I'm 12 and I want to run Away.

[Guest]

Hi I’m 13 I want to Run Away With My Best Friend

The reason that I want to run away is because my family is difficult sometimes they yell at each other and my dad whenever he is on the phone he yells so loud it’s so annoying and my sister is mean and calls me negative words that I don’t like to hear even tho my mom try’s to help me she always sometimes doesn’t understand what I’m going through in school and I feel really bad.My friend wants to run away for the same reasons so we are planning to save money over $800 and leave our house we might leave on July 5th and I feel scared to leave my family because my dad might have a heart attack like the last time my mom got mad at him and I’m trying to protect me my friend and my family..

[ccsmod1]

Hey there,

Thanks so much for contacting us, it takes a lot of courage to reach out and share your story. It must be really hard to live in a home with so much tension - you shouldn't have to be around so much yelling and you deserve to b treated with respect. Sometimes it can be helpful to work with others to help improve communication between you and your family. If you'd like, you can call us directly at 1-800-RUNAWAY and we can do a conference call with your parents to help mediate the conversation. You can also look out for other ways to get support when advocating for yourself. This could be in the form of a school social worker/counselor, family counseling, family member or a trusted family friend. Running away is a big decision and it can be very stressful to figure out what you want to do.

It’s important to consider all the possibilities that can occur if you leave home. You will need to plan out how you will cover basic necessities like travel, food, clothing, etc. If you have a place to go in mind, it’s good to see what the expectations of the living arrangement will be like; rules, the amount of time you’re allowed to stay, if you’re expected to contribute financially, etc. This can all influence your decision to leave.

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.

All the best,
NRS

[Guest]

i'm twelve and i want to run away from home. before i was born i had a older sister that was born and a mom and dad. then i was born and then my dad left my mom and my sister died. kindergarten through sixth grade i was bullied everyday and i would get blamed for things other people did, and i took the blame. now i get into fights because i guess im just naturally hated by a lot of people. my grandparents adopted me, but they never let me live my life. im not that picky but they have the nastiest food, i hardly go shopping for new clothes so i always wear my worn out shoes and leggings and a sweatshirt with a pajama top underneath. now my mom has recently come back into my life. shes amazing. but thats the catch. sometimes she just leaves in the middle of the night. and she doesnt talk to me. she doesnt ask about my day or gives me a hug sometimes. she can be so amazing but she can be so cold. i didnt even do anything. she just leaves at the worst moments. and when i do want to talk to her she is always on the phone and i dont trust her because she tells everything to her boyfriend that i dont trust because you never know if they might breakup or something. aside from bulling at school, home - life, and just life in general, i threatened to run away. everyone makes fun of me on my instagram ( olivianniejuliet - instagram ) im ugly, i have no friends, people only comment nice things only because they were dared to or something. im not sure what to do at this point.

[ccsmod2]

Hi, thank you for reaching out to us at NRS. It sounds like things have been pretty difficult not just at home, but also at school and in your social life. It’s hard to go through so many losses so early on in life: your sister, your dad, and only seeing your mom sporadically. It’s understandable that experiences like that can then make it difficult to form new social relationships or feel comfortable in other parts of your life. While we aren’t sure what you have tried yet, some people find it helpful to talk through experiences like this with a trained professional, like a counselor. Most schools have a counselor who is available to talk about issues like this; however, considering the fact that you might be out for summer break, you can also find local counseling agencies through samhsa.gov or by calling (877) 726-4727.
Another website that might be helpful for you is called The Bully Project: www.thebullyproject.com where you can read or share stories, get suggestions, or get support for what you’re going through. Please know that we are always available, as well, to talk further about your situation. We are open 24/7 and completely confidential: (800) 786-2929. You are not alone and do not need to go through this by yourself.
Best of luck,
NRS

[Guest]

Hi I’m 12 and I want to runaway from my mom not because I’m scared of her becase I just can’t live in a situation where she is always screaming at me and act dumb,not using her money wisely,and it’s just so HARD I can’t live with her.But I don’t know how to runaway if I have no MONEY,or a place to stay,I DONT want to go back to a shelter so now what...

[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. We want you to know that we are here as support to help you through this challenging time. We cant say for certain there are other ways of surviving but what we can say is if you are being abused please know I f it. 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]

I am 12 years old and i wanna run away.



Hi. My family has treated me like a piece of trash, make me smell smoke, and smash beer cans their way.
My 2 best friends want to go with me and we are planning on leaving after the summer. but im not sure if i can get a job and get education.
Please help.

[ccsmod1]

Hey there,

Thanks so much for contacting us, it takes a lot of courage to reach out and share your story. It must be really hard to live in a home with so much tension. You shouldn't have to be subjected to smoke and beer cans. Running away is a big decision and it can be very stressful to figure out what you want to do.

It’s important to consider all the possibilities that can occur if you leave home. You will need to plan out how you will cover basic necessities like travel, food, clothing, etc. If you have a place to go in mind, it’s good to see what the expectations of the living arrangement will be like; rules, the amount of time you’re allowed to stay, if you’re expected to contribute financially, etc. Generally speaking, most employers will not hire minors and if they do they will require work permits - this can very from state to state and business to business. This can all influence your decision to leave.

If you do opt to leave home or find yourself to be homeless you still have the right to your education under what’s called the McKinney-Vento act. This act guarantees you the right to stay in your original school and be provided transportation to and from school (to the extent possible), enrollment in a school in your area, receive free school meals and to receive services like educational supports and basic needs. To find out more about how to take advantage of the McKinney-Vento act we suggest calling your school directly.

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]

I'm 12...and my mother is constantly screaming and yelling. Its so peaceful till she gets home, full of negative energy. Shes saying ******** like is disrespect her, ignore her HIT HER! I HAVENT LAYED A HAND ON THAT ********ING WOMAN. I swear to God, she VERBALLY abuses me, guilt tricks me, I'm done with this ********ing bull********. Sorry about my language but sometimes I really want hold a gun to her head, shes been doing this since the divorce and making me do "manly" jobs. Yet complains that I dont dress feminine. Gee wonder why. And when she wants something, she acts all sweet. I'm sick of her. I want to move in with my dad. But I cant just leave my pets. Please help me. I'm at the point where I want to ********ing hold her at gun point.

[ccsmod1]

Hey there,

Thanks so much for contacting us, it takes a lot of courage to reach out and share your story. It must be really hard to live in a home with so much tension, it's not fair for your moth to demand so much of you. You deserve to live in a home when you feel safe and respected. It seems like your mother isn't listening when you tell her about your thoughts and feelings about the current situation. It could be a good idea to work with a local family counselor or have a conversation mediated by a trusted friend or family member to help clear the air. If you'd like, you can also call us directly and we can conduct a conference call with your mother so you have a safe environment where you can express yourself.

You brought up your desire to live with your dad. Sometimes moving from one parent to another can be sticky as there may be custody agreements at play. It would be a good idea to talk to your dad about what's happening at home and that you want to stay with him. This process may involve the court system and it may be helpful to contact a local legal aid group for more information or assisting with this process.

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 my name is Jahlarie I’m 11 and I want to run away cause I hate my home my sister hate me and wonts to kill me I feel like it’s best for me to run away where she can’t hurt me cause I can’t hit her or I will be just like her, so weeks later I have made my mind to run away it’s for the best I know that I will be happy but I will miss my love ones lots of things could happen to me that’s one thing that I know but if I don’t talk to many ppl than I won’t have to worry , if you ever think you should run away that you will need money, clothes , food , if you take medication then you will need the money for it and you can bring your last little bit of it so you can live till you have to buy more , make sure you have plenty of water , blankets, and if you want a pillow but I choose to use my bag that I’m carrying my stuff in ( thank for read, by ).

[ccsmod2]

Hi Jahlarie, thanks for reaching out to us at NRS. It sounds like it’s been really challenging living at home with your sister, and that it has gotten to the point where you have been worried about getting hurt or hurting her. Know that if you are ever feeling like you are in immediate danger of harm or hurting someone, you can always call 911. It sounds like you have made up your mind to leave home, though, so please know that we are always available to explore options for shelters or other resources that might be helpful to you while you are away. We are completely confidential and available 24/7: (800) 786-2929. While running away is not illegal (it’s technically considered a “status offense”), it may be important to know that if you do plan to stay with an adult, they could get in legal trouble for what’s called “harboring a runaway”. Alternatively, if there is an adult who you think your parent/legal guardian would allow you to stay with, there would not be any legal trouble. Everyone’s situation is different, so we always welcome to call us to talk it out further and see what’s best for you: (800) 786-2929.
-NRS

[Guest]

Hi im 12 years old and i wanna run away,

i do everything in our home my mom just sits on front of her computer with my stepfather and i would still be called a useless and lazy dumba*s i would do all the i could and my best in studying but it was never enough.i plan to leave with my bestfriend that is the same age as me we plan to get 2000 and leave enjoy atleast a day buy all we want and jump off a building.

[ccsmod7]

Thank you for reaching out to us at the National Runaway Safeline. It sounds like you are in a difficult situation, and we understand it takes courage to reach out for help. The National Runaway Safeline is located in the United States of America (USA). Our knowledge of helpful community based resources and our understanding of youth in crisis related laws is limited to the USA. If you are located in a country outside of the USA, you can use this link to find a youth helpline in or around your country: https://www.childhelplineinternation...pline-network/.

We hope that by reaching out to a local resource, you are able to get the support you need from an organization that understands the laws and circumstances that affect youth in your country.

[Guest]

hi im 12 years old and i want to run away my parents are hispanics and they wont let me out of their sight if i go to a friends house and they know them they would say let me come with you but i just want to talk with my friends and they choose what i have to wear but its my choice they wont let me live my life and my brother did the same thing but he went to my aunts house but my parents took away my phone and i have no one to let me stay in their house i just dont know what to do and im afraid what will be my punishment if they do find me i just want to be with my best friend phillip he helped me through some stuff even when i was going through family problems but now the school year is over and i miss him soo much and he was the one who protected me from the bullies but now he is gone. i have no choice but to run away

[ccsmod15]

Hi, thank you for reaching out to the National Runaway Safeline. It sounds like you feel your parents are too restrictive. It’s understandable that you’re frustrated about this, especially with your best friend gone. It may help if you can find someone else to talk to, like another friend, your brother, or a teacher or guidance counselor at school. You could also try talking to your parents about letting you make a few more of your own choices, like what you wear. Finally, you could tell them how much you miss Phillip and see if they’ll let you call or message him.

If you do decide to run away, please try to think about where you would go, how you would get there, and where you would get food. Please call us anytime if you have questions or need help at 1-800-RUNAWAY (1-800-786-2929) or chat with us online at www.1800runaway.org. Best of luck and stay safe.

[Guest]

My dad is always saying something bad about me. He is always calling me obese and diabetic. He also abuses me. Verbally and Physically. He slaps me. Punches me. And says I am a burden to his life. He never says he loves me. My mom is always telling me to calm down. But it is ruining my mental health. I start to do self harm. Break something, or show hate to my siblings. I have almost runaway. And I have enough money. Even though I'm eleven, I have a few hundred dollars. But I know if I get found, my dad would kill me. And he would never let me use my money. He never ever has even showed the slightest bit of love. Even though my mom loves me, she knows if she talks to him he would probably yell and not listen to her, and abuse me more. This has been going on for years and I can't take it anymore. If I try to explain myself, he either yells at me or slaps me. I want to cry every day. If I report he will lie and beat me up. I hate waking up each day and remembering he is my dad. I wosh that I was born into a good family. Please help me. I am having suicidal thoughts. And I think sometimes that if I didn't exist, there would be no problems. Please help me.

[ccsmod10]

Thank you for telling us your story. It can be difficult telling others what has happened in your life. You have shown great strength by reaching out for help. We want you to know your life is important and you don’t deserve to be abused, Reporting abuse may not always be the best option, but it can be a way to keep you safe. You could consider calling Child Help at 1-800-422-4453 anonymously and asking what can be done to keep you safe if you do decide to report the abuse.

You also mention having suicidal thoughts. We want you to know that you can always call the police right away if you feel you may be a harm to yourself or others. If suicide is an option you are seriously considering, or just want to talk about, you can call the National Suicide Hotline at 1-800-273-8255. We are open to talking about suicide as well, and you can trust that we will be nonjudgmental, non-directive (meaning we won’t tell you what to do), and supportive in your decisions.

It sounds like you have been going through a lot mentally and physically. If you’re not currently getting mental health resources, it can be really helpful to get treatment As your mental health suffers, you have -limited ability to handle the other stressors in your life. Smoking and drinking may help but those are only temporary fixes. You can contact the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) to connect you to mental health resources at 1-800-950-6264 or NAMI.org You may also want to talk to your school because they should have a counselor for you.
Running away is a big decision and it can be very stressful .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 harboring a runaway. 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.
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 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 strong

-NRS.

[ccsmod2]

Hello There,
Thank you for contacting The National Runaway Safeline, we are here to help and here to listen. Wow it seems like you are going through a really difficult time right now. Abuse is never okay and you do not deserve to be treated that way.
You can always report abuse by calling The Child Helpline at: 1800-422-4453, we know that sometimes making an abuse report can be scary if you would like our help please give us a call. Also if you ever feel in immediate danger please call 911 and a police officer will be able to help you.
One option you can consider is talking to a school counselor or a teacher about what is going on, sometimes talking to a professional can help you feel better. You also mentioned having suicidal thoughts, we want you to know that your life is valuable and you are worth living. If you ever need someone to talk to and listen you can always call us at 1800-786-2929. You can also call The National Suicide Prevention Line at: 1800-273-8255.
You also mentioned wanting to run away, we are not legal experts but we do have some knowledge on the laws. If you were to leave home without permission your parents do have the right to file a runaway report. If they were to file a runaway report and the police do find you if they thought it was safe for you to go back home they most likely would bring you back home.
We hope this information will be helpful to you in your situation if you have any other questions or would like to explore your options more please give us a call. We are here 24/7 to listen and here to provide support. We wish you the best of luck!
NRS

[Guest]

I’m 12 and I want to runaway from home. I’ve thought about the consequences. And everything. I don’t know where to go I just know that I want to runaway. My parents don’t abuse me or anything I just want to live on my own and be free. I’m tired of living under my moms rules. I just want to go somewhere she’s not because every time I’m at home I’m always locked up in my room watching TV, or on my phone because I’m a very antisocial person. We don’t really communicate a lot. I just want to leave and go somewhere peaceful and twhere there’s no pressure. Because at home I feel pressured, annoyed, bored, and many other things. And before you say “try talking to someone” I can’t because I don’t know how. My mom is just not a person I would EVER express myself too no matter the situation because she has never made me feel like she’s someone I can depend on. I can’t talk to family because I guess im scared there gonna judge me ? I just know I want to get out of here and be alone. Sometimes I question my worth of living but I know that there are people who care about me truly. I know my mom does but she makes no effort to talk to me and it just seems like she doesn’t have time for me so I want to runaway because I’m tired. I’m tired of living with her, tired of feeling pain, tired of everything. One day I KNOW for a fact I’ll hurt myself. I’m just scared of the pain I’ll feel and I’m scared I’ll get yelled at for trying to hurt myself. One time I fell down the stairs and hit my head and cut myself and literally all my mom said was “Stop being stupid”. I don’t even know what that meant I’m just tired of being here and wish I could talk to someone about everything. I want to runaway soooo bad but I know that I don’t have anywhere to go and I’ll just get yelled at. I’m only 12.

[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 o courage. Running away is a big decision to make and it's stressful to figure out what you want to do. It sounds like there's some breakdown in communication between you and your mom. It could be a good idea to work with a local family counselor or have a conversation mediated by a school counselor/social worker, trusted friend, or family member to help clear the air (express your feelings in a safe space where you aren't judged). If you'd like, you can also call us directly and we can conduct a conference call with your mom so you have a safe environment where you can express yourself.

It’s important to consider all the possibilities that can occur if you leave home. You will need to plan out how you will cover basic necessities like travel, food, clothing, etc. If you have a place to go in mind, it’s good to see what the expectations of the living arrangement will be like; rules, the amount of time you’re allowed to stay, if you’re expected to contribute financially, etc. This can all influence your decision to leave.

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]

Hey. I'm 13 years old. I'll be in the 7th grade in a few months. Middle school sucks. I hate it. People call me a slut, whore, thot, etc. Just because I have a lot of guy friends. I hate it. I also get called a lesbian, faggot, gay, fairy, dyke etc. Because I wear lgbtq pride pins, and because im bisexual. People also make terrible homophobic remarks. All the bullying sunk me into a deep depression and I started cutting myself. At one point I had 206 cuts on my left arm...
I hate living with my parents too. They figured out I'm bisexual. Not only do they not believe me but both of them cried when they figured it out. They yell at me for it. They make me feel so bad about it. They also make homophobic remarks fluently, like it's a hobby.
Thankfully, they are getting a divorce. But that doesn't seem to be happening. They told my brother and I they were splitting up in February. Now it's almost July and he still hasn't moved out. They also are constantly having sex and sending each other nudes. I hate them together so much. Their constant sex is putting a toll on me. I hate it. They touch each other sexually in front of me all the time. Grabbing each others butts and breasts etc. And they make sexual remarks about each other in front of me too. It's disgusting and I hate it. I hate seeing them together. My parents are mentally abusive to me also.
I want to either run away... or kill myself...
those seem to be the only 2 options.

[ccsmod3]

Thank you for writing in to the National Runaway Safeline. Sounds like you’re going through something pretty tough right now, but it’s great that you are seeking support.

It’s unfortunate that there are so many intolerant people in the world, but luckily, there are also a lot of open-minded ones, too. No one deserves to be made to feel bad or wrong or less of a human being because of their sexual orientation - you are who you are! Have you heard of the It Gets Better Project? It inspires people across the globe to share their stories and remind the next generation of LGBTQ+ youth that hope is out there, and it will get better. Check out their website at https://itgetsbetter.org/.

In terms of the way your parents are behaving, it sounds pretty inappropriate and it’s completely understandable why you feel uncomfortable. We have a big database of resources available to help cope with situations like this, so feel free to give us a call at 1800 RUNAWAY (786 2929) to go through some of those.

If you are seriously considering ending your life, please consider calling the 24/7 National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1 800 273 8255. You are not alone and it gets better. Take care.

[Guest]

I'm thirteen and wish to run away.

My parents had a divorce a long time ago. Now I have to make the decision on who I want to live with. My father is going to court about it very soon. I've been in bed since 11 researching. I know the places I will go, and everything. If I do, I will be okay. I have an anxiety and stress issues, and I can't handle this.

[ccsmod15]

Hi, thanks for posting. Sounds like home is stressful with choosing which parent to stay with and anxiety and stress. We are here to offer some support.
You mentioned having a plan as to where to go and having done research. You may want to consider how you will get shelter, food, medicine, help for your anxiety, how will you enroll in school, etc. How will you travel from place to place? How will you get to the new living arrangement?
You may also want to consider that your parents can file you as a runaway with police so if the police come into contact with you, they typically return you back home.

We understand it must be very stressful to be asked to choose a house to stay at. Perhaps talking to your parents about this could help alleviate some of that burden? We do offer conference calling with parents if you think having a third party help facilitate can be helpful. Sometimes having a neutral person can help. Call us anytime, 24/7 at 1-800-786-2929 to do this or to talk about more options! You could also consider asking a grandparent, aunt or uncle, older sibling or cousin, neighbor or family friend to help you talk to your parents too.

Finding a professional to mediate all of this sticky situation may also help. A social worker or case worker through the courts may be able to help with the divorce and choosing a parent to live with. A counselor or therapist could also help you process some of the stress, anxiety, and adjustment in moving. We also have resources for that so call us at 1-800-786-2929 or live chat on our website through the link above on the top of our page to talk directly and get local resources. You can also look for local counselors at samhsa.gov or NAMI.org.

You have shown a lot of strength and bravery in reaching out tonight. We are here to support you. Call or chat for more information and assistance. We are here 24/7 every day of the week!

[Guest]

I want to run away because the only thing my mom does to is scream at me and never stops talwing and she always thinks she is right and sometimes I wish she was dead or have a better family then this one

[ccsmod15]

Hi there, thanks for posting! Sounds like things are rough with your mom at home right now. It can be really difficult to manage the stress when your parents get so angry, like you said.

Is this something your mom may be able to help with if you talked to her? If you need help starting the conversation, we do offer conference calling with parents. We are 24/7 so call anytime at 1-800-786-2929. Sometimes having a neutral third party can help releive some tension and help the conversation go more smoothly.

You may also consider finding another adult you trust to talk with such as a neighbor, friend's parent, aunt or uncle, grandparent or older cousin or sibling.
There is also professional help with counselors. We have a database of resources all over the country so we can help you find a counselor near you if you call us at 1-800-786-2929. You can also look up counselors in your area at samhsa.gov.

There are also many crisis lines where trained volunteer counselors can help you! Try texting 741-741 for help.

We are here 24/7 and can help best if you contact us directly so feel free to call us or chat live through the link at the top of the website page.

Thanks for showing the strength to reach out today! We are here to support you!

[Guest]

Hi, Im Erin, im 12 years old and I get in a lot of trouble at school I have anger issues,, depression and anxiety and its super hard to cope with at such a young age. My father and I never ever agree on anything and we always argue and we just never get on. I hate my life so much and ive been thinking about running away for a LONG time.. I just dint have anybody or anywhere to go to and I want a runaway buddy..i don't think I could last by myself. I always get nervous and eventually give my emotions a bit of time and I eventually decide running away isn't the best idea...My mother and father are so disappointed in me, especially my mother. I cant stop getting into trouble at school and arguing with my dad...I need a runaway partner!!!!!!!!!!!

[ccsmod6]

Dear Erin,

Hello and thank you for reaching out to the National Runaway Safeline. We are sorry to hear that you are having a tough time at home with your parents and at school, too. It sounds like you have a lot on your plate and it’s understandable for you to want to leave home. Here at the National Runaway Safeline, we trust your choices but we try to prioritize your safety. Running away can be very dangerous and we just want you to know the risks so that you can be prepared and stay safe if you choose to do it. What you’re going through sounds awful and difficult and we would like to talk more about the situation if you are feeling up to it. Please call us on our 24/7 confidential hotline 1-800-786-2929 or chat us at 1800runaway.org where we can talk about what options you have and try to come up with a solution to all of these problems!

Thank you and speak to you soon,
NRS

[Guest]

I'm 12 and I want to run away.



My parents split when I was really little, so I never got to see my dad for about 10 years or so. Which made me stress whether I was good enough. About a year and a half I saw my dad for the first time, stayed with him for about a month, then my sister and Mom told me that he never loved me. So now it's been another year since I've haven't seen my dad, and during that year I got hit for reasons that made no sense (Reasons like my hair, or how I wanted to dress in public). I got screamed at, blamed and called names like a bully, debo, a boy, dumb, stupid, and retarded. And nobody helps me. But if I run away, then I'll have to leave my own twin brother behind, and I'm worried he might get yelled at too. My mom smokes a lot in the house or when I'm next to her, I tell her that it isn't healthy but she says it's not my buissnes (My sisters smoke too). Please, I don't feel like living anymore. Tell me places to go to get food r for kids at my age to get money at least.

[ccsmod15]

Hello, thanks so much for reaching out! We realize that must be difficult and it shows a lot of strength. You are certainly going through a lot at such a young age. We are here to help and support you!

We are concerned, as you mentioned not wanting to live. It it understandable to feel upset and hurt with the hitting, yelling, and smoking going on. You do not deserve any of this, and it can actually be considered abusive for you! If you need support in terms of not wanting to live, you can always call us here, we are 24/7: 1-800-786-2929. The national suicide prevention lifeline is also 24/7 by chat online and by phone: 1-800-273-8255, suicidepreventionlifeline.org. If you are in immediate danger of hurting yourself at that moment, you can also call 911 or go to the closest emergency room and they can get you help in the moment!

In terms of the hitting and yelling you mentioned, you do not deserve that and you do have the right to report it should you want to. That is something we can help you with. We know calling to make a report can be scary, so we can do it with you if you call us here! (1-800-786-2929). Child Help is another great resource for that: 1-800-422-4453, childhelp.org. They can provide info on what abuse is, how to report, how to stay safe, and what it may look like to live elsewhere or have your custody transferred to a safe adult.

We are here 24/7 and can help best by talking to you directly on the phone or live chat at the top of our website. Please feel free to reach out anytime by phone or chat! Running away can be a big decision for sure. As you mentioned, you would have to leave your twin brother; where would you go? How to get food, water, clothes, medicine? How can you travel to school, the doctor, etc? These are all questions we can help you think through if you call or chat!

You are very brave for reaching out today! Thank you again for posting! We are here to help and offer more resources as you need!