Legit Advice Needed

[b3thany]

I am currently 17 i will be 18 in two months.... My step father is rather abusive, and he sexually harasses me (i.e taking pictures when I am not looking, telling my brothers friends how to get in my pants, constantly telling me how hot or sexy I am, or making me kiss him on the cheek) I just want to get out, and I have a place to go someone who will take care of me and a stable environment... I would report my stepdad, but heres the thing, its kind of late, by the time court is said and done I will be well over 18, and why mess his life up so bad... So I was thinking just leave and call my mom and tell her I left and that if she wanted to report me then I will tell the police what has been going on and that she may not want to go through that and risk him loosing his job, and his youngest son.... It would just a long drawn out process, and I would wait but I have been doing this for 10 yrs now and I am at my breaking point.... And its sad to go but its only safe for me.. My question was what would the police do? what actions could be taken? And could they put me in juvi for this? I live in louisiana and I have talked to several police officers when I was like 17 and a few months but I don't know if that changes and eliminates "gray" areas if I am so close to 18

Thanks

[Iris. ♥]

My heart just broke a little bit for you. You shouldn't have to go through anything like that. Even if you'll be 18 soon, I think you should report him. It's not right that he's been able to do this for 10 years, and he shouldn't be able to do anything like this in the future. I'm not sure exactly what actions the police would take, but an investigation would most likely be involved. If he is thought to be guilty, a trial will surely follow. Just so you're aware, if it does go to trial, you will most likely be asked to act as a witness and tell your story. Deciding whether you are ready for that or not is a personal choice. Whatever you choose, you should look for people who will support you through everything. Also, you would absolutely not go to juvenile hall for this. You've done nothing wrong.
Good luck with everything. Feel free to PM me if you need to chat some more.
Take care,
Sammi.

[Carpe Diem]

I'm not going to urge you to report him (even if it seems like the clearest thing to do) because you yourself said you don't want to do that and I understand how hard it is to do something like that even if it could potentially solve all your problems. I will, however, urge you to leave that place as soon as possible. You do NOT deserve this. If your mom thinks about reporting you, threaten her with telling the police (like you said) and do whatever means possible to not return to that place. You do have age on your side, so even if it gets as far as having yourself go to a foster home (which can sometimes be a blessing), all you have to do is wait a few months to be able to live by yourself, unless the age of majority is 19 where you live. Good luck with this; I'm wishing the best for you!