Questions & Answers
What are my options if my family is abusive and I’m an 18-year-old female with no support?
Hello,
Abusive family members, parents and brother, with nowhere to go. Female, 18 years old. I need help. My parents physically abused me, and my mother almost killed me two years ago during a psychotic episode that was their fault.
I didn’t have mental issues growing up, but my mother spiritually abused me and brainwashed me with her ideas, while my father enabled her.
I couldn't choose what to eat, what to wear, or where to go, etc. My brother moved in later, and now they all gang up on me and verbally abuse me. He has so much more freedom than I do, as they favor him.
I can’t stay here. I'm at my breaking point.
Hello,
If you're being physically abused, you can report the matter to the police, and they can issue a protection order.
The Dubai Foundation for Women and Children (DFWAC) can help you with temporary shelter, allowing you to get away from the abusive environment and start planning your next steps.
Greetings,
My advice to you:
Try to understand your family because you don’t know what difficulties you might face outside the house, especially since you’re still young and they financially support you and probably pay for your education as well.
If you leave home now, it will be a big responsibility on your shoulders.
Try to earn their approval until you can find a job and have your own income to support yourself.
I’m sure you are capable of dealing with them diplomatically to gain their acceptance while at the same time avoiding their harm.
Best Regards,
1. Dubai Women and Children Shelter:
They provide immediate shelter, legal protection, psychological support, and future plans. 24/7 contact number: 8007283 (within the UAE).
They can intervene in cooperation with the police or prosecution to protect you from any threat.
2. Dubai Police - Child and Family Protection Department
Call 999 or 901 and request to be transferred to the Women's Protection Unit. You can also use the Dubai Police app or website to submit a secure report.
3. Ministry of Community Development:
Provides support for domestic violence cases through the hotline: 800623.
