Q: My dad gets drunk and beats my younger brother.

A: I can't tell you what to do here. If your father is a danger, something has to be done.

Once law enforcement gets involved, it's to a large degree out of your hands. There are no guarantees. Once a court case starts, what the judge orders is final.

The judge may issue orders, such as an order of protection, or a pre-trial order telling him to stay away.

Further, you don't reveal your ages, but if you are kids, the Department of Children and Family Services could get involved. They could take custody pending a juvenile court judge deciding what to do.

I have seen court cases where there was no real danger, but someone called to make a statement which then got out of hand and out of everyone's control except a judge who may not see things the way you do.

I have also seen cases of child abuse and neglect where something needed to be done and it was a blessing that a call was made.

I am in no position to tell you whether you should call other than to say that if there is a danger, you should and hope for the best. Your brother's safety means more than anything else. If this is truly a problem, and some permanent damage is done, you'll regret not calling for the rest of your life. On the other hand, if it's not, some permanent damage ot the family could be done, and you'll regret calling.

You're in the position to know the difference. Any other questions, go see a lawyer personally and talk.