my mom is abusing me and i don’t know what to do

[Guest]

i am 14 years old and my mom for all of my life hasn’t really been there for me or been there to raise me. resulting to these consequences. she would hit me, scratch me, yell at me, and talk down to me. and for the last 5 years it’s like i’m stuck in this hole in which i can’t get out of. it left me with cutting and isolation. she doesn’t know but everyone else does. i show up to school acting happy but when it’s time to go home it’s like a living nightmare. i don’t want to say anything to her because she has dealt with depression in which she blames me for. i don’t want to report her to cps, but i just want to know how to cope when this happens. thank you for listening.

[ccsmod3]

Hello,

You mentioned some things that raise concern for your safety and well-being. If any harm or abuse is happening at home, you have the right to report it. We are not experts on the issue, but generally once it's been reported, social services will either decide whether or not to take the case and further investigate. If they do take the case, they will send out someone from child protective services to do an investigation (interviewing people in the household) and from there they will decide the level of danger within the household. It generally ranges from no danger (the youth stays in the home, some services are given, and the case is closed), moderate danger (they will provide family services with possible temporary displacement) and high danger (they will remove the youth from the home and offer certain services).

If you feel like this is an option you want to explore, you may find this website helpful: https://www.childhelp.org/child-abuse/. We can also help you to file a report if that’s the route you are considering. It may also be a good place to explore options for staying with another family member or someone you trust as far as transferring custody. We understand that might be challenging, however, maybe there’s another family member, relative, or a family friend who could help to communicate how you’re feeling with your mom. Also maybe talking to a friend, therapist or school counselor can help so that you feel supported and have someone to express your feelings to. Often, having a safe space to share how you’re feeling may bring a variety of solutions previously not thought of. You are not alone in this. We want you to know that we are here as support to help you through this challenging time.

Please be safe and reach out soon by phone or chat so that we may help.
Take care,
NRS