Can my step-dad hit me?

[Guest]

Dose my step dad have the right to hit me for being "disrespectful" or not doing what he asked

[ccsmod10]

Hey there,
Thanks for reaching out to NRS! It takes courage to tell us a bit about what’s going on at home. It is definitely not okay for your step-dad to hit you, regardless if he said you were being disrespectful or not doing what he asked. You should never be hit. We’re so sorry you’re going through that at home. You don't deserve to be hurt in any way. You’re 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. NRS is able to conference call with you if you need help making the abuse report, or we can make one for you.
Talking to school counselors and teachers about what’s going on at home could provide you with great support. You are not alone in this. You are always welcome to call into our 24/7 crisis center, or use our chatting services via our website. So the best way to tell us everything would be to just call into our hotline and talk to one of our trained liners.
Be safe, NRS

[Guest]

that is nice to know ill keep that in mind!

[Guest]

So today after school, my step dad just went ballistic. He got angry because I had to small clothes under my bed. After trying to explain he gets frustrated, then says, "i'm taking all your stuff." (Meaning my phone, tv, collectables, blah blah.) I was frustrated. He then told me to go bring the trash in from the driveway, so I went in my closet, got my shoes, and stormed off. He then runs out of my room, pushes me against a wall, thenscreams, "Oh you wanna have an attitude huh?" And he's holding me up by my shirt, and is choking me. It last for about 25 seconds, and I'm crying, and trying to say, "I can't breathe." He then lets me go, then I walk downstairs where my mother is. I ask her for the key to our backyard, (So I can take the trash can back there) and she says, "Fix your face, wipe your tears, and stop acting like you can't breathe." I'm tryina tell her that, he husband, just choked me, and I couldn't breathe, so breathing right now is hard. She responds, "Maybe you should have cleaned your room better!" This is the 2nd time this is happen, but my mother has never actually seen him choke me, and I don't wanna say this, but I am kind of scared for my life. I honestly rather be at school right now.

[ccsmod2]

Hello There,

Thank you for reaching out to The National Runaway Safeline, we are here to help and here to listen. It sounds like you are going through a really difficult situation right now. You should never have to feel unsafe in your home. What you have described could be a form of abuse. If you would like to make an abuse report you can call The Child Help Line at- 1800-422-4453. We know that sometimes making abuse reports can be scary if you would like our help you can call us at any time and we would be happy to help you. If you feel like you are in danger you can always call 911, and an officer would be able to help you. You could consider talking to your mother in private about what has been happening and how you are feeling unsafe. We know that having these conversations can be scary, at NRS we offer conference calling. With conference calling you call us and we can call out to your mother. With conference calling we help provide support and help mediate the conversation. Another option could be to talk to your school counselor about what is going on, sometimes talking to a professional can help us feel better.
We hope this information will be helpful in your situation. If you have any other questions or would like to talk more about what is going on please feel free to give us a call we are here 24/7. We wish you the best of luck and remember to please stay strong!
NRS

[Guest]

I'm 38 I can't fight my step dad cause of my mom's heart condition from copd and I'm afraid of I get on him I won't stop from doing more then hurt him and not know it plz help

[ccsmod6]

Thank you for reaching to the National Runaway Safeline. It sounds like you’re going through a difficult and precarious situation. It might be a good idea to brainstorm ways to remove yourself from whatever the situation so that you have time to cool yourself down to a place where you can make effective decisions. If you or someone in your household are struggling with mental health issues, it might be a good idea to reach out to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) at 1-877-726-4727. If you feel like you or your mother are in any immediate danger, we encourage you to call out to 911. Unfortunately, we are a youth in crisis hotline so our services are tailored to those up to age 21.

Best of luck and take care,
NRS

[Guest]

So today after school, my step dad just went ballistic...

My stepdad did the same thing a couple weeks ago only after i pushed him off and got away he chased me into my room and i had to punch and kick to get him off. Then I got blamed for it happening... -_-

[ccsmod9]

Thank you for your response to another user’s post. Often forums are a place of support and understanding for many youth. It often may be validating and helpful for users to read similar situations as well as exchange feedback to one another. For anyone experiencing any difficulties or challenges, the National Runaway Safeline encourages youth to reach out to our 24/7 crisis support line either by phone or chat for immediate services. You can always reach out to us at (800)786-2929 or online through our chat options at www.1800runaway.org . We hope to hear from you.
Thank you, NRS

[Guest]

my step dad said he gonna punch me right in my chest every time i mess or dont make it home on time and if i tell anyone my mom and him said im lying and will beat me harded i need help but they dont let me near electronics because of what ill do this is a school computer by the way and im not allowed to leave the basement and im not allowed to eat at home only school and weekends

[ccsmod9]

Thanks for reaching out to NRS we appreciate you reaching out to us. Our hope is to provide you with the resources and tools to help you make a decision in your current situation.
From what we gather about your situation is that your step father has been both verbally and physically abusing you. We are sorry to hear that and want you to know that you should never be hurt or put down in any manner. Please know this is abuse and you have a right to file a report and to tell someone you can trust. From what it sounds like your step dad has been threatening you about if you tell someone he would hurt you but please know that if you were to report to the cops they would immediately take you away from the situation at hand and place you with other members of the family. An organization that can help with reporting and helping you more in depth is Child Help. They are an organization that deal with child abuse and reporting. They can help you sort out the situation and get you to a safe place.
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,
NRS

[Guest]

[QUOTE=Guest;n55382]So today after school, my step dad just went ballistic.
I told my step dad to leave me alone and he threw me downstairs and my back hit the vent i was bleeding and he started choking me and wouldn't let go until my sister threatened to call the cops my parents didn't let me go to school because i looked like i got hit by a car and they feared id tell the cops but im scared they will hurt me even worse i have to carry my pocket knife around the house to feel semi safe

[ccsmod9]

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 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. We unfortunately cannot give advice as we are non-directive. You know your situation best
We hope to hear from you soon.
Be safe,
NRS

[Guest]

Yesterday, my step dad asked me for 3 big batteries and i was looking for them,then i found them and i asked if they were the right ones and then he said to look the three batteries, but i had the right ones, then. I gave them to him and then he thought that i was having attitude, but it was just a question, he grabbed me from my shirt and dragged me to my room, he got to the floor and started punching me and left me a busted lip, then he took my phone away and my mom pulled him off of me, today im scared to go home because he will beat me up again and he is mad at me for no reason please help me

[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. It sounds like you’re quite overwhelmed by things at home right now and you mentioned being really hurt by your stepdad yesterday. 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. If you call or chat us, we can look for runaway and homeless youth shelters near you if you need to get to a safe place and cannot go home. Please call or chat for those resources: 1-800-RUNAWAY; www.1800runaway.org. 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 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 or call 1-800-RUNAWAY. You are not alone.

Be safe,

NRS

[Guest]

My mom and stepdad and I always fight my parents abuse me and my sisters and one of them has autism and my mom onetime threw her against the door because she screamed and I yelled at her for doing it and she hit me and so did my stepdad and I hit them back and my stepdad drug me off our bunk bed and held me in restraints so my mom could hit me without being hurt and so my nana came and I stayed a week with her and these fights happen all the time I had to call the cops on them like two days ago

[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. It sounds like you’re quite overwhelmed by things at home right now and you mentioned you and your sister being seriously 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 mentioned having to do that 2 days ago, that must have been another really hard experience. You seem incredibly resilient for going through this. 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 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.

We hope to hear from you soon.

Be safe,

NRS

[Guest]

Hi my step dad threatened too hit me so much I would be disabled , and I was wondering if it is ok to call 911 or cps if this scenario ever happens , my step dad has a criminal history and is very angry and violent so if this happens I need to know what I should do

[ccsmod13]

Hello,

You mentioned some things that raise concern for your safety and well-being. Physical threats and harm are never okay. You deserve to feel safe where you live. You can call 911 if you feel you are in danger and need emergency services. If any harm or abuse is happening at home, you have the right to report it. The National Child abuse hotline can help give you more information about abuse reporting and help you file a report. They can be contacted at 1-800-422-4453 or childhelp.org. We are also available 24/7 to listen and support you. Please do not hesitate to reach out to us by phone at 1-800-786-2929 or chat at 1800runaway.org.

Please be safe and reach out soon so that we may help.

Take care,
NRS

[Guest]

Yeah so my stepdad is hella mean he gets mad over the dumbest reasons today sorry just a couple minutes ago he shoved me hard and saying I don’t respect when I do honestly it confuses me on how he thinks that’s ok personally I think it was cause he was drinking but that still makes me mad that he would even do that I’m honestly really tempted to leave and go to my grandparents when everybody’s asleep but idk tbh what should I do

[ccsmod10]

Thank you for telling us your story and reaching out. It can be difficult telling others what has happened to you and you are strong for doing so. We want you to know that no one deserves to be abused, and you should not have to go through that. If you haven’t already, you could consider reporting the abuse you’ve been experiencing. If you want more information about abuse reporting or if you want to file a report, you could call Child Help at 1-800-422-4453.

Running away is a big decision and it can be very stressful to figure out what you want to do. 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. Your grandparents could potentially get in trouble for having you stay there if your parents did not give you permission to do so.

. It can be difficult to manage situations like this and you don’t have to do it alone. If you don’t feel safe and feel like you need to get away Nationalsafeplace.org provides a safe location for you to meet a staff member who can take you to a designated place where you can discuss all options about how to stay safe. You can text 44357 the word “safe,” and your location to find a safe location in your area. Once you arrive let someone who works there know you need help connecting with a staff member.

Again, thank you for contacting us. It sounds like you’ve been going through a really hard time, but you’ve shown a lot of strength by working through these challenges and reaching out for help. If you would like to share more, please feel free to call our 24 hour hotline at 1-800Runaway (786-2929) or use our live chat. We hope this information was helpful and take care.

[Guest]

My step gets me so mad and he hits me all the time I'm tired of it .

[ccsmod9]

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 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. We unfortunately cannot give advice as we are non-directive. You know your situation best
We hope to hear from you soon.
Be safe,
NRS

[Guest]

Is it bad if my step dad punches me because the amount of bruises on my body because of him it’s bad

[ccsmod13]

Hi there,

Thank you for reaching out to NRS. Asking for help is the right thing to do. Home is supposed to be somewhere safe and you do not deserve to be hit. Abuse of any kind is never okay and your step dad should not be treating you like that. You deserve to feel safe and cared for.

You know what is best for you and what steps you would like to take in this situation. One option you do have is to report what is going on. Making a report to child protective services. would mean that a social worker would come to your house to decide if home is safe for you. The social worker would be an advocate for you and their job is to help you. You can contact the national child abuse hotline at 1-800-422-4453 or www.childhelphotline.org if you want to talk more about making a report or options for addressing the issue of your step dad hurting you. Talking to an adult you trust can also help with this. A teacher or a school counselor are mandated reporters which means that if you tell them about being punched they will file a report for you.

We are here to help and want to brainstorm possible options with you. We are confidential and ready to listen 24/7. Please reach out anytime by phone at 1-800-786-2929 or you can use our online chat at 1800runaway.org.

Be safe,
NRS

[Guest]

When my step dad was sleeping i stole 20$ from his wallet then found i got grounded you know the drill then after school the next day my step came to me and hes like you want to steal from me huh huh and im like ok im sorry then hews like next time you do im gonna take you in the back yard and were gonna fightand if you hit back were just gonna fight and your mom is not gonna care

[ccsmod15]

Hey there, thank you for reaching out to us at National Runaway Safeline! It is very brave and independent of you to be doing this amid your situation, and we can tell that you are strong and are looking for answers to some pretty serious questions. We are here to help and support you, and you are not alone.
You do not deserve to be treated this way by your step dad, and your mom should not leave you alone in this situation. Physical abuse is never okay, and your step dad will be liable for his actions. If you are interested, please call in to our hotline 1-800-RUNAWAY, and we can help you more. One option that may help is filing an abuse report, which is up to you if you want to go through with. Also, we are mandated reporters, which means that if you give us identifying information, such as your full name, your abuser’s full name, and your address or telephone number, we are required to make that abuse report. It is definitely up to you whether or not you want to report, however. What you can do on your end, if you have a phone to call, is contact Child Help, or the National Child Abuse Hotline, at 1-800-422-4453, or childhelp.org, and tell them what is going on and see if they can make an abuse report for you.
We want to make sure you are taking care of yourself in this situation, and have a way to cope. If you need to talk to someone, please call our hotline, 1-800-RUNAWAY. We can help you work through your situation, find a plan, and if you are interested, find someone to talk too based on what you need. We might be able to find therapy or help groups in your area for you, we can help you look for shelters in your area, and we can look for other resources. If you are looking for a safe place right away, National Safe Place is reachable by texting SAFE and your location to 44357, or on nationalsafeplace.org.
In cases of abuse it may be hard to work your way out. An option for you may be to tell your mom what your step dad said to you. Another option may be to tell someone at school, a school counselor, an adult, teacher, friend, family member, or someone you trust. Many adults in our lives have mandated reporter roles as well, and it is okay to ask.
Again, we’re really glad that you reached out to us. It takes a lot to ask for help and you are trying to figure out your options which is really good to see. If you would like to talk further about your situation, please do not hesitate to call or chat with us. We’re here to listen, here to help.