Court Emotional Abuse Testimony

Summary

Minors in California can testify about emotional abuse in court, which may be relevant in cases like child custody or restraining orders. Document experiences, consult a legal guardian, and prioritize safety. Report to Child Protective Services if necessary. Misuse of a minors funds, unsanitary living conditions, and educational neglect are serious issues that should be reported to authorities.

Full Conversation

I was wondering if i can tell the court how my dad and his parents emotional abuse affected me
Yes, you can share your emotional abuse experiences in court. This may be relevant in cases like child custody or restraining order hearings. Here are some key points:
- Consult with a legal guardian or attorney.
- Document your experiences.
- Be prepared to testify in court.
Always prioritize your safety. Reach out to local authorities if you're in immediate danger.
Yes i was going to tell them that years of emotional abuse has lowered my self esteem and made me depressed and anxious
That's a brave step you're taking. In California, child abuse is taken seriously:
- Emotional abuse is recognized under California Penal Code 273d.
- You can report abuse to Child Protective Services.
- Seek the help of a counselor or trusted adult.
Stay safe and remember, you're not alone.
I haven't been to school since may 15th i go to independent studies
It is important to attend school regularly. If you're unable to attend due to the emotional distress, you should:
- Notify your school about your situation.
- Seek support from a school counselor.
- Consider legal action if the abuse is causing educational neglect.
Your wellbeing and education are important.
I haven't been to school because my dad hasn't taken me and no one in the house offers to take me
In California, it's a parent's legal duty to ensure school attendance. If your dad is neglecting this responsibility, it may be considered educational neglect. Reach out to a trusted adult or school counselor for support. You can also contact Child Protective Services.
My dad took most of my money in my account and the other day he wanted my money for a beer
In California, it's illegal for parents to take a minor's earnings without consent. You might:
- Contact Child Protective Services or a trusted adult.
- Document incidents.
- Consult a lawyer or legal guardian.
Remember, your financial security is important.
That money was mostly from social security checks and i don't even know what he was spending it on i know he used it to go half on his motorcycle
If that money is from social security checks and it's meant for you, misuse of these funds is considered a serious violation. Here's what you can do:
- Report the misuse to Social Security Administration.
- Contact Child Protective Services.
- Share this with a trusted adult or legal guardian.
Is that financial abuse?
Yes, using a minor's funds without consent, especially when it's meant for their welfare, can be considered financial abuse. In California, there are laws to protect minors from such abuse. You should definitely inform the appropriate authorities about this.
My aunt is an account and she did the math I'm supposed to have about $*,* in there and i only have $*
That's a significant discrepancy. Have you reported this to any authorities or spoken to a legal guardian about it? In California, misappropriation of a minor's funds can be considered financial abuse. It's important to take action.
No i haven't i have some bank papers showing large withdrawals like $* from my account that i wasn't aware of
That's concerning. In California, it's crucial to report such issues. You should:
- Share this with your Aunt or a trusted adult.
- Report to Child Protective Services.
- Contact the bank to flag these transactions.
Ok i will thank you
You're welcome! Remember, you're not alone and there are people who want to help. Reach out to trusted adults and relevant authorities. Your well-being is most important.
So i was wondering i have a text from my dad saying "Just stay home tomorrow I already loose to much sleep l'm not going to get * hrs sleep then pick you up and get * more then work" it was from *
This text seems to suggest your father is not ensuring your attendance to school. Are there more instances or evidence that show this pattern of neglect?
I have an email from my school that said i missed a required meeting
In California, mandatory school attendance is taken seriously. If your father's actions are causing you to miss school, it may be considered educational neglect. You should:
- Share these texts and emails with a trusted adult.
- Contact your school counselor.
- Report to Child Protective Services.
I have a text from my teacher saying "How are you doing? Haven't seen you in a while, everything going?"
This text message from your teacher indicates concern about your absence. Have you shared your situation with your teacher or any other trusted adult at school? It's important to let them know so they can provide support and assistance.
No i haven't my aunts and my grandma are telling me to tell my teacher that my dad doesn't take me to school because he is "tired" after work
That's a difficult situation. In California, it's important to communicate with your school about your circumstances. Have you considered sharing this information with your teacher or school counselor?
I'm thinking about telling the school counselor
That's a good step. In California, school counselors are trained to handle such situations and they can provide you with support and help you navigate through this difficult time. Always remember, you're not alone.
Another thing i wanted to ask is what is unsanitary living conditions and how serious is it?
Unsanitary living conditions refer to environments that are not clean or safe. This can include:
- Lack of clean water or food
- Pest infestations
- Accumulated trash or filth
- Lack of proper heating or cooling
In California, these conditions are taken seriously as they can harm health. You could report this to Child Protective Services.
Oh ok thank you well there is quite a bit of trash outside mostly mostly next to the abandoned moblie home my dads brother used to live in and there is mold in the only open shower
In California, living conditions with excessive trash and mold can be considered unhealthy and unsafe. You should:
- Document these conditions with photos.
- Report to Child Protective Services.
- Share with a trusted adult or legal guardian.
Your well-being is a priority.
I have photos of the mold not of the trash though
That's a good start. Photos can serve as evidence. Do you have a trusted adult, like your aunt, whom you can share these photos with and discuss the next steps?
Yes i do i have several trusted adults to talk to
That's excellent. It's important to share these photos and concerns with them. They can provide advice and help you report to Child Protective Services in California. Are you feeling safe right now?
Yes i am my dad is asleep right now so i feel safe
I'm glad to hear you're safe at the moment. Remember, in California, you can always dial * if you're in immediate danger. Have you thought about reaching out to Child Protective Services or a local family law attorney to discuss your situation?
Yes i have thought about reporting to cps
That's a courageous step. Reporting to Child Protective Services (CPS) can help protect you. Do you need assistance in understanding how to report to CPS in California?
Yes please
Great, I can provide some general steps on how to report to CPS in California. Would you like to know the process, or do you have specific questions related to reporting?
I would like to know the process please
Here's the general process to report to CPS in California:
*. Gather all necessary information (names, addresses, details of the incident).
*. Call the Child Abuse Hotline at *-*-*-*.
*. Follow their instructions to make a report.
*. They may ask you to provide written report as well.
*. Cooperate with any further investigation.
Remember, your safety is first.
Thank you i have to shate a room with my dad here and there is an open room but his parents said i can't have it i took pictures of our room and the open room
Living arrangements can be a sensitive topic. In California, certain laws might apply. Did your grandparents provide a reason for not allowing you to occupy the open room?
No they didn't but they use it for when my nephews stay the night which isn't that often
In California, there might be certain considerations for room allocations. If you feel uncomfortable or unsafe sharing a room with your dad, have you thought about sharing these concerns with a trusted adult or Child Protective Services?
I do feel uncomfortable i don't think a 16 year old girl should have to share a room with her dad
I understand your discomfort. In California, proper living arrangements are a part of your welfare. Have you considered discussing this with a trusted adult or reporting to Child Protective Services?
Yes at my grandma's i have my own room that's one of the many reasons i want to live with her
It's important that you feel comfortable and safe where you live. Have you discussed your desire to live with your grandma with a trusted adult or considered involving Child Protective Services or family law attorney in this matter?
Yes i have i was thinking about contacting cps
That sounds like a good idea. Child Protective Services in California are equipped to handle such situations. Would you like more information on how to reach out to them?
No thank you my dad has a very high chance of hitting me so i will call them whenever he does
That's a very concerning situation. In California, if you're in immediate danger, please call *. You can also contact Child Protective Services to report abuse. Stay safe and remember, you're not alone.
Another thinh is my dad leaves for work at 2am and he wakes me up when he's getting ready
That can be disruptive to your sleep. Does your dad's early morning routine affect your health or ability to focus during the day?
I do sleep in a lot because i sometimes have trouble going back to sleep
I'm sorry to hear that. Sleep is important for your overall health and wellbeing. Have you shared these concerns about your disrupted sleep with a trusted adult or considered reporting this to Child Protective Services in California?
Yes i have i also have to sleep on a bed that is * or 13 years old and several people have slept on it before and i feel uncomfortable sleeping on it
That sounds uncomfortable. In California, your right to a safe and healthy living environment is important. Have you considered discussing these conditions with a trusted adult or reporting them to Child Protective Services?
Yes i have i also can't have anything on the dresser because my dad takes up most of the room i have pictures showing empty bottles trash and dishes being on there he gets mad when i have stuff up there
That sounds frustrating. Are you able to discuss this with your dad or a trusted adult? It may be worth bringing this up when reporting to Child Protective Services in California.
I did mention it to him and he said it's mine everything here is mine
That sounds difficult. In California, you have rights even as a minor. Have you thought about discussing this with a trusted adult or reporting it to Child Protective Services
No i haven't i get grossed out because my dad leaves bottles of urine on the dresser sometimes
That's a concerning situation. In California, unsanitary living conditions can be reported. You should:
- Document this issue with photos.
- Discuss it with a trusted adult.
- Report to Child Protective Services.
Your health and safety are paramount.
I have pictures of them he cleaned them off but i took pictures before he did
That's good you have these photos as evidence. Are you planning to share them with a trusted adult or Child Protective Services in California to further report these unsanitary conditions?
Yes i am
That's a responsible decision. It's essential to ensure your living conditions are safe and hygienic. Reach out to Child Protective Services in California and share your concerns. Stay strong, you're not alone.
I just don't like that my dad disrespects my stuff he'll throw my stuff on my bed or in my drawer or even on the floor sometimes
That sounds distressing. In California, everyone deserves respect and personal space. Have you spoken about this with your dad or a trusted adult? It might also be worth mentioning this when reporting to Child Protective Services.