A.
Since you are 17 years old , you are legally considered a minor in India (under 18) .While you can not simply walk away on your own without a legal guardian's consent,there are immediate legal and institutional ways available to protect you and help you live separately from them.
Here are the immediate steps you can take-------
1)Contact the child helpline (1098) immediately ---- Tell them about the physical and mental abuse you are facing .They have the authority to intervene ,rescue you from an unsafe environment,and place you in a secure emergency shelter home.
2)Child Walfare Committee (CWC) ---Under the law ,if a child is unsafe or abused within their family ,they are categorised as a "Child in Need of Care and Protection" .The children team can present your case to the local CHILD WALFARE COMMITTEEE. The CWC has the legal power to order that you be separated from your parents and placed in a safe , Government - recognised shelter home.
3) Since you are 17,you are less than a year away from becoming a legal adult.Once you turn 18 , You will have the absolute legal right to live wherever you want and work independently.Your parents will have no legal right to force you to stay.
4)Support for Depression---- When you call 1098 ,you can explicitly ask them for mental health support . They provide free professional counselling for children dealing with trauma and depression.
Posted On 11-Sep-2026
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