Is it child abuse?

Question

My sisters friend is 17 and her mom makes her do everything around the house the cleaning, cooking, taking care of her two brothers making sure they do their homework, clean their rms etc. Her mom also make her work so she doesn't have too and she goes to school (she is a senior) and if she doesn't do it her mom calls her names. Is this a form of abuse and would she be able to move out?
She does have mental and verbal abuse and has talked to the school consulor about it but because her brothers deny it the school won't do anything. She is trying to "hang in there" but she cries all the time and can't take it anymore!!

And can she do it without getting the courts involved since she is almost 18 (her birthday is in July)

Answer 1

If the young lady is 17, depending on the state she resides, she may be able to move out now. She can contact the local police agency to find out and let them know she will be 18 in a few months. Not only that but if not, if she can provide proof to the court that she is capable of caring for herself, "she has a job" and is responsible, which shows by what you have stated, she can file a petition to have herself emancipated, the forms are available at the Family Court in your area. If the Court in your area has a Law Library, the librarians there, I'm sure would be happy to assist her in obtaining any documents or paperwork she may need. Clerks, Librarians, and Paralegals, Legal Assistants are unable to give legal advice, but can make suggestions of where to seek additiional help/info. This may not be expensive at all considering there will be a fee to file the Petition, there may also be a form she can fill out to waive the fees. However, yes it is child abuse..... child abuse is not just physical attacks, but also emotional and verbal. I hope this was helpful.

Answer 2

She's got a couple of choices-

1) Learn to tell her mother "no". If she doesn't learn to stand up for herself now, people are going to walk all over her for the rest of her life. I knew someone very much like this and once she left home (she ran away) she entered into one abusive relationship after another because she couldn't stand up for herself.

2) She can wait until she's 18 to move out.

3) She can apply for imancipation. This would give her the legal right to leave home, get her own place, ect. She would be able to do anything an adult could do that's not aged-based (ie- she still couldn't drink until 21, and couldn't vote until 18) However, this would get the courts involved as a judge has to sign off on it.

I'd say the best bet for her in the long-run is just to grow a pair and tell her mother "no"

Answer 3

I'd say once she is eighteen, she needs to leave and strike out on her own. If she has a close friend that she can move in with to get on her feet then, that would be the best scenario. I don't know if the mom is abusive, but she's is definitely not earning any good mom points. She seems lazy and mean. How dare she make her daughter be the mom, while she does nothing. What goes around, comes around and that mom will get hers one day. Advise your sister's friend that she is never alone. God is there. Let her know that she only has to deal with this a little bit longer and remember this is making her stronger and she will be blessed with a good future. Tell your sister to stay strong for her friend and don't let her down. I will pray for this girl. God bless.

Answer 4

Once she turns 18 she can move out without her mother being able to say anything.. It's not physical abuse because she doesn't hit her.. or maybe she does..? But it could deffinitely be classified as verbal abuse due to the name calling.. She's got 7 months left to go.. I wouldn't go to court.. this IS her family after all.. Once she is out she can try to convince the police that her mother isn't worthy of having her siblings.. and if it comes to worst.. fight her for custody.. does she have a father..?? does he have any say in this..??

Answer 5

It appears she is suffering from Psychological abuse. The easiest way for her to deal with it is to leave when she turns 18. She should learn from this situation and treat her children in a better manner. It would be tough to do anything more without getting the courts involved. I have heard of people aplying for legal seperation from their parents. This grants them independence and declares them adults. However she is so close to her 18th birthday it might be best to move on and move out. Her mother is a lazy ***.

Answer 6

She should wait till shes 18 and if she cant take it any more then at that time she can leave and try to make it on her own, but sometimes its the culture there raised in to say that's want the girls do when they come of age, or it could be that the mother is a lazy b and is using her as a maid. Unfortunately you can pick your friends but you cant pick your family. Good luck

Answer 7

My gf went through the same thing, yes, it is child abuse. It's wrong that the school doesnt do anything, they should act on it regardless. I'd recommend getting into contact with the courts or even the police to see what can be done

Answer 8

She doesn't have to comply with all of that. She has to learn to say NO. She is not responsible for her brothers in any way. At her age she should be able to stand up for herself rather than just crying about it. And as soon as she turns 18 she should move out and never look back. The woman (mom) is a wacko.

Answer 9

Have her contact social services. They will be able to help her.

Answer 10

Have her go to court.

Sure it is expensive but, what is more more. The lawyers bills or her sanity?