i need to leave.

[Unregistered]

hello, how old do you have to be to run away from home in the state of Virginia? Im 16 years old and will be turning 17 years old this november. can i leave my house? if i do can my mom do anything about it? she verbally abuses me and when she gets really angry hits me and screams in my face. I want to move in with my boyfriend. i live in Broadway and He lives in Bridgewater. Is there anyway i can leave home and move in with him without getting in trouble? my mom is dating 2 people a boy and a girl. The boy is an illegal mexican and the girl is a lesbian. the boy doesnt know shes dating the girl. and she lies to the girl about doing anything with the boy. And whenever the girl finds out something about my mom. she always blames me for it. yesterday she sent me a message saying that shes not gonna do anything for me. and i better not ask for her. just basically saying that she wasnt my mom anymore. can i runaway and live with my boyfriend and his parents? hes 18 years old. i will be getting a job there and be going to school. his parents feed me, cloth me, put a roof over my head , everything. so is there anything that i can do? can i leave home? please help!!!!! thankyou.

[ccsmod11]

Re: i need to leave

Hello,

Thank you for contacting the National Runaway Switchboard. We are sorry to hear that you are going through such a difficult time with your mother. No one should be treated in that way.

It is nice to hear that you have found people who are willing and able to help you. As for the legal age to runaway, running away is not illegal, it is not considered a crime or felony, more of a status offense, similar to breaking curfew. Your mom does have the option to file you as a runaway and there is a possibility you may be returned home by the police.

If you decide to leave home and stay with your boyfriend’s family, you at least have somewhere safe to go. Have you thought about reporting the abuse? And if she were to find out where you were, do you feel as though she would try to have you returned home?

Lastly you can also call our 24 hour hotline at 1-800-RUNAWAY, or 1-800-786-2929 or use our online chat services. We hope this helps you.

Good luck and thank you for contacting the NRS.