17 turning 18 in 2 months: hostile at home

[Guest]

for my whole high school years, my parents and i havent had the best relationship. they treat me like im a 13 year old even though now, im 17 almost 18. i do everything they ask of me. i work hard in my last year of school, i work hard in my vocation school, i work sometimes and also volunteer at a farm every weekend. they have taken away my phone, my friends, and they chase off everyone i meet. they sometimes hurt me physically but always abuse me verbally. they often do not believe what i say and dont even believe that i was raped 4 years ago and that its tough to have to see my rapists face every day at school, but i still go, because im strong and i need to finish. and i am up for finishing even if i decide to run away. i often cut myself to deal with how horrible my parents get, they make me want to die and i cant last any longer (and i DEFINITELY dont want to be hospitalized). ill sleep outside in the cold on the ground or bounce around from old friend to old friend's couch if it means i dont have to be in that house. im up for doing all the work but im not sure that i know all my rights for these two months of pure suffering and if i can legally run. my parents say they care and they claim they do but with their actions to me when we are alone, i know that isnt true. i need to get out.

i dont know what to do anymore.

[ccsmod1]

Hi there,

Thank you for reaching out to us at the National Runaway Safelin. We are here 24/7 to listen and to support.

We're sorry to hear about all that you have been facing and want you to know that you are strong for seeking out help and continuing to work hard at home and school despite hostile environments. We want you know that you deserve to feel safe and happy in your home and don't deserve to be abused, emotional or otherwise. You do have the right to report your parents for both the emotional and physical abuse you've endured. If you want more information about that or want to ask what the process of reporting would look like, you can reach out to Child Help at 1-800-422-4453.

We're also sorry to hear about what you've had to face emotionally seeing your rapist at school everyday. If you want someone to talk to about that, please reach out to the Rape Abuse and Incest National Network at 1-800-656-4673. There are people that are able to listen and help.

You mentioned that you are almost 18 but are hoping to leave your household sooner. Generally speaking, once you are 18 you would be legally able to be on your own and not live with them anymore. If you leave while you are 17 (and thus still a minor) then you may still have the chance of being returned home by the police if your parents file a runaway report. Some departments treat runaway reports for 17 year olds differently or don't take them at all because the person is so close to being considered a legal adult. The way to find that out would be to reach out to your local police department and anonymously inquire about it. If you need help finding that number or want help talking through this option, we can be reached at 1-800-RUNAWAY (786-2929). We would also be able to help action plan with you and talk through your different options or on how to cope until you turn 18. Let us know how we can best help.

NRS

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