I'm a 14 year old girl, and I want to runaway

[Gibbons]

I am a 14 year old girl. Back about over a year ago, I was extremely depressed and my family was bankrupt and we lived in a trailer. We're okay now and my family never knew about my depression. My father is 40 and my stepmother is 20. My mother left me and my father when I was 8. My stepmother moved in the next day. She is over controlling and makes me pick up after everyone in this house. She also yells at me over little things. If I argue I get back handed. They both smoke marijuana all the time. Even when they are driving. I cause arguments between them all of the time. My stepmother uses my mother and my aunt as an example of pathetic.if i argue my father tells me how much i act like my mother. i always feel pathetic for ever thinking im better than them. My mom had a teen pregnacy and a drug issue. she is 45 nd a waitress. I'm not appreciated here. Not for my straight A's or good job on the house. I'm not allowed to do sports or touch the internet because they do not trust me. I want a better life. There's a town 300 miles away I want to go to. My grandparents live there and I'm familiar with the community i have my only bit of support there. I need a ride and a second chance of happiness. Please help me.

[ccsmod6]

RE: I'm a 14 year old girl, and I want to runaway

Hello,

Thank you for reaching out to us here at the National Runaway Safeline. From what you shared, it sounds like home life has been overwhelmingly stressful with all of the responsibility you have and the demands from your stepmother. It seems that the types of things your father and stepmother do causes you to want to argue with them. You mentioned that if you argue you get “back handed.” We are sorry you are experiencing this. You do not deserve to be mistreated in any way. Sometimes it may be helpful to have someone meet with your family to talk about what is going on and find some ways to improve your situation. It is your right to contact police or child protective services if you ever feel threatened or in danger. If you needed help contacting child protective services to make a report of abuse, we can help you with that. We can also discuss with you more about how child protective services and other agencies may be able to provide you with some help.

It sounds like staying with your grandparents is something you feel would help you feel supported and closer to happiness. You mentioned needing a ride, however, we are unable to provide that for you. Is there any way your grandparents would be able to come get you if your father gave you permission to stay with them? How would you feel asking your father to go and live with your grandparents? Please know that we are here to listen to your story and help in any way we are able to. We can help you explore some of your options as well as ways to improve your situation at home. If you would like to talk more about what your situation, please reach out by phone or chat. Our phone number is 1-800-RUNAWAY (786-2929) and our chat is available through our website www.1800runaway.org.

We look forward to your call or chat.

Be safe and take care,

NRS