What am I supposed to do?

[Guest]

I live with my mom and stepdad(and 6 younger siblings). I'm 17 and I want to move in with my friend. Her parents understand my situation and told me to move in already. I haven't asked my mom bc I know she will say no. My stepdad is always mentally abusice as physical sometimes. But he's just a horrible person and my mom protects him and says he isn't. Also I'm always baby sitting my younger siblings anytime I'm not in school and I can't do it anymore. Anyone want to help me find a way to have my mom let me go??

[ccsmod2]

Thank you for reaching out to National Runaway Safeline. We are very sorry to hear that your step dad is mentally and physically abusive. Abuse is never okay, and you don’t deserve to be treated that way. You do have the option of reporting the abuse, you could contact talk to someone that you trust such as a school teacher or counselor. Child Help (1-800-422-4453) is a great resource that you could contact for options on reporting abuse and transferring custody to another family member or close friend. It sounds like you are thinking of moving in with a friend. Running away is not illegal but since you are under 18, your parents have the right to file a runaway report. With a runaway report, if the police find you they would return you home to your parents. There is a possibility that your friend’s parents would get in trouble for harboring a runaway if your parents decide to press charges. However, some police do not accept runaway reports for 17 year olds. You could contact your local police non-emergency number and ask them if they accept runaway reports for 17 year olds. If you don’t feel comfortable calling yourself, we could call the police for you. Please feel free to contact us directly through our 24 hour crisis hotline (1-800-786-2929), email, or live chat.