My Mother’s Boyfriend Beat My Nine-Year-Old Brother With a Belt—Then a Stranger Called Our Kitchen Phone and Said, “Stay Away From the Kids”
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Chapter 14 / 27
Chapter 14 - Was my kick illegal?
Prosecutors reviewed it.
I was seventeen.
Gary had just been striking Ethan.
He moved toward us with the belt raised.
I got between them.
He continued.
I kicked him once.
The prosecutor declined to file a delinquency charge against me.
The conclusion:
Evidence supported defense of Ethan and myself during an active threat.
That did not mean teenagers should solve abuse by fighting adults.
It meant the law recognizes circumstances.
My attorney told me:
“You were protecting Ethan. But if you can safely escape and call for help, that is usually better.”
I said:
“There wasn’t time.”
May you like
He nodded.
“I know.”
