Home Runaway

By definition, a runaway is a person who leaves the home of his or her legal guardian without permission. Research exhibits that 1 out of 6 individuals runaway. Studies show that more than 1.5 million teens home runaway from each year. Any of the family members, including a wife, husband, son, daughter, brother, or sister, can take this bold step.

home runaway

Reasons For Home Run Away

1

Statistics indicate that men are comparatively more vulnerable to home runaways than women, and there is a common observation that the chances of women are very minimal returning after a home runaway incident as compared to men. The reason behind this can be the social or cultural stigma attached to female runaways. The act of running away is perceived as a quick fix by the individuals. Moreover, there are usually uncontrollable emotions that are activated when the decision to run away is taken. Individuals usually run away out of an impulse that they hope will solve and settle the problems they face at home.

2

However, unfortunately, this step worsens the situation and causes more troubles in their life than they had imagined. Although the runaways are usually in dire need to be away from their homes for the time being, yet staying away from home develops further issues for them and they have to face adverse consequences after running out of their homes such as drug abuse, sexual or physical abuse, physical diseases, hunger, or the involvement in several immoral or criminal activities.

3

When we talk about the factors associated with home runaway tendencies, a broad range of aspects arise on the surface. Historically, the runaway was considered a manifestation of an individual’s desire for independence. However, current research identifies several other contributing factors as well that play a motivational role for a person to run away.

4

One of the most common causes of home runaway is drug abuse. Several types of research on runaways have confirmed that around 70% of the runaway population is involved in drugs or alcohol. Apart from drug abuse, there are other factors as well that work as a catalyst. These factors lead individuals to run away from their homes as a result of the emotional burden they carry with them. They see running away as a cry for help, having no one to turn to. The presence of toxic people in the family is also a strong factor behind the decision to run away from home.

5

Toxic people are the ones who are judgmental, provoking, discouraging, dominating, temperamental, and cause pain to others around them. Many elders in the family unknowingly act as toxic persons, such as parents, grandparents, or spouses, which can have a negative influence on the people around them. Current research also identifies dysfunctional, abusive, and neglectful homes as the chief explanation for why youth run away. Combinations of parental neglect, physical or sexual abuse, violence, family conflicts, and poor relationships with the parents all can work as a motivation for youth to run away.

6

The second phase occurs when that person comes back to his or her home. The third phase is called the blast again phase. In this phase, a person runs away from home once again. Now, the most crucial phase is the second phase, as it is the weakest phase for a runaway. The family should make the most out of this phase. They should be engaged in assertive interaction and empathic listening and practice healthy communication with the person to ensure that he or she does not go for another runaway attempt.

For Home Runaway Counseling!

We Are Always Here For You!