I helped my friend run away because she said she was abused. Now I think shes lying

[Unregistered]

My friend transferred to my school and we had talked. She said it was because she was bullied at her old school and I accepted that reason. We became close and she told me about her abusive father who also hurts her step-mom and I was shocked and believed her. A few days ago, she ran to school saying that she was hit by her father and she needed to hide so I did, and I told my parents to drive her to a friends house. Her parents came asking where she was but I lied to them saying I didnt know where she was. The next day, we found out she was at the embassy trying to go back to her country and I was glad. But someone from her old school who I was close to, told me she was suspended from school bc she stole peoples phones and she moved because she couldn't handle the judgement. I was confused and doubtful, but I connected tthe dots and realized she lied about a lot of things but I gave her the benefit of the doubt. Right now she is still with the friend

Will my parents and I be charged for being accomplices even if she lied to us about being abused and we believed her? What would be the overall result of my actions if I was to be proved that I was lying?

[ccsmod3]

Re: I helped my friend run away because she said she was abused.

Hello there,

Thank you so much for reaching out on our forum. It sounds like you’ve been a really great friend and are now concerned about legal ramifications for helping. We’re sorry if your friend was not truthful about the abuse and imagine that feels like a betrayal of your trust. It’s understandable you and your parents would be concerned about getting in trouble, although we hope that does not happen. We aren’t legal experts and can’t say for certain, but if she isn’t presently with you and your parents charges such as harboring a runaway tend to be more difficult to make.

Also, whether or not your friend is lying or telling the truth, it sounds like she’s in a lot of pain and you did your best to support her. If you’d like to talk in more detail or share your city/state for resources, you’re welcome to try out our Live Chat for a one on one real-time conversation. Best of luck to you!