Dear Dish-It, My Dad Beats Me and My Stepmom Doesn't Care

Dear Dish-It

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Dear Dish-It,
My dad hits me all the time with his belt and threatens to break my arms and stuff. He also says that I'm going to wish that I'm dead when he's done with me. My stepmom doesn't care, so she just sits there and watches. She snoops through my things and found this personal and private letter that I had written to my friend as a joke, but it never got sent. My dad is super mad about what I wrote in the letter and he is going to beat me till I pass out. What should I do if I don't want to call the police or child services?
loveistheway

Dear loveistheway,
I'm sorry to hear that things at home are so bad. I'm sure you could try staying over at a friend's house for awhile, but that won't solve your problems. I understand that you don't want to call the cops on your dad, but when a situation is as serious as yours, you can't keep it a secret cuz you're only continuing to put your life in danger. If your dad is being abusive and your stepmom isn't helping you out, you need to turn to someone who will put your best interests first. Is your real mom around to talk to? Can you go to her for help? Maybe she can make arrangements for you to stay with her from now on. But if she's not available, you should make an appointment right away to talk to your school counselor, or call an anonymous hotline like the National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-4-A-CHILD. It's available 24 hours a day, so I suggest you call them ASAP to get local information on what you can do and where you can go for help. Take care and let me know how things turn out.

That is what you need to do. If he doesn't stop, call social services and they will put you in a better environment.
Username: Anonymous

I agree with Dish-It! When I first read this, it made me want to cry! You need to go to a family relative, a trusted friend, anyone that really cares about you and your safety. Call a hotline! Anyone that wants to help!
Username: Anonymous

I feel so sad for loveistheway! :-( please loveistheway, I want to wish you good luck because it happens to me sometimes too. Let's just hope God or Jesus is watching you! :-)
Username: Anonymous

If I were you, I would have called the CPS (Child Protective Services).
Username: Anonymous

I'm sorry to hear that, but you need to be strong and try to get out of this one way or another. And don't you have someone who you can trust to talk to?
Username: Anonymous

loveistheway! I grew up in a lifestyle similar to yours when I was younger. My dad is an alcoholic and my mom is a druggie. I was raised by my father, and I raised my brother by myself. In the past few years, I have moved in with my grandparents. Life couldn't be any greater! I have an amazing boyfriend. But as for your situation, all I can SAY is get out NOW!! Go stay with someone... or you should definitely call CPS! It sounds bad... but if your father really does scare you, it would be all worth the effort! I promise.
Username: Anonymous

I feel so bad for you. I'm 11 turning 12 and whenever I was at my real dad's house, he would beat me too. As a girl, it hurt a lot. Until i turned about six, I kept it a secret. I finally told my mom and what she told me was shocking... he was beating her too. So my mom took me and left him. Now I have a really cool stepdad. I think it's sad your stepmom doesn't do anything.
Username: rainbird2323

Girl, tell somebody your dad will hit you until you die. You can't be in this situation.
Username: Anonymous

Wow girl! Seriously, you NEED to call someone. I know you love your dad, but I am sure you also love yourself and yourself needs some help! And girl, don't feel guilty about calling for help, it will help you and your dad at the same time. Good luck girlfriend!
Username: Anonymous

I know what you mean. My stepdad is like that, but yeah you should call the police no matter how much it hurts. I did it and my stepdad is in full recovery and I am so happy.
Username: Anonymous

I really think you should call your old mom, but if your dad catches you, call the police THAT VERY SECOND!!!!
Username: Anonymous

So gotta burnin' question? Need some love directions? Thinkin' about stuff like teen suicide, depression, sex, low self-esteem, boyfriends, girlfriends, losing old friends, bullying or peer pressure, but are too scared to ask your parents? Don't be scared to Dish-It. Just remember, if you hang out in chat with other Kidzworld members who know you by your nick, you might wanna use a secret nick when you write in. That way, no one will ever know it's you. Remember though, Dish-It gets tons of letters a day, so she can't answer 'em all. But keep checkin' the column cuz chances are, she'll be answering something very similar to your question soon. Thanks! Got some words of wisdom you wanna share? We'll dish them up too.

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