Murfreesboro, TN asked in Juvenile Law for Tennessee

Q: Can I leave the house at 16 if my parents are abusing me?

My mom is extremely abusive, and I'm always worried she's going to snap and hurt me one day. I have a job and go to school, so I'm almost never home anyways. If I stayed with a friend for a bit, would I get in trouble or would they be able to force me home even if they haven't sexually or physically abused me? Both my parents have done somethings I could claim as neglect if they takes me to court as an unruly child. I'm 16 and I'm 5 months away from being 17, and I graduate next school year. I don't think they would file anything because I've had older brothers do this before, but I'm the only girl. I'm just worried about my health and my safety, so would I be forced to go home or go to court if I just stayed with a close friend with their parents permission?

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1 Lawyer Answer
Marjorie A Bristol
Marjorie A Bristol
Answered
  • Juvenile Law Lawyer
  • Goodlettsville, TN
  • Licensed in Tennessee

A: If you have been abused or neglected, you should tell a counselor or adult you trust and report it to DCS. If your parents choose to report you as a runaway, they can. The law requires that you obey your parents until you turn 18--unless a court says otherwise. Best of luck!

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