I will be 16 in feb of 2010, and I do not feel safe at home because my father physically abuses me. Since I was 8 yrs old, we have had Child Protective Services cases open again and again. The last time he hit me, he ended up beating me, kicking me, stomping on my face, and throwing me around like a rag doll. I just want to let everyone know that I am not the teenager who is melodramatic, I am not exaggerating on anything. My stepmom is not married to my father, and I know if I want to, I can tell the courts (if she moves out of my father's house and breaks up with him) that I want to live with my stepmom for obvious and valid reasons. My best friend knows about it, and her dad knows mine through a previous work they both were employed at. Her family is willing to take me in if necessary. Am I allowed to choose to like them if I have these valid reasons? (I live in northern new jersey)

I think that you need to call Child Protective Services again. This cannot be accepted. Your safety is first and foremost.

Legally, you are a minor. I don't know if you are allowed to live with a friend - legal issues are not my forte'. But I do know that you need to get out of there. If you have a history of CPS cases, they should be able to do something.

Please hon, call the authorities.

What state is this happening in ? It makes a difference on the answers. But in all reality your still tied to your parents unless you turn 18 ( age of majority ) or you get emancipated which could take until 18 to process.

I don't understand how your stepmom isn't married to your Dad. It would appear she has no legal tie/claim to you.

And Calif's advice is right on target.

Thank you for answering my question. I appreciate you taking time out to help me. To answer your question judy, my mom is only still with my father because after this baby is born, she will have four kids altogether, (including me). So she stays for the kids.

She stays so he can beat the kids, lousy mom also. She is suppose to protect her, She is a disgrace for allowing it to happen, period.

You can not legally just move out, but then he can not legally beat you, so if you move out, they may call the police, declare you a runaway and any family taking you in, could be in legal trouble.

When you are abused, you have to call police, CPS , tell a teacher, a pastor or someone