BellaOnline Forums Family Daughters Emtionally Abusive Parents

I have big problems with an emotionally abusive set of parents. I have an extremely difficult time at home. My parents are always disrespectful of my space, my feelings, and myself in general. They constantly put me down, make fun of me or me views, and belittle me. Whenever there is a conflict, I remain calm (like an adult [i]should[/i])and try to be respectful while they spout rubbish at me, and yes, they have cursed at me before (my mother called me the b-word on more than 1 occasion). There are times when my parents will wake me up after I have gone to sleep at night to tell me what a horrible person they think I am and will yell at me for an [u]hour[/u]! This has happened [u]three[/u][u] times[/u] and I was bawling afterward and I wanted to die. They have very strict religious views, they won't let me explore any other world views, and they explain their abuse by saying, " The lord wants us to raise you in a godly way, and because we're your parents, you don't have the right to [fill in the blank]. I really need some advice. I have been to a therapist, but my parents are too crazy for the therapist's perfectly logical suggestions to work. I am only 15 and my parents always make me depressed through all their negativity and constantly tearing me down. Please do not comment that I am too young to know anything or that it's just hormones; I know neither is true because my parents still try to control/manipulate my 4 siblings (who are 22-31 years old and moved out ages ago!). I am a very good student (ie straight A's and honors classes), so will that help me get away from this abusive home? Please help!

Is there one of your siblings who might be willing and able to care for you?

Have you tried talking to a school guidance counselor or your therapist? They will have valuable resources for you to look at and into.

My parents don't want to let me see the therapist again for some reason but I will talk to a school counselor when school starts again. No, I do not believe that I could live with a sibling because my oldest brother is married, my other brother is a photographer and has an unstable income and probably could not provide necessities, my oldest sister is unsympathetic, and my other sister has a very low paying job and would have a similar problem to my brother. Do you know of other any options I can consider?

Seriously, can anyone tell me some other options for escaping this abuse?

Jordinsky, you may be able to get some advice from a local shelter dealing with abuse or teen issues. Even if you do not feel you should or have the option to move into a teen home, the staff there may be able to explain if your parents are within their rights in your state and what options you have locally.
Do you live in the United States? If you do and you leave your home, the McKinney Vinto Act may help you for your school situation. To sum up the point of the act, if a child needs to move out of their home, such as running away, having to couch surf, lives in a tent, winds up in foster/teen homes, etc, because of forced circumstances, the school where you have been attending cannot kick you out because you are no longer residing in that area. It has to be because of a harsh situation - not just a choice. If you leave because of any kind of abuse, you are probably covered. If your family moves into a tent because they think it would be cool, you are not covered under the act. This means you would have to tell school consoler, and you may need to tell them about the act. Some school staff are not aware of it, but it is federal and covers all public k-12 schools.
For others reading this post, if a whole family loses their home or has to move in with relatives, etc., the kids are covered under McKinney-VInto. Parents, don't think you have to change your kids school because of your living situation - if they can still get to that school, they can continue to attend.
In addition, under McKinney-Vinto you may be entitled to free school lunch and breakfast. If there are programs to help teens out in your area, you may be able to take advantage of them.
Your school district may have a homeless liaison or coordinator who can let you know what options you have. This person will not turn you into children's services automatically.
In my area, abuse and domestic violence are rampant. Our legal system cannot handle all of the teens who are fed up. Even then, the laws do not do enough to protect. In my day job, I have to explain McKinney-Vinto to kids each year. My school "gets it" and helps these kids. I have provided academic support to kids who couch surf at their friends homes, changing homes every few weeks rather than going back to the abuse and drama of their parents homes.
Although this may not sound easy, it maybe better than where you are at now. If your parents are unwilling to change, look at what other options exist to improve your situation.

I do live in the US. Thank you for telling me about that law; it is comforting to know that if I move out, I won't be lying about my living situation to teachers, ect. Do you think emancipation is a viable option? I have a steady part-time job at an upscale daycare center.

That is a legal question which can vary from state to state and sometimes even from County to county. Try to find out if there are any legal clinics for teens where you can ask questions, or talk to an abuse shelter or teen home to see if they can help you understand the process and the law in your area. You local courthouse may also have information.
I wish I had a clearer answer, but the system is set up different in each community.

It's ok, thanks for your help and your time! :)