I Don't Feel Safe or Loved at Home Anymore

[Guest]

Back story I’m 17 years old and when I was 13 my mom was dating a sex offender and when the court found out he was living with us my 2 brothers and I were taken away and sent to live with my younger brothers dad while my mom went to counseling. During that year away from my mom I was molested by my younger brothers uncle, I told my caretaker but they said to keep my mouth shut. Eventually we went back to my mom, I told her 6 months later, she told the police but the guy never got charged. My mom made me move to Florida with her and left my 2 brothers. While in Florida I was constantly moving from house to house, sometimes with my mom sometimes without her. I’ve lived in 23 houses in 3 years, during that time my mom went to jail twice for domestic battery. Then I found out my oldest brother was murdered. 6 months later my mom went to jail for aggravated battery with a deadly weapon. My dad came to get me after living by myself for a week and drug users trying to break in. While living with my dad I was treated like a roommate, paying electric and phone bills, buying my own food, and paying rent. I stayed in the laundry room that only had room to fit my mattress. I was being verbally abused, and my mom got out and flew me back to my hometown. There we lived with my grandpa, who abused pills and alcohol. I started dating someone who’s family took care of me and made sure I was feed. They took me in when my mom kicked me out. After 2 months my mom wanted me back. I found out she was doing meth, having people in and out of my grandpa’s house constantly, and my grandpa was sick. The people she had over stole my ssc, my debt card,and my brothers 300 dollar watch. Then my uncle passed, a week later my grandpa passed. Then she was having triple the amount of felons over. If it wasn’t for my girlfriend and her family I wouldn’t get the chance to eat. After being told my mom might be hiding a fugitive, I asked to to go to my girlfriends, she said yes. And I’ve been gone for over a week. My mom hadn’t texted me until I ask for my insurance card. She told me she didn’t know me, then told me to come home. I told her I don’t feel safe there and she said she doesn’t care. She hasn’t texted me since and I haven’t went back. She’s constantly paranoid that the FBI is watching her and the house so I don’t think she’ll call the police. But i don’t know what to do. I looked into emancipation but it takes at least 6 months and my birthday is in 6 months.

[ccsmod2]

Thank you so much for reaching out to us. It sounds like you’ve been dealing with a really tough situation for the past few years. It takes a lot of strength both to bring yourself through that and to ask for help now. Home should be a caring, protective environment, and you are right to seek both emotional support and physical safety. That’s great that you have found supportive people in your girlfriend and a safe place with your girlfriend’s family.
We’re not legal experts, but we can speak generally about laws around minors leaving home. When you are close to being 18, it depends what actions your legal guardian and the police want to take. Your mom could still report you as a runaway to the police, but the police might not come looking for you. Or, if you feel safer with your girlfriend’s family, the police may decide not to take you back to your mom’s. It is also possibly that the police could charge your girlfriend’s family with harboring a runaway. This is something you could discuss with your local police station, and we are happy to help you make that phone call.
Thank you again for reaching out to us. If you would like to explore these or other options, feel free to call us at 1-800-RUNAWAY, or to contact us by chat. We’re here 24/7 to listen and to help.

All the best,
NRS

[Guest]

I don't feel safe at home my mom never got rid of the razor blades and my dad and my mom's brother mentally abused and controlling the only person in my family that makes me feel safe is my brother who is tran ftm i am 17 i don't know what i have asthma and my mom smokes

[ccsmod15]

Hello! Thank you so much for reaching out.

You mentioned that you just got out of the hospital, and that you don’t feel safe at home, because your mom has not gotten rid of the razor blades. You’re really brave for pushing through this difficult time. We care about your safety, and if you find yourself with the urge of wanting to hurt yourself, you can reach out to the National Suicide Hotline at 1800) 273-8255. Along those same lines, sometimes a person’s home situation may be a bit too much, and talking to a counselor or therapist about the stressors going on at home can help ease tension build up. If you find yourself in this situation, you may explore the option of reaching out to the National Alliance on Mental Illness via text by texting the word NAMI to 741741. You would be texting with a counselor, and they may refer you somewhere closer to your city and state.

If you’re experiencing any type of abuse you may reach out to the National Child Abuse hotline at 1800) 422-4453. You can talk to someone on the hotline about the abuse, and if necessary, they may help you file a child abuse report. Should you or your sibling want the help or support from the LGBTQA community you can contact the LBGT Youth National Talk line at 1800) 246-7743. You will be talking with other LGBTQ youth directly, and can discuss among yourself whatever you feel comfortable sharing.

We hope these resources and options can be of some use. If you need additional help or want to us to reach out to an organization your behalf, feel free to contact us 24/7 at 1800) 786-2929. Best of luck!

[Guest]

Hi I’m 14 and my situation is kinda confusing. My mom will act like she cares about me one day and talks about going to get me help (she never does it in the end) but the next day will threaten to hit me and take away my social life. My friends know about it and they don’t know what to do about it either. Today we talked about me not wanting to go see my stepfamily and my mom said that I’m being selfish about it and that I’m not the center of the world, she also calls me ungrateful for stuff. And then I’ll think about it and realize I am acting like that but then when I think about it I get really upset and have a panic attack. My mom will sometimes walk in on me having panic attacks and tells me to stop having a pity party for myself. I don’t know what I should do because she sometimes treats me like she cares but other times she acts like she only cares for herself. I’m also scared to do anything about it because my mom just said all they’re gonna do is make my life worse. What should I do about it? I want to leave but I’m scared it’ll just make things worse. I have another story too. I once tried hurting myself (I was around 10) and my mom caught me. She just told me to stop it and tried grounding me and taking away my phone (I was hurting myself because she kept trying to take away my social life because she always grounds me) the last three times we got in fights she almost hit me and I don’t want this to get worse. What do I do?

[ccsmod0]

Hey there,

We're sorry you're struggling with this stuff with your mom. We appreciate you reaching out, and we understand it takes a lot to talk to other people about what you are going through. It's good you have friends you can talk to, and you can always reach out to us, as we're here 24/7 for youth in crisis. There is a couple other organizations we would like to share with you. If you text "NAMI" to 741741, you can text with a crisis worker for those times when you are having a panic attack or are struggling with how to deal with your mom. You also mentioned having harmed yourself in the past. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is another hotline you can reach out at anytime, and their number is 1-800-273-8255.

In regards to your fear of your mom possibly hitting you and the negative things she is saying to you, you absolutely do not deserve to be treated that way. If you are ever in fear for your safety, you should call the police at 911, and if your mom does physically harm you, you can file an abuse report by reaching out to ChildHelp at 1-800-422-4453. You can also contact us, and we can help you file an abuse report as well.

Our contact information is 1-800-RUNAWAY (786-2929); www.1800runaway.org (click on the chat button).

We’re here to listen and to help and hope you or your friend can reach out soon.

Take care,
NRS

[Guest]

I'm 17 years old. I don't know if this is the correct forum to be posting in for advice but i would appreciate anything. I am considering running away as an ultimate option. I am a senior in high school and I want to know what my options are for moving out, receiving aid and gaining any sort of legal and financial independence from my mother. she has put me in seriously abusive situations before and I almost committed suicide. I am LGBT and not christian. My mother took me to a christian service and told me homosexuality is a sin. I felt very unsafe and when I told her this, she belittled me and told me my opinions don't matter. She also recently brought in a grown man into the house without us knowing who he was or without her meeting him face to face and he stayed with us for a week. I told her this made me uncomfortable because we didn't know who he was and she yelled at me and once again told me that my feelings don't matter. I have already been accepted into a few colleges to go to for the fall so I'm set there. Until then, what options do I have and what should I be considering? I do not want to remain legally obligated to her if my feelings and opinions do not matter to her. I feel like she's acting very irresponsible.
Thank You.

[ccsmod10]

Thank you for reaching out to us and telling us your story. It sounds like you are going through a very difficult time right now and we hope to be able to help you out. You mentioned wanting to know how you can leave home before turning 18. The easiest way to leave home is with your mom’s 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 mom. 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’re not legal experts here at NRS. Generally it’s not illegal to leave home, but your parents could file a runaway report, the police could get involved, and they could bring you home. The people you’re staying with could potentially get in trouble for having you stay there if your parents file a report.

Some police departments don’t accept runaway reports for 17 year olds, but the policies may vary by each department. You could consider calling your local nonemergency police department to ask about their policies. We also have legal aid resources here if you have specific questions about the laws in your state.

One service we can offer is to conference call with your parents. This way you could have a conversation with your parents but you would not be alone. For example, it may be hard for you to explain to mom about how you feel and why you want to leave. Sometimes those conversations go better in a conference call because we can advocate for you. If you want to reach us, you can chat with us anytime at 1800runaway.org or call us at 1-800-RUNAWAY. We’re here 24/7, and we are ready to listen and help however we can.

Stay safe
-NRS.

[Guest]

13 don't feel safe wanna live somewhere else but parents won't let me. they don't realize how they treat me.

[ccsmod13]

Hi there,

Thank you for taking the time to write us here at NRS. We want you to know that we are here as support to help you with figuring out your next steps in this difficult situation. Asking for help was really responsible and smart of you. We are sorry to hear things are so unstable at home. You deserve to live somewhere that makes you feel safe and supported.

At 13 you are still considered a minor which means that your parents can decide where you live and they are legally responsible for you. However, you do have the right to get the support that you need and make a report if there is abuse at home. Child Help is the national child abuse hotline (1-800-422-4453 ; childhelphotline.org) and they help young people who do not feel safe or cared for at home. Child Help can help you make a report to get a social worker involved as well as intervene to make sure you are safe. Your school might also have a support system for you as well. You can talk to a counselor or a school social worker about how you have been feeling at home. The more people who know your situation, the better they can support you.

We are also available 24/7 to listen and help as much as possible. Please do not hesitate to call us at 1-800-786-2929 or use our live chat services at www.1800runaway.org to talk more about your situation at home and explore your options.

Be safe,
NRS

[Guest]

I have been emotionally abused and I'm 17 years old and can't do anything to get out of here.

[ccsmod13]

Hi there,

Thanks for contacting NRS 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 with figuring out your next steps in this difficult situation. Asking for help was really responsible and smart of you. We are sorry to hear things are so unstable at home. You deserve to live somewhere that makes you feel safe and supported.

There is an organization called Child Help which advocates for young people and helps find ways to have trusted adults intervene. Perhaps reaching out to talk more about the abuse at home and explore options such as making a child abuse report will provide you with support. You can contact them at 1-800-422-4453 or go to childhelphotline.org. Having a support system as you navigate this challenging time is really important. We encourage you to reach out to family members, friends, and a counselor at school to have a safe place to talk about the situation at home and build your support network.

If you do decide that leaving is your best option, running away is not illegal and you would not face any legal consequences. In the event you leave home without permission your parents can report you as a runaway. Running away is a status offense which means your parents can have the police return you home if they know where you are staying. Runaway laws can vary by state and county. Some counties do not take runaway reports for someone who is close to turning 18. You can call the non-emergency line for your local police department to ask about their protocol and find out if you would be returned home.

We are here 24/7 to listen and help as much as possible. Please do not hesitate to reach out again (1-800-786-2929; live chat at 1800runaway.org) if you would like to talk more in-depth about your situation. We truly want to be a support for you while you decide on your next steps.

We wish you the best and stay safe,
NRS

[Guest]

I'm 13 years old and I live with my single mother, she's extremely controlling and micromanages me a lot. I'm also scared of her, she yells at me if I say something dumb and I don't like having conversations with her because they usually end up with her being angry at me. Even though I tell her that I can do things myself she always says that I'm wrong or that she does everything better anyway but she also yells at me for not doing anything to help her even though she's never taught me how to, which makes me really confused and annoyed. (It's to the point where she picks out my clothes for me and even washes my hair and brushes my teeth herself!) I couldn't imagine what my mother would do if she knew how I felt about her though. I heard her telling one of her friends over the phone that she thinks yelling is a good way to teach children and that if their scared then they listen.But I have no idea what to do about my situation.

[ccsmod7]

Hi there, thanks for reaching out today.

Sounds like things at home with your mom are taking a toll on you. That has to be frustrating to feel like everything you are doing is wrong and to be yelled at so much. Here at NRS, we truly want to be a support for you during this difficult time.

If you haven't already, you might try to let your mom know about how the yelling is affecting you, and what type of communication you would prefer. You mentioned that your scared of your mom, you might try to include a supportive adult in on the conversation if it is too difficult to talk to her alone. If your dad is in the picture, or any supportive family members or if you have a counselor you might include them in on the conversation as well. If it is possible for you or an adult to advocate to your mom for family therapy, it could help you all stop the toxic communication going on at home. We have those resources here if you would like to call or chat us. We also have a conference call service if you would like to have a mediated conversation with your mom to hash out issues at home.

Please do not hesitate to call or chat us if you would like to talk in more detail or if you need any resources. 1-800-RUNAWAY; www.1800runaway.

Good Luck,

NRS

[Guest]

Well I'm 17 years old going to turn 18 in two more months and graduating in 4 more months my mom wants to leave before I turn 18 I don't have a ride back to the place I feel safe can I call the cops and tell them that I don't feel safe could they removed me to where I feel safe

[ccsmod1]

Hey there,

Thanks so much for reaching out and sharing a little bit about what’s been going on, we know that it takes a lot of courage. It must be really hard to live in a home with so much tension. We aren't legal experts here at NRS but if your mom does kick you out it can be considered neglect and you have the right to report it is you so choose. 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.

If you are in need of transportation you may want to look into public transit options, uber or cab or ask a family member or friend. You can also try calling out to your local United Way by dialing 211 to see if there are any agencies near you that offer transportation assistance.

If you’d like to go over what’s going on in depth, or if you’d like to explore other options that you may have available to you, please don’t hesitate to call us at 1-800-RUNAWAY. You can also chat us by clicking on the “CHAT” button on top of our homepage. We’re open 24/7 and here to listen and support you in any way we can.

Stay safe,
NRS

[Guest]

Hi, I’m 12 years old. My parents are divorced and I don’t ever feel safe in either one. When I’m with my mother she always threatens me and puts her hands up like she wants to hurt me. She always tells me I’m lucky she doesn’t hate me even though she says she hates me more than she says she loves me. My stepdad threatens to hurt me all the time. In my dads house, my step mom doesn’t treat anyone right and is constantly mean to me. Her boys do a lot of drugs. Sometimes they call the police because they physically beat each other up. I just don’t feel safe. I have thought about self harm constantly. And, I always find myself looking out my window thinking if it would kill me or not. I want to die so much, but I’m scared to jump. I have many other family to talk/live with but my parents would never let me leave. Does anyone have suggestions on how I can leave the soonest? I’m desperate!
( I forgot to add that my mom and stepdad have a really bad drinking problem and their always fighting, and keep in mind they never physically abused me )

[ccsmod6]

Hello –

Thank you for contacting us here at the National Runaway Safeline. We understand that it takes great courage to reach out. We are sorry to hear about the way you have been treated at home.

It is totally understandable that you would feel helpless at home given how your parents and step-parents treat you. However, life is worth living, and your reaching out to us shows you have a great deal of courage and are willing to fight. A great resource to reach out to if you are having suicidal thoughts is the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.

Another option is to call the National Child Abuse Hotline. You can reach them at 1-800-422-4453. You can call them anonymously to learn about the abuse reporting process, or directly report abuse to this line. They are a good resource for talking through your options if there is verbal/mental abuse going on at home. If you no longer feel safe at home it may be a good idea to reach out to Child Protective Services in your area to discuss alternative living situations.

You can also call into our 24/7 hotline at 1-800-RUNAWAY (786-2929) if you would like to explore your other options. It may help to discuss more about your specific situation and help us be able to determine some ways to help your living situation.

One of the services we offer as an organization is our conference call service. This conference call service is a moderated conversation between you, a member of the NRS, and your parents. In this conversation you set the guidelines and goals in order to have a productive conversation that can improve your conditions at home.

We hope the information provided helps. Remember we are available 24/7 and can be toll-free reached at the number listed above. We are confidential, anonymous, and non-direct. We can also be reached via live chat.

Best Wishes
~NRS

[Guest]

Hi I’m 13 about to be 14 and my parents can't stand me anymore (feeling is mutual) and I'm done with my dad hitting me, threatening me and my mom telling me how much I am a piece of crap and worthless and telling me she’s trying to get rid of me.

[ccsmod4]

Hello,

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). You do not deserve to be abused by your parent’s and it is not your fault that they are doing this to you. NRS is here to listen and here to help.

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 want you to know that we are here to support you during this most difficult time. We can also help you to file a report if that’s the route you are considering. If you feel at risk or in any danger, please seek emergency assistance by dialing 9-1-1.

Please be safe and take care,
NRS

[Guest]

My parents verbally abuse me and call me worthless, piece of s**t, dumb, etc. My mom also turns to physical agression like hitting, choking, and kicking me when I do something she doesn't like. Both my parents always tell me that they don't want or need me at our house. My mom has kicked me out before and also has tried to kick me out by making me call my grandparents to come get me so I can go with them, but then threatened to report me as a runaway to the police even though she told me to leave. Can she even do that? I don't feel wanted or loved at my house and my parents always tell me I'm the outcast of the family and make it clear that they care more about my little sister because she is a better daughter than me (something my mom always conveys or directly tells me to my face). I honestly want to go live with my grandparents but my mom keeps threatening to report me to the police if I go with them and I don't want to go to juvie. I honestly don't know what to do and I feel so lost.

[ccsmod4]

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 sounds like you’re quite overwhelmed by things at home right now and you mentioned 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. 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 (like your grand parents) or someone you trust as far as transferring custody.
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.

Be safe,
NRS

[Guest]

Ok long story shortened, I just turned 13 a few days ago and I live with my mom and brother. My family isn’t the wealthiest but like I’m decent at the moment I guess. My mom doesn’t have a job and she rarely ever did. My dad and grandma (most grandma) gets me everything. We stayed with my grandma a lot cause my dad would kick us out and change the lock on the door. He would also hit us sometimes and break things. Once he got really mad for I don’t reminder why (few years ago)and then we had to leave and we just stayed at my grandmas house for like a year or ate last a bit of a while till my mom could get a place. I’ve always not been good at sleeping and my dad would hit me when I didn’t sleep. We moved and I thought things would get better but they didn’t. Me and my mom would fight a lot before we moved. Like I mentioned I’m not good at sleeping, resulting in me being bad at waking up. My mom would get my and threaten to kick me out.

[ccsmod0]

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


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[Guest]

Hi
I dont feel safe in my home I'm living in,
im 11 years old my stepdad and mom constantly argue and fight my mom drinks occasional and my stepdad drinks every day and gets drunk and abuses me my little sister and mom...at this point my mom is giving up and we have no money..my medical Bill's are crazy high and my real dad helps to pay but i dont see him much hes always working and lives in a apartment..I've been diagnosed with depression and anxiety its okay to show you are scared and worried but I'm also bipolar..we cant afford medications to help me I've missed 43 days of school..its so hard for me to get caught up I hate every night I walk in my house worried one day my mom will be dead or my stepdad will be crazy drunk and abuse me I hate living my life this way I hope it gets better as I get older and have more freedom...its the weekend most people have a nice time I'm trying to get school work done and I pass my grade but I all couldn't I got left home alone for 4 hours I had no clue where everybody went I was worried sick...my mom,sister, stepdad decided to celebrate valentine's day by going go the cinemas I wasnt even invited..then I was very upset and started yelling and getting very annoyed on why they didnt invite me..late on around 6 pm my stepdad leaves to go to the bar...come completely trashed and his cousin came over and assumed mom was cheating on him which she wasnt...he comes over to see how where doing and gives us some money for food or brings us food from the store If my moms out of gas...anyways my stepdad was drunk and saying I was a mistake and I'm the boss of the house and I'm a stupied kid...that's when it hit me most I laughed and said some pretty mean stuff to him..this is every night I'm used to this by now it's still makes me feel uncomfortable living my life in this household.. I understand life is hard and theres karma but I get abused and i need help getting my work done but my stepdad controls my actions it makes me sick that I get suicidal and sad I've never told anybody but I think I should..

[ccsmod0]

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 sounds like you’re quite overwhelmed by things at home right now. It sounds like you’re fearing that the situation may end in suicide if things don’t change. Your safety and well-being is important. If you are at risk of any danger or feeling unsafe, we encourage you to reach out to 911 or seek emergency assistance immediately. 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.
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. Child Help USA 1-800-422-4453 www.childhelp.org is an organization that helps protect minors from being harmed. They can tell you more about how CPS could respond to your situation. If you ever need assistance calling out to CPS to make an abuse or neglect report please call is at 1-800-RUNAWAY.
Often, having a safe space to share how you’re feeling may bring a variety of solutions previously not thought of. Suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary problem. This may be an isolating and lonely time for you, but 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 call or chat soon. Our contact information is 1-800-RUNAWAY (786-2929); www.1800runaway.org (click on the chat button).
We hope to hear from you soon.
Be safe and stay strong,
NRS

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[Guest]

I’m 12, 13 in a little while, and I really can’t stand being at home anymore. I don’t exactly understand what I’m going through personally. Ever since I was 6/7 I have been arguing with my mother, but as I got older they got more and more constant, and more and more upsetting. The fights are over ridiculous things like maybe I won’t log off the laptop in time, but it can be a little slow, or I might have my elbows on the table when eating at a restaurant and other things like when other people around, I get told I’m showing off, and get told off in front of my friends most of the time. When around other people my mum acts like an angel with me, and honestly, I play along as it’s the only time she ever will care. My mum has grabbed me once before by my arm, it was in a car on the way back from a camping trip and she dug her nails into my arm, and where she dragged her nails down my arm, I bled a little bit. A couple months later she hitunched my middle back leaving a large bruise, as I looked in the mirror. Our arguments are viscous and though I never admit what she wants to hear unless she really is right, she blames almost everything on me. Most days in Christmas half term after Christmas Day she didn’t feed me, as time went on, she sometimes says to me, ‘make yourself some cereal for dinner’ as she doesn’t want to Cook for me. My father has now joined in the arguments, and they are even more truly terrifying now, then before. Please give me some advice and maybe you can analyse what the situation is and how I should move forward.

Many thanks.

[ccsmod15]

Hi,

Thanks so much for reaching out. It sounds like you’re going through a really hard time with your parents, particularly your mother. It can’t be easy to ask for help, but it’s the first step towards things getting better, so congratulations on taking that step. It sounds like things are hard and painful right now, but you’ve shown a lot of courage reaching out to us today. You must be a very strong person.

If your mother has been hitting you or hurting you physically in any way, that constitutes abuse and you have the right to report it. We understand completely if that’s something you don’t want to do, but it’s important to know you have the option. If you would like any help with that process, or simply want to talk about it with someone, please don’t hesitate to call our hotline at 1-800-786-2929. To talk more specifically about abuse and abuse reporting, you can call Child Help at 1-800-422-4453. If you’d rather not talk on the phone, you can try our chat service at www.1800runaway.org or the Child Help chat at www.childhelp.org.

Thanks again for reaching out and, please, don’t hesitate to give us a call if you ever want to talk about this stuff further. Someone is always here to listen and to help. We hope to hear from you soon.

NRS