Running away from abuse

[Unregistered]

I'm 15 and i'm going to run away. I've been emotionally abused by my parents for three years, and i plan to go to my best friend's house. However, she lives in colorado and I Oklahoma. I'm sure both states have different laws regarding this, and i don't want to get her parents in trouble, and i'm still figuring out how to get there... can someone help me with the legal side of this? legally getting away from my parents and to her? i have a friend who transferred her custody to a friend's parents because she was abused so I know it's possible, I just don't know how....

[ccsmod4]

Reply: Running away from abuse

Hello,
Thanks for contacting the national runaway Safeline.

We are sorry to hear about your situation and we would like to have a better understanding to your frustrations with your family members.
You don’t deserved to be abused by anyone.
You are not responsible for the behavior of your parents.
It sounds like you would like to be placed in the custody of a friend’s parents but are not sure how this might happen.
Good question. Having custody rights transferred usually is something that happens in a court of law.

There are laws against child abuse and you have the right to file an abuse report with the state child protective services.
This action should prompt an investigation to the allegations of abuse.
If a child is removed from the home they may be placed in state custody or sometimes with a relative or adult deemed suitable.
We are not legal experts in the law so you might consider to ask your friends parents about seeking legal counsel about any wishes to take custody of you.
Does that make sense?

NRS is here to help and here to listen.

If you would like to continue talking about your situation call 1-800-Runaway (786-2929) and speak with one of our crisis service members. You can also live chat at www.1800Runaway.org

Take care,
NRS

[Unregistered]

Re: Running away from abuse

Yeah, i understand... I wish i could get to my friend's house before the police were contacted, because I don't think I feel safe being around my parents if the police showed up.. as soon as the police left my parents would be all over me and I'd like to avoid that if possible.. Also, the abuse started three years ago when my parents found out i was gay

[ccsmod9]

Re: Running away from abuse

Hello there,
Thanks for posting on the NRS forum today.
We’re really sorry to hear that you don’t feel safe around your parents. You don’t deserve to have that fear. We’re so sorry the reason for this fear is caused by their abuse directed at your sexuality. We want you to know that we’re here for you and we want to help you the best we can.
We’re always available. You can call us here at 1-800-RUNAWAY (786-2929) or try our Live Chat right here on this website, but the times there are limited. If you wanted to talk to a resource that is specifically for LGBTQ issues, you could try calling the National GLBT Hotline at 1-888-843-4564.
We’re not sure how old you are, but if you are legally a minor, you have the right to report any and all abuse happening to you by your guardians. We’re not here to pressure you into reporting, everyone has their reasons for doing so or not doing so, but if you wanted to find out more about it in general please visit www.childhelp.org.
Best of luck to you,
NRS