2 seem to be my only happiness my dad wouldn’t only rarely beat me but he still does my mother always screaming threatening me and they took it too far and put me into army cadets which I hate I am slightly depressed but it’s only getting worse when I said I didn’t want to go to cadets my parents said I don’t have a choice and I said I did and then I said I know my rights and my dad took it another step too far then I told my mother about it thinking she would do something but all she did was take my dads side and yell at me I would call the cops but my dad is the main provider for the family he puts food on the table and pays the bills and everything I think I could run away to one of my aunts but I feel like they would just rat me out so I have no idea what to do and I do not feel safe at all in my own house. Please help me

[ccsmod3]

Thank you for reaching out to us. It sounds like you are having a rough time right now. I'm glad you have something like your video games that you can do to take your mind off of everything that you are experiencing. You mentioned some things that raise concern for your safety and well-being. If any harm or abuse is happening at home, you have the right to report it. We are not experts on the issue, but generally once it's been reported, social services will either decide whether or not to take the case and further investigate. If they do take the case, they will send out someone from child protective services to do an investigation (interviewing people in the household) and from there they will decide the level of danger within the household. It generally ranges from no danger (the youth stays in the home, some services are given, and the case is closed), moderate danger (they will provide family services with possible temporary displacement) and high danger (they will remove the youth from the home and offer certain services).

If you feel like this is an option you want to explore, you may find this website helpful: https://www.childhelp.org/child-abuse/. We can also help you to file a report if that’s the route you are considering.

You also mentioned wanting to know how you can leave home before turning 18. The easiest way to leave home is with your parents permission. We understand that might be challenging, however, maybe there’s another family member, relative, or a family friend who could help to communicate how you’re feeling to your parents. The second way is through Child Protective Services if safety is a concern. Lastly, you can also look into emancipation options. In most states you need to be at least 16 to be considered and demonstrate that you can support yourself financially and independently. Emancipation often can be a lengthy process and may even cost some money for court fees. We would be happy to look into legal resources if that’s something you are considering.

Please be safe and reach out soon by phone or chat so that we may help.
Take care,

[Guest]

I don't feel safe around my mother and I don't know if I should call DHS and if I do how fast it would take them to come get me cause I need help now I need to get from away from her what should I do my mother is unfit help me please before I run away

[ccsmod4]

Hello,
Thank you for writing to us here at the National Runaway Safeline.

We understand it takes great courage to reach out, and we appreciate you sharing a little bit about what’s going on.

You mentioned some things that raise concern for your safety and well-being. If any harm or abuse is happening at home, you have the right to report it. We are not experts on the issue, but generally once it's been reported, social services will either decide whether or not to take the case and further investigate. If they do take the case, they will send out someone from child protective services to do an investigation (interviewing people in the household) and from there they will decide the level of danger within the household. It generally ranges from no danger (the youth stays in the home, some services are given, and the case is closed), moderate danger (they will provide family services with possible temporary displacement) and high danger (they will remove the youth from the home and offer certain services).

If you feel like this is an option you want to explore, you may find this website helpful: https://www.childhelp.org/child-abuse/. We can also help you to file a report if that’s the route you are considering.


We want you to know that we are here as support to help you through this challenging time. We can best help by phone or chat as NRS is unable to respond more than twice by email or bulletin for assistance. If you would like to talk more in detail and share more about how we can help specifically, 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 or seek emergency assistance immediately.
We hope to hear from you soon.

Take care,
NRS