Can I run away when abused?

[Guest]

I live in Tennessee and the laws are pretty stricked
my dad doesnt treat me right and threatens to kick me out. Today threatning to take every thing away and make me sleep on the floor with a pillow. I have a friend who can take me in for a while til I get help. Would it be ok for a 16 year old to leave state until i can get legal actions taken. I need time to put my evidence together and comfort
shes willing to take me in and help get me away from my abusive father

[ccsmod15]

Thanks for reaching out to us at the National Runaway Safeline. Your home life sounds stressful and we’re sorry that you are dealing with this. You deserve to feel safe and valued in your home.

The easiest way to leave home is with your parent’s permission. Perhaps your dad would agree to let you stay with a friend or another family member for a bit. If you leave home without permission, your dad could file a runaway report with the police and you would be returned to him. The friend that you stayed with may be charged with harboring a runaway and get into some trouble for that.

The next option would be to file an abuse report with Child Protective Services in your area. In Tennessee the number to report abuse is: 1-877-237-0004. They would investigate your situation and remove you from your home legally if they deemed it appropriate. .

The third option is to become emancipated. This involves going through the court system and often takes several months. If you'd like more information about the process please call or chat with us.

You deserve to feel safe from abuse and we are here to support you as you figure out what is best for your situation. Please feel free to call us or chat with us online at 1-800-RUNAWAY (786-2929)/ www.1800runaway.org if you would like to talk in detail about your situation. Good luck!