17 and need help.

[Guest]

Hi,
i am year old senior from Louisiana and i currently live with my dad (who has full custody ) and my step-mother. My "parents" are controlling, mentally abusive, and physically abusive although that stopped. It's to the point that im suffering from depression , thoughts of suicide, and anxiety. when i tried to confront them with this when i was younger anorexic and cutting my skin there response was "if you really wanted to die you would cut down." My step mother is constantly high and has struggled with drugs a lot and my dad is a sex addict. They dont let me do anything unless its school related and even then i have to beg. They take my phone to limit communication to the outside world and they dont take care of medical needs at all. I know the consequences of harboring a fugitive.
Im really for looking for guidance as not to make the situation worse for everybody. I have younger siblings and my parents definitely qualify to have C.P.S take them i dont want my siblings split up and not one suitable relative can afford all of them. I have an older sister who moved out when she was 15 to live with my grandmother because her and my dad were fighting physically and they waived there rights to her. I have asked to do the same and they wont let me. Im starting college in the fall and they wont let me leave home, help me do anything i need to get in, and they wont let me get my tempts or even a job . My sister will be 19 in july and i will have graduated by then. i want to move in with my sister or my grandmother. If i do get away and my parents know where i am will they be able to take me back home? what happens if they physically hurt me when i try to leave or they try to take me home? is there any way that i can do this with out getting my siblings take by C.P.S?

[ccsmod6]

Hi there,
Thank you so much for contacting the National Runaway Safeline. We're so so sorry to hear about everything that you have gone through. It seems like you have endured more in 17 years than most people do in their entire lives. It’s brave of you to reach out for help.
First, if you are seriously thinking thoughts of suicide, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. They can be reached over the phone at 1-800-273-8255 or online at suicidepreventionlifeline.org. They are available 24/7 and are a great resource to help you with any thoughts of suicide, self-harm, depression, or anxiety. You are not alone.
Nobody should have to live in an abusive environment. Your current environment with your dad and stepmom definitely sounds harmful and destructive. There are specific resources to support you and your siblings. We’d encourage you or your siblings to contact the National Child Abuse Hotline. They can be reached over the phone at 1-800-422-4453 or over the web at childhelp.org. It’s admirable that you are looking out for your siblings and are trying to do what is right for them. In a situation like this, it’s difficult to balance the unity of your siblings with the harm that is occurring at home. Talking through some of these issues with a trained counselor can be really beneficial – whether that’s through of these hotlines or a trusted adult at school. These counselors can also help you to report the abuse if you wish to take that route.
With regard to leaving home, we are not legal experts but once you are 18, you can leave home without parental consent (to live with your sister or grandmother or to go somewhere else). It sounds like you are scared that your parents will hold you back and prevent you from leaving. Know that once you turn 18, your parents have no right to force you to do anything. If they do try to hurt you or your siblings or if you ever feel like you are in immediate danger, please call 911.
Finally, we’d encourage you to utilize our other National Runaway Safeline services. First, we have a telephone hotline that you can call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. This number is 1-800-RUNAWAY (1-800-786-2929). We also have a chat service that is available through our website daily from 4:30- 11:30pm CST. We will be best able to assist you through one of these services.
Thank you again for contacting us. You’ve been through a lot but your strength and perseverance will continue to help you through. Take care of yourself and please don’t hesitate to reach out if you need help.
-NRS