I am being emotionally abused

[Unregistered]

I feel like it is nesessary for me to leave home. If I leave home what is the right way to do it? Can I stay at my boyfriends house? Can he get in trouble for providing me a place to stay? I want help but I dont want to have to go to a residential program or anything like that. I wouldnt object to therapy. I do not feel I can continue to stay in my home. I am sixteen years old and I will be seventeen in september. I would really apreciate the help, thanks!

[ccsmod8]

RE: I am being emotionally abused

Hello,

We appreciate your bravery and desire to make a change in your life for the better. It sounds like you are dealing with a lot of heavy stuff at home and may benefit from the option of having a more stable environment. What is happening to you right now is not fair to you. You deserve better. We are glad you reached out for support.

We are not legal experts and can never say for sure what may happen once you get others involved. It sounds like you are looking into the idea of living with your boyfriend but you are concerned for the risk that may come with it. What we do know is that it is not considered a crime to runaway. It is a status offense. However, if you were to stay with your boyfriend without the permission of your parents he may run the risk of harboring. Harboring a youth is illegal.

It sounds like you are open to the idea of helping yourself cope better with the situation. You mentioned that you are open to the idea of therapy. We are here 24 hours a day if you need resources. We hope you can find some time to call us for resources. We provide emotional support here at the National Runaway Switchboard. There is always someone here to listen to you 24 hour a day. We can be reach at 1800RUNAWAY. We hope this works for you.

We are mainly concerned for your safely and that is our priority. We hope to hear from you soon. Good luck.

-NRS