Can I be forced to go back to my parents if I don't want to?

If you can prove that they are a threat to your welbeing they wouldnt send you back.

However; they could face charges by the state for child abuse and you would be placed in foster care services until you are 18 years old.

Not sure about this, but I believe I've heard that a teenager can petition the court to be emancipated from their parents. Are you in school, and if so do you have access to a school counselor or school psychologist? If so, ask them how you can be emancipated.They have to keep anything you tell them confidential (unless, of course you tell them about imminent danger to you or someone else).

From your post it seems that you are in high school right now.

Talk to one of your teachers/counsellors/advisors as soon as you can.

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Aside from the assaults by your father , this concerns me.



There is never a good reason for a parent to physically assault a child. Never.

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Talk to an adult at your school as soon as you can. If it is not a public school, talk to another unrelated adult you trust as soon as possible - not someone within your family .

as they should

assault by a parent on a child is never acceptable behaviour

I am going to talk to my school psychologist tomorrow. Thank you guys so much, it means a lot.

I'm so glad there is someone for you to speak with.

Take good care of yourself.

So I talked to my school psychologist. She's reported it to DHS. I have pictures of my swollen face and bruised eye. I have also been hit badly a couple times in the past but only 3-4 times. The other times is not enough to leave a mark. It's just spanking or pinching. Once I had to go to the hospital. When DHS comes, will they take me away for good or will I have to return to my parents? They're nice sometimes and I'm sure they care but I still feel unsafe and I feel like it's threatening my mental health. I've dealt with self harm and depression as well. I'm so scared and I feel bad because I'm going to put my family through hell and they might disown me. What if they just get counseling and then I have to stay with them? They may not physically hit me but I'm going to have to deal with the emotional and verbal stuff. I'm so scared.

You are almost a legal adult. I am assuming that you are in the US (I don't think you said this for sure). Tell the social worker exactly what you want. At your age (17) they will likely listen to you.. Definitely tell the social worker that you fear being taken back to Pakistan, and that you fear for your life.

I can't say for sure what will happen. I do know of people in similar situations who were moved to shelters.

Hopefully the DHS will give you access to resources including more counseling.

Alright. I will do that. Thank you so much!

I agree 100% with max - I think that's excellent advice.