I am planning on running away, but I am scared.

[Guest]

I am a 13 year old girl in Pittsburgh, Pensilvania. I have struggled with emotional abuse from both my parents for a long time, like since I was little. It has been manageable up until now, though. My parents have been calling my more names more often, and downgrading me and my appearance, so you know the drill.

but anyways, it has been getting worse. They have started to get more physical. In fact, just this morning, I was thrown up against the kitchen wall. My father then threatened to smack me across the face with a wooden stirring spoon after picking me up by my right wrist. I don’t know what to do, and I am afraid that since it is just getting worse and I am getting older that it will turn to sexual abuse. I don’t want to call the cops or tell anybody, because both my parents have a good reputation and treat my three little siblings like angels. Plus, as much as I envy them, I don’t want to ruin my sibling’s lives, since the oldest of them is only 10 anyways. So, I want to run away and I have a whole plan set up and everything, but I can’t find the courage to set it off.

here is a short breakdown of my plan;

- collect money from my parents office for a week, along with finding my electronic devices they took away, that way I can use my phone for maps and my iPod for entertainment. I will also steal my dad’s house key to my grandma’s house.

- leave. My house is on top of a hill and surrounded by forest, but if you go down the hill behind the house, all the way at the bottom there is a walking trail, I’ll follow that to the start, and head to the city.

- call an Uber to my grandma’s house. I will use the key to get food only, and will hide out in her shed. After staying there for a day and testing out my ‘survival’ skills, I will call an Uber to the train station and hip the 5 1/2 hour train ride to Harrisburg, where my other grandparents live.

- they probably won’t support my choice, though, so they will either try to drive me back the next day or call for my parents to pick me up. I plan on escaping again after that, acquiring a bit more money by doing house chores for other people in Harrisburg, then buy a plane ticked
t to Florida, because I researched that Florida is the best place to go if you are homeless.

- I have family in Florida, so if I need them, I can find them.



I just need the courage to go through with my plan now. How do I do it?

[ccsmod15]

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. It sounds like you’re quite overwhelmed by things at home right now and you mentioned being harmed. We’re sorry you’re going through this. You don't deserve to be hurt in any way. If you are at risk of any danger or feeling unsafe, we encourage you to reach out to 911 or seek emergency assistance immediately. You may also be able to report any mistreatment to CPS. Child Help USA 1-800-422-4453 www.childhelp.org is an organization that helps protect minors from being harmed. They can tell you more about how CPS could respond to your situation. If you ever need assistance calling out to CPS to make an abuse or neglect report please call is at 1-800-RUNAWAY.
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. In regard to you wanting to leave home, while we are not experts on the law, 18 is generally the age that an individual may leave home without parent permission. If you are under 18 and leave home, your parent/guardian may file you as a runaway and you may be returned home. Also, those you stay with may run the risk of being charged with harboring a runaway. For more specifics on the law, the local non-emergency police or legal aid may better answer legal questions. Your safety is our first priority.
If you would like to talk more in detail please chat soon through our website www.1800runaway.org (click on the chat button) if you are unable to call in. We unfortunately cannot give advice as we are non-directive. We are only allowed to respond to forum posts twice. You know your situation best and we are happy to listen and see where we can help along the way.
We hope to hear from you soon.
Be safe,
NRS

[Guest]

Hi I am twelve (turned twelve in January) I have depression PTSD and social anxiety(feeling judged and not wanted I also have no friends) I have enough food for about a week I have about $200-250 dollars and a blanket and a coat and enough clothes for 3-4 days (I will wear then for a week if needed) and Advil and rubbing alcohol band aids (about 50) and am looking for a group or something because I know I won’t survive that long on my self (I also have pepper spray a pocketknife and a whistle to catch attention if needed I live near central Washington if you want a group) I know I shouldn’t run away if I don’t have a reason but I’ve had depression for almost 2 years(my parents don’t know and I have slight suicidal thoughts but I keep it under control I haven’t cut myself) and have been thinking of running away for a year (I know what may happen that there are creepy people and dangerous people but I just need to get away (depression and COVID) my mom and stepdad aren’t abusive (mental and physical)