Stuck

[Unregistered]

My mom and her new boyfriend don't get along the best. They're fine for awhile, but then they start to fight, and he throws things when they argue and yells for awhile. Last time he punched dents in her truck, and our front door. He also broke her window while I was sleeping. My mom has a drug problem, but I'm scared to tell anyone because it's not something she does all the time. I'm going to see my therapist Tommorow, because I want to move out even though I'm only 16. I've tried to talk to my mom and tell her that I'm unhappy with her bf living here but she never really listens. She always brushes it off. If I tell my therapist all this will she report it? And if so who to? What happens after that?

[ccsmod6]

Re: Stuck

Hello and thank you for writing to us. It sounds like you're going through a lot at home and you're struggling with some issues going on with your mom's substance use. It sounds like you're feeling overwhelmed with holding everything in, but you're concerned about what may happen if you disclose things to your therapist. Generally, what you share with a therapist is confidential under HIPPA laws. Depending on your age, information you share with your therapist may be shared with your parents if it's a concern or with proper authorities. Confidentiality is often limited when your safety is at risk (abuse or neglect). Unfortunately, we are not sure what your therapist would do, however, it may be helpful to talk about what confidentiality looks like the next time you see your therapist. You may be able to make a decision based on what information you receive.

If you would like to talk more about your situation or brainstorm some ideas for types of questions to ask, we are here to listen and to help.

We look forward to a call or chat from you soon.

Take care,

NRS

[Unregistered]

Re: Stuck

Hello. I read about your problem, and I feel stuck too.
So, my dad and my step-mom, Kriss, have given me way too many chores to do on Saturday. So I had made a plan, that each chore should have its own day, like, sweep, mop, and vacuum floors on Sunday, and clean my room and bathroom. So this last Saturday, I had done my chores, and went out to watch a movie. My father new I was going out, so it's not like he didn't give me permission. But when I got home, he said "you told me you had done your chores."
"I did." I responded.
"Well, what is this then?" And he was pointing at the floors where my dogs white hair clumped up. I had tried to explain to him I had made a plan. He wouldn't listen and told me to do what he said, when he said it. So I did the floors, but got in Kriss's way to make dinner, so she got all mad and my dad ended up leaving my home and going to St. George. While we were driving there he pulled my hat off, grabbing a hand full of hair and pulling it. /hard. / It hurt. But when we got to my dad's friend’s house I asked to sleep in the truck, because I didn't feel safe in the same room as dad. He pushed me up against the wall by my neck, and told me no. I think I got sick because of the house of Axe, and, being sick, sucks. As soon as we got home on Sunday, my dad took the door off the hinges, started taking all my stuff and putting it in trash bags, then smashed my phone with a hammer because I wanted to call my mom to pick me up.
After that, I ran down the street, barefoot, and went to my friend’s house. There, their family called the cops, and they pretty much told me, "shut up, do what your parents told you, you’re too young." But nicer.
So, I went home, and they told me I couldn't play tennis. WHY?? Tennis has nothing to do with the argument. It's stupid. I went to tennis practice anyways, and went to band, and ended up going home with the cops again. I had cried when it was time to leave, and my teacher Graff, called them out of worry, and they told me the same thing. "Shut up. Go home." So, I went, then, I tried to make them listen, tried to tell them it's not me, and that this is a misunderstanding.
They just won't listen.
Because of that, they tried to take band away from me.
IM DONE. THEY CAN’T DO THAT. I didn't do anything wrong! Why am I being punished??

Right now, I'm sitting in biology, and trying to type this and talk about wolf and deer population at the same time.

Please. Help. I don't know what to do. I'm stuck.

I'm not safe anywhere. There is no home to go home to. I only speak the truth, but all they hear is lies. I. Didn't. Do. Anything. Wrong.

[ccsmod4]

Reply: Stuck

Hello,
Thanks for contacting the National Runaway Safeline.

It sounds like you have had a pretty rough time at home.
Not doing your chores does not warrant you being abused. You don’t deserve that.
It seems like you tried to have a plan about scheduling your chores but your father became upset because he felt you did not complete them. Because of this you were punished severely by him. We understand how upsetting his behavior has made you feel.

Sometimes things become so overwhelming that it’s hard to figure out just what to do.
Your safety is important and you have the right to file an abuse report with child protective services for what happened when your father physically disciplined you.

There are laws to protect you from being abused by any means.
You are not at fault for his behavior.
We appreciate you reaching out to NRS and expressing your feelings.
Let us know how we might be of help.

Give us a call at 1-800-Runaway (786-2929) or visit www.1800Runaway.org
We are here to listen and explore options that might help cope with your situation.

You were very brave to contact NRS to talk about your situation.
Good job.
We hope to hear from you soon.

Take Care,
NRS