Summary
Physical abuse is illegal, and your uncles actions could be considered child abuse under Alabama law. Installing cameras in common areas is generally legal, but using them to monitor you excessively could be harassment. In Alabama, you can petition for emancipation at age 16, but you must prove financial independence and that its in your best interest. For immediate help, contact the Alabama Department of Human Resources (DHR) Child Abuse Hotline. Discuss your discomfort with a trusted adult or legal authority.Full Conversation
My name is Michael. I need help. I live with my Uncle who is my adopted father and legal gaurdian. I have lived with him since I was 4 years old. He is finnancially stable and can provide me with a good school system. But after his spouse died he started drinking and smoking more weed. I get in trouble at home a lot. It was over this girl. Recently and in the past I would sneak in my Uncles room and steal my phone from his room when I was grounded (which I am right now) or I would steal a vape. Sometimes he would be angry and drunk and grab my ears or throw something at me. He would call me mean names or yell at me. Sometimes it would be because I forgot to do some chores or get a bad grade a school. But recently these past few days it's been actual real abuse. I stole my phone from his room and he struck me accross my face, grabbed me and pushed me near the door where he continued to yell and hit me on the back of my head. He also would grab me and yell in my face. He also has installed * cameras in the living room and in the hall way. I don't consent to being recorded. Is this legal? Is the abuse legal? I want to get emancipated but I need help with understanding my rights. Not only that but I'm just not happy at home and I don't know if the abuse is illegal because I stole a vape and my phone while I was grounded. Also I live in Alabama and I am 16 years old.
Hi Michael, I'm really sorry to hear about your situation. Here’s some general legal information that might help:
- **Abuse**: Physical abuse is illegal. Your uncle's actions could be considered child abuse under Alabama law.
- **Cameras**: Recording in common areas of the home without your consent could be legal, but if it's invasive or abusive, it might not be.
- **Emancipation**: In Alabama, you can petition for emancipation at age *, but you’ll need to prove you can support yourself financially and that it's in your best interest.
For immediate help, consider contacting:
~Alabama Department of Human Resources (DHR) Child Abuse Hotline
Phone: (*) *-*
Website: www.dhr.alabama.gov
Do you feel safe contacting them, or is there someone else you trust who can help?
can you give me some more understanding about the cameras please. I don't consent to being recorded and it makes me feel uncomfortable.
Hi Michael, I understand your concerns about the cameras. Here are some points regarding the use of cameras in your home in Alabama:
- **Common Areas**: It is generally legal for your uncle to install cameras in common areas like the living room and hallway.
- **Privacy**: Cameras should not be placed in private areas such as bathrooms or bedrooms.
- **Abuse**: If the cameras are being used in a way that contributes to an abusive environment, this could raise legal issues.
You might want to discuss your discomfort with a trusted adult or legal authority. Do you have someone you trust to talk to, or would you like more information on how to address this legally?
He is using them so that he can spy on me
Hi Michael, I understand your concerns. Here are some additional points about the use of cameras:
- **Purpose**: If the cameras are used to monitor you excessively or invasively, it could be considered harassment.
- **Legal Actions**: You may report this to authorities or seek advice from a legal professional.
Would you like more information on how to report this, or do you have another specific concern?
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