u/Itchy_Month_9337

Problem/Goal:

I need advice and help on how to leave an unsafe home situation and find work/shelter so I can support myself.

Context:

I’m supposed to be an incoming college freshman, but my parents decided to stop my education, and it feels final. My main problem is my father—he has been physically and emotionally abusive since I was a child. There were times when he hurt me badly, even causing my head to bleed. Because of this, I once reported him to the barangay, and I feel like that made things worse between us.

Recently, my mother went abroad for work. At first we were okay, but after a few weeks, her attitude toward me changed. She now believes negative things my father says about me, even if they’re not true. Now she has decided to stop my schooling, hoping it will fix things between me and my father—but I honestly can’t handle the situation anymore.

I’m still living in our house, but things have gotten worse. My mother hasn’t sent me money for two weeks, and sometimes I don’t have enough food. I rely on friends just to eat. Even when there is food at home, I’m often left with almost nothing.

Because of this, I want to leave home. It’s no longer safe or healthy for me.

Previous Attempts:

I’ve been trying to look for work online for about a week. I’m willing to do household work (kasambahay) so I can have both a job and a place to stay. I’m hardworking and willing to learn. However, I’m only 17, and most opportunities I find are in Manila. I don’t have money for transportation, and sometimes people stop replying (ghosting), which makes it harder.

What I Need Advice On:

- How can I safely leave my situation at 17?

- Are there places or organizations that can help me with shelter or work?

- Any tips on finding legit work with accommodation?

- What steps should I take so I can eventually continue my education?

Any advice or help would mean a lot. Thank you.

Hello everyone. I’m a 17-year-old (M) gay from the Philippines and I’m currently in a very difficult situation at home.

I was supposed to start college soon, but my parents have decided to stop supporting my education. Right now, I’m also experiencing a very unstable and unsafe home environment.

My father has been physically and emotionally abusive since I was young. There was even an incident before where I was physically hurt badly enough that I bled. I have already reported it to our barangay in the past.

My mother is currently working abroad, but recently she has stopped supporting me financially after believing false things being said about me. For the past weeks, I’ve sometimes had no access to food and have had to rely on friends just to eat.

Because of this, staying at home no longer feels safe or sustainable for me. I’m trying to find a way to support myself honestly—whether through work that provides shelter and food, or any safe opportunity where I can start over. I’m willing to do any legal work like house help or similar jobs.

I’m not trying to run away irresponsibly—I just want a safe place to stay, stability, and a chance to continue living a normal and healthy life.

If anyone knows of any safe organizations, job opportunities, shelters, or guidance for minors in situations like this, I would really appreciate your help.

Thank you for reading.

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Hi, I’m 17 and I really need advice.

I’m currently living in an unsafe and unstable home environment due to ongoing family issues, including abuse. Because of this, I’ve decided that I need to leave for my own safety and try to support myself.

I was supposed to be an incoming college freshman, but my education has been stopped and I’m no longer being financially supported. There are times when I don’t even have enough food, so right now my priority is to find a way to stand on my own.

I’m actively looking for work—preferably something with food and accommodation like house help—but most of the opportunities I find are in Manila. The problem is I don’t have money for transportation to get there.

Right now, what I really need is help or advice on how I can safely get to Manila or find legitimate work opportunities. If anyone knows safe options, resources, or even advice on what I should do next, I would really appreciate it.

Thank you for taking the time to read this.