can’t go home

[Guest]

My parents are fighting a lot, and my household is verbally abusive. It hasn’t escalated to violence yet, but for my own physical safety, I’m not allowed to go back home for at least another week. I’ve stayed with my friend for two nights, but I feel like a leech and her family is getting annoyed of me. I’m 13 years old and have no money and obviously no job. I haven’t showered or eaten for days. I’m scared to ask for anything. Help

[ccsmod15]

Hi there,
Thank you so much for contacting the National Runaway Safeline. We’re sorry to hear about everything that you have gone through. It sounds like you are doing everything you can to support yourself. It’s brave of you to reach out for help.
Nobody should have to live in an abusive environment, so we’re glad that you are safe right now. There are specific resources to support you if you are interested. We’d encourage you to contact the National Child Abuse Hotline if you are you are comfortable. They can be reached over the phone at 1-800-422-4453 or over the web at childhelp.org. They provide resources on child abuse reporting, but can additionally connect you to resources more specifically based on your situation such as housing options.
Talking through some of these issues with a trained counselor can be really beneficial – whether that’s through one of these hotlines or a trusted adult at school. These counselors can also help you to report the abuse if you wish to take that route. If you are interested, you can contact the National Alliance on Mental Illness at 1-800-950-NAMI or you can text NAMI to 741741. They can connect you with potential counseling options as well.
You mentioned that you haven’t showered or eaten for days. You might want to consider looking up a local food bank or shelter in your area. Places like churches and other community organizations typically have times that they welcome people to come eat and have a safe space.
We’d encourage you to utilize our other National Runaway Safeline services. First, we have a telephone hotline that you can call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. This number is 1-800-RUNAWAY (1-800-786-2929). We also have a chat service that is available through our website, where we can talk more specifically about your situation.
Thank you again for contacting us. You’ve been through a lot but your strength and perseverance will continue to help you through. Take care of yourself and please don’t hesitate to reach out if you need help.
-NRS