My mom was mentally and verbaly assaulted for years by my stepdad when he drinks now my mom has passed away. I'm 17 yrs old, must I stay with my step dad as he is just as abusive to me when he has too much to drink which is almost every day.

I am so sorry for your mom marty.
Regarding your step-dad, if you think you are old enough to live by yourself, then please do it. Stay away from your abusive step-dad.

It is true that you must be patient with him, and try to get him back into his senses, but that doesn't mean you have to go through this torment everyday. So, take a wise step, think about your finances, boarding, lodging and make your own living.


But having done that, do try to keep in touch with your step dad. Don't live with a grudge against him all your life. That will do nothing but just weigh you down.

Take care.

Leave. For your own emotional and spiritual health. Stay with relatives or friends if you must, but get out of there. Your step father needs more assistance than you can offer.

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Originally Posted by marty_j_

my mom was mentally and verbaly assaulted for years by my stepdad when he drinks now my mom has passed away. I'm 17 yrs old, must I stay with my step dad as he is just as abusive to me when he has too much to drink which is almost every day.

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Sorry to here that:(

I'm so sorry about the passing of your mother. Has your stepfather ever hit you? If he does, have him arrested.

I know that emotional abuse is tough to deal with, and you should look for other options. Is there a relative that you can stay with? Maybe a friend?

Thank you every one for your suportive answers.I have friends who would be willing to fight for custody of me, but no one can afford the legal fees. I only do occasional odd jobs for money, and I am a full time high school student.

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Originally Posted by marty_j_

thank you every one for your suportive answers.I have friends who would be willing to fight for custody of me, but no one can afford the legal fees. I only do occasional odd jobs for money, and I am a full time high school student.

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Concentrate on your studies. Be successful in whatever you decide to do. You won't have to be in that house for long. I wish you the very best.

May GOD keep and protect you.

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Originally Posted by marty_j_

thank you every one for your suportive answers.I have friends who would be willing to fight for custody of me, but no one can afford the legal fees. I only do occasional odd jobs for money, and I am a full time high school student.

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Marty, why can't you just choose to live elsewhere? Your father can't force you to live with him, if it's untenable.

If there are friends who would fight for your custody, why can't you just live with them?

I don't know what the legalities are where you live, but after the age of 16, in Australia, a young person can choose to not live with their parents, provided there is someone that can provide a duty of care. In your case, it sounds as if your father can't.