Child Abuse vs. Discipline

My question involves child abuse or neglect in the State of: Colorado. I'm wondering, first off, what is child abuse?? What does it's definition extend to, and what seperates child abuse from "discipline?" There's reasons I'm asking, but I'm not sure how far into depth I'd consider going till I have some answers/thoughts/ideas.

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Quoting lissabear

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My question involves child abuse or neglect in the State of: Colorado. I'm wondering, first off, what is child abuse?? What does it's definition extend to, and what seperates child abuse from "discipline?" There's reasons I'm asking, but I'm not sure how far into depth I'd consider going till I have some answers/thoughts/ideas.

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There is no one all-inclusive list of what may or may not constitute child abuse; Colorado uses the term "reasonable" when discussing force as it pertains to corporal punishment.

I suggest you leave a few facts if you would like assistance.

Okay. I just found this website, so I'll have to get used to it. I've heard before that while some physical forms of punishment are okay, such as spanking, it crosses a line when it comes to, say, hitting their child in the face. I don't know whether I have any stance in reporting some of the "punishment" my parents consider healthy and normal, and when it comes to it, I'd rather not report anything because I have close to but less than a year left before I turn 18 and can move elsewhere. But in case anything happens till then, I'd like to know legally where I stand. If that makes sense?

It makes sense, but it's still not something we can give you a list of "this is abuse and this is not". It would be much easier to give you an answer if you would tell us what is happening to you, and then we can address the specifics.

If you think you're being abused, contact child services or a trusted adult. While I personally think it's inappropriate to physically punish an older teen (such as yourself), my thoughts don't necessarily reflect the law and we can't make a determination in either direction whether a particular act would be classed as abuse vs. discipline.

That makes sense. I've gone to trusted adults before, and they've helped me out, I just wish I had a way to get out of the house without riksing getting my parents in trouble or getting the DHS involved. I've looked into emancipation laws here in Colorado, but I was told it would be useless because it's a year long process. It doesn't seem a very sensible option, but can I ask about certain laws concerning running away? Like, if I were to leave this summer, somewhere where I'd have shelter, job opportunites, and people to take care of me, what actions would be taken in the case my parents report me as a runaway? And what would the consequences be if I was found?

The bigger question might be how much legal trouble your friends get into for harboring a runaway. Their consequences would typically be far, far greater than yours.

It wouldn't be my friends, just some people I know. I know that they could get chargerd for harboring a runaway, but they've claimed to be fine with the consequences if I get caught, so long as I'm "out of the house". They told me to look more into what would happen to myself.

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Quoting lissabear

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It wouldn't be my friends, just some people I know. I know that they could get chargerd for harboring a runaway, but they've claimed to be fine with the consequences if I get caught, so long as I'm "out of the house". They told me to look more into what would happen to myself.

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I think running away would be a very, very bad move for you. I imagine it would be hard for them to support you if they're behind bars. Right?

I've heard otherwise- that the consequence wouldn't be that heavy. And there's a very small chance of me being found if I go with that idea, because of certain circumstances. It'd be my last resort if anything. I did some looking around on what could get parents in trouble abuse wise, and I could definitely get my parents in trouble with the law, but I wouldn't know how. And it'd be much easier if there was a way to work around me leaving, without parental consent, without getting them in trouble. Which I figure is highly unlikely.