TEEN QUESTION/PROBLEM:
I am 17 years old and i was raised by my grandparents.I am being abused by my older brother who is 18. They won't do anything about it. I am afraid to be at home alone or live with him. They won't kick him out and talking to him doesn't fix anything. He hits me, and slaps me and even threatens me with a knife. He shoves me and is very mean to me. He does anything to put me down. I feel very depressed and I'd kill myself just to get a way from him. They won't let me go move in with another relative. I need help! What do you advise me to do?

TEEN LINE WROTE:
Hey, thanks for contacting TEEN LINE. You must be feeling really trapped right now between your grandparents and your brother! It is horrible that he constantly threatens you and abuses you both verbally and physically. It's even worse that your grandparents aren't supporting your situation. This sounds like child abuse and may be reportable. It might be a good and helpful idea to call the National Child Abuse Hotline at 800-422-4453 to get help. Also, it seems like you are lacking a support system right now. You mentioned that you would consider committing suicide just to get out of this situation. Your safety is really important and it might be a better idea to think that through to realize the long term effects it would have on you and everyone else around you. Have you tried talking about another adult about this? A school counselor? Teacher? Older relative (cousin, aunt, uncle, etc)? Also, since you are 17, you will become a legal adult at 18. Then if you wanted, you'd have the option of leaving your grandparents' house and living on your own. If you wanted to talk more about this, you could always call us at TEEN LINE at 310 855 4673. We are open every night from 6pm to 10pm PST. TEEN LINE is confidential. Thanks.

a TEEN LINE teen