Legal Question in Civil Rights Law in Massachusetts
What can be done about emotional abuse from parent? I am 22, female, and live with my father, stepmother, and little sister (17). I dealt with emotional abuse from my birth mother until I turned 20, then moved out. I lived on my own briefly, but then my dad asked me to move and live with him in Massachusetts (I was in NC at the time). My stepmother is also emotionally abusive, and today took the step towards physical abuse by hitting my sister when she tried to defend me because I was out of the house at the time. If I were able, I would move out, but I am broke and also don't want to leave my sister alone with this woman. I am literally afraid of her, because every time I leave my room, she finds some way of starting a fight with me. I can't hold a job, because the constant stress has me throwing up nonstop after three days of work stress plus home stress. Please, someone toss me a bone here.
2 Answers from Attorneys
hitting is a criminal offense and could be reported to the police.
You could also report this to DCF, as to the battery.
Emotional abuse us not defined here.
You and your sister should take all steps necessary, including finding work, to get yourselves out of that abusive home. You are an adult and are not required to be in their home or under their care. If your little sister is being abused physically or emotionally you should call the Police/Department of Children and Families (formerly DSS) and report the abuse.
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