15, florida. Can I run away?

[Unregistered]

Sorry if my typing sucks im in a hurry. At home i live with my Grandmother, Mom, 2 brothers (6 and 19) and one sister (21). Things have been getting out of hand. My mom and grandmother complain for the smallest of things like earlier today when my older brother is playing games calmly, my grandmother comes in to try to start an argument with him. We also live in a extremely small apartment. 2 bedroom (i have to sleep in a room with both my mother and little brother My little brother and i sleep in a small bed while my mom sleeps on the sofa/couch, My sister, grandmother, and older brother in the other room.) Today I forgot to wash my dish so they started yelling at me, hitting me, calling me trash, and my grandmother even attempted to break my laptop and hide my phone (my grandparents from my dad's side payed for them both btw) so that i wouldnt tell the other side of the family what had happened. My mothers excuse was the same as always. "You were talking back to me.". When she said that, I admit i did talk back to her afterwards. All i remember was saying "When im 18 im out of here. Everyone is going to leave you in the trash and you know why? Because thats how you and grandma always treat everyone, like trash. You're going to end up alone with no help and that none of our faults." she then started threatening me saying that she was going to hurt me if i attempt to leave. This is everyday. I want to know if i can leave my home and go live with my grandma from my dads side? Thank you.

[ccsmod14]

RE: 15, florida. Can I run away?

Hi there,

Thank you for reaching out to us here at the National Runaway Safeline. It sounds like you have been through a lot at home and it’s a pretty stressful environment. Your feelings are completely understandable based on what you have shared. We are glad you found our bulletin board and were brave enough to poste, we’re here to help in any way that we can.

You disclosed that your grandma and your mom hit you when this incident occurred. You do not deserve to be hit by anyone, regardless of the situation. Have you ever thought about reporting this? If this is something you would like to explore doing, you can call us here at 1800runaway, or you can call Child Help USA at (800) 422 4453 and they can talk through what that process would look like. We also could make a report with you to Child Protective Services of your state if that is something you wanted us to do.

It sounds like things at home are really stressful, living in close quarters with constant fighting. Have you been able to talk to your mom or your grandma about the possibility of staying part time somewhere else, like your grandma’s from your dad’s side? We’re not legal experts here, but generally speaking if you leave before the age of 18 in most states, then your legal guardians would have the right to make a runaway report. If a report is made, and the police find you they would just bring you back home. However, anyone that you stay with could potentially be charged for harboring.

We’re here to help you out in any way that we can. It sounds like your grandma on your dad’s side is someone that offers you a lot of support and that is awesome to hear. If you would like to call or chat with us and explore any other possible options, we’re happy to help.

Best of luck,
NRS