[PSY]

Well then, let's look at the three options you listed in your first post.

1. Live in misery.
That's certainly a possibility. People do it all the time. What concerns me, however, is that the abuse could escalate. And you won't be moving out in a matter of weeks or months... we're looking at a few more years. Is that really something you'd want to face alone?

2. Go to a foster home.
This could be a good or a bad thing. You could end up living with one or two wonderful foster parents, or you could end up moving from home to home until you "grow out" of the system. So when considering this option, ask yourself which is more frightening: fear of what you already know is an abusive situation, or fear of what could be an unpleasant situation in some other way.

3. Killing yourself.
Actually, no. This is NOT an option. You are far stronger than you think you are. I know things seem hopeless now, because you don't feel there is anyone you can turn to... but look at where you are right now! You're on TeenHelp, reaching out to strangers. =) And we're not putting you down or making the situation worse, right? So maybe it's worth taking that same chance with people you can meet in "real life".

On a final note... I don't know the details of that little girl's situation, but I DO know there are many social workers who care deeply for the people they meet. I intern with a research lab that employs social workers, and they are by far some of the most compassionate, hard-working people I have ever met. Maybe the social workers in question didn't have enough evidence to justify removing the girl from her home. Maybe they had the best of intentions, but they missed the signs. Maybe they were a rare exception and simply didn't care.

All I can suggest is that you weigh the pros and cons, just as you would weigh the pros and cons of staying with your parents vs. going into foster care. Things could improve greatly if a social worker got involved. There is also the possibility that things could get worse for a while. It may help if you talked to the police about your options, and explained your situation in greater detail. If you can't get a ride to the station, you can call 9-1-1 from anywhere (home, school, a pay phone, etc.) and tell them what's going on. A police officer will pick you up and take your statement. If you have any bruises at the time, they can take photos and add them to your file. If the situation ever escalates, you can then call the police again, and they will already have evidence to back up your claim.