this post was submitted on 29 Oct 2024
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I (21M) live in an Ohio household of hardcore Trumpers who, unfortunately, found out that I voted for Kamala Harris.

My father and brother are fascists. They believe in killing anyone who disagrees with Trumpism. My mother is not violent, but drank basically all the QAnon Kool-Aid and is batshit insane.

I am disabled. My cognitive ability suffers severely if I sit up or stand up for more than a few minutes. I also have another condition that requires me to avoid bending my neck, so I have to keep it straight. I also can't safely lift anything that's heavier than a few pounds, so anything more than that is very risky. I can push and pull fine.

I am also financially-dependent on my mother at the moment.

We moved to a new house recently, and the walls are very thin. That allowed me to overhear a private conversation between my father and brother.

My brother said that he hates Harris supporters so much that he wants a day of retribution where he goes on a violent rampage to kill everyone he knows who supports her, especially gay and transgender people. When my dad asked if that included me, he did not hesitate to say "Sure."

My brother is in peak physical condition. He owns guns and has military training. I had long suspected that he is the biggest potential threat to my life, but gaslighted myself into thinking I was overreacting. Today, he confirmed it.

My brother isn't the type to throw out threats of violence willy-nilly. He has also physically abused me in the past when we were younger and has major anger issues. I believe that I have to take this threat seriously, and that means that I need to evacuate ASAP. I think the most likely day for him to act is on election night or shortly after, which would give me just over a week. But then again, I can't be sure. Maybe he is planning a surprise.

My mother is too unreasonable to take any of this seriously.

I have a few thousand dollars and Democratic relatives from the South who might potentially take me in, though I don't know for sure if they will, since we're not close emotionally. I also don't know if my brother will go out of his way to target them once he notices my absence. He is going to an out-of-state Trump rally this week, so I know that he doesn't have much trouble crossing state lines.

I don't know where my birth certificate and social security card are, other than that my mother has them somewhere. My father is home the entire time and stays in one spot where he can see everything. Even if I knew where they were, there is no way for me to retrieve them without him noticing.

Fuck fascism. I was born to a family of vile abusive sociopaths. It was hell the whole time. I won't miss any of them. Fuck them. They are a disappointment to the rest of my family line. I spent my entire life learning how to become a decent human being in spite of it all and now the fuckers want me dead. FUCK. THEM.

The thing that separates me from the rest of my family is empathy. I refused to hate the people they wanted me to hate. Instead, I listened to their stories and befriended them. I care about everyone, not just straight white Christians. I voted for Harris because I wanted the best for everyone, which means preventing the installation of an authoritarian regime. And for that, I must pay the ultimate price.

I may never get to experience love or deep friendship, but no matter how this all ends, I vow to spend the rest of my days pouring out as much love and joy as I can out to every last ally I meet.

Any advice would be helpful. I don't want to wait, but I also can't do this without some kind of plan. I have no idea what the fuck I'm doing, so any input is appreciated.

Thank you.

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[–] Godric@lemmy.world 68 points 23 hours ago (1 children)

This reads as a shitpost, but I'll advise on the chance it isn't and you're in a crazy deadly situation.

Make a show of applying for remote Jobs ASAP, do it tomorrow. Dress up nice for the "E-meetings", and then hop in discord or something with a friend and have an "Interview" that goes well.

Then, explain to your family that you need to submit documents to HR to complete onboarding. Get ALL your personal documents in hand, and then ride off into the sunset away from them.

[–] racemaniac@lemmy.dbzer0.com 15 points 16 hours ago

At the very least it's a copy paste from a popular reddit post, and it indeed reads like a shitpost that combines every single trope...

[–] JackbyDev@programming.dev 29 points 1 day ago (1 children)

Contact the police and FBI once you are safe. You may very well save lives.

[–] Avatar_of_Self@lemmy.world 9 points 23 hours ago

Doubtful either will do anything but maybe make a report that might be ready if they are murdered. Cops will say there is nothing they can do because nobody is hurt. I'd bet a field agent would never call you back or show up.

[–] Wisely@lemm.ee 28 points 1 day ago* (last edited 1 day ago)

Honestly I would report the threat to the FBI. He is planning terroristic murders across an entire population of the general public and across state lines.

https://tips.fbi.gov/home

[–] ColdWater@lemmy.ca 14 points 1 day ago (1 children)

These people became full blown cult now?

[–] gorgori@lemmy.world 13 points 23 hours ago

Always have been.

[–] Drivebyhaiku@lemmy.world 49 points 1 day ago

You need to call your relatives. If one of my second cousins whom I never met gives me a call saying that they are in your position and don't know where to turn I am driving out 4 hours to pick them up at the drop of a hat.

It is going to be be hard but there are means to get free. Explore your options once you are safe but right now job one is get safe.

[–] TheObviousSolution@lemm.ee 16 points 1 day ago* (last edited 1 day ago)

Even if there is no attempt to kill you, the physical abuse and attempts to force you into vulnerable and risky situations will, and you are already vulnerable. Maybe you can contact some form of social service or disability services and report the circumstances. Some guides suggest contacting the police, but it wouldn't be my first option - maybe try to contact probono lawyers who could help you like this https://www.ohiojusticefoundation.org/tom-and-gerry-cincinnati-attorneys-contribute-hundreds-of-hours-of-pro-bono-service/ in case things get serious. Leave a trail that indicates that the threat has been made. You can also try to get in contact with organizations like Ohio Democrats, but do so quietly. I'd try to lay low if I were you until you can move out, maybe even just throw them a bone by trying to virtue signal their cult thinking until you can get away safely. Definitely clear or hide your browsing and account history so they can't trace it back to posts like this, and maybe just leave a less threatening persona account that if they do find they would have less of an issue with.

[–] Rivalarrival@lemmy.today 28 points 1 day ago (1 children)

You don't need your birth certificate or social security card. They are easy to replace. A birth certificate is a public record: you can order it from whatever government agency handles vital records in the county of your birth.

Social security card is marginally more difficult, but if you know the number, it is surprisingly easy. Just go down to the nearest social security office with your story, and they'll get it sent to you.

You can only do it like 6 times in your life, but you rarely need the card itself anymore.

[–] monkeyslikebananas2@lemmy.world 12 points 1 day ago (3 children)

Wait what happens at the 7th time?

[–] TropicalDingdong@lemmy.world 13 points 1 day ago (2 children)

it's like failing a catchpa.

They determine you are no longer you and you have to just start a new identity from scratch.

[–] JackbyDev@programming.dev 11 points 1 day ago

Get off the grid with this one weird trick

[–] FlyingSquid@lemmy.world 2 points 17 hours ago (1 children)
[–] lemonmelon@lemmy.world 2 points 17 hours ago (1 children)

You can't tell the SovCits anything. Maybe we're supposed to have a sheriff inform the human being while we simultaneously address the straw man and thusly create joinder... then I think they have to listen to us based on Admirality Law or something... right?

[–] FlyingSquid@lemmy.world 1 points 16 hours ago

I just don't like giving them new ideas... although it is always good fodder for c/InsanePeopleFacebook.

[–] Astronauticaldb@lemmy.world 5 points 1 day ago

Denial of service I guess? Either that or having to submit a very specific set of documents or forms to let someone somewhere know why you need just one more after already having seven at that point (First one being the one your parents are given at the time of your birth, followed by the 6 reprints they allow)

[–] BigBenis@lemmy.world 54 points 1 day ago (1 children)

Sadly, the local police/FBI likely aren't going to do shit for you and will only increase the risk of you getting found out by the people you're living with. I'd wait until you're out to contact them.

Your non-crazy relatives seem like your best bet, provided they're willing to put themselves between you and your potentially violent acquaintances should it come to that. Be honest with them.

Otherwise, people have suggested abuse hotlines and organizations, that's probably a good place to start. If I were in your situation and I had nowhere else to turn, I'd probably reach out to the church I went to when I grew up. I'm no longer Christian but the church I went to was exceptionally open minded and left leaning and I would trust the leaders to understand and help me how they could. Maybe you know of or could ask around about a place like that in your region? I would avoid anything within your town if possible since word is likely to get back to the people you're currently living with.

Really sorry you're in this situation. I'm all the way on the west coast but I have a network of resources in central IL if you end up there. Reach out if you can think of more ways I can help.

[–] JackbyDev@programming.dev 4 points 1 day ago

My home church growing up was right leaning and as much as I hate them, I still feel like if I was in OP's shoes it would still be a good bet. To be fair they were more center right than far right but still.

[–] Andromxda@lemmy.dbzer0.com 29 points 1 day ago (2 children)

First, obviously ensure that you stay safe.

But if possible, gather as much evidence as you can. Make voice or video recordings, write down things you here, take photos of things that might be important, whatever. As soon as you're in safety, send all the evidence of your father/brother making death threats and planning violent riots to the police/FBI.

[–] ipkpjersi@lemmy.ml 8 points 1 day ago* (last edited 1 day ago) (1 children)

I'd say skip local PD and go above them, if they're crossing state lines that means it goes into federal jurisdiction. Also more likely for it to be taken seriously.

[–] Andromxda@lemmy.dbzer0.com 3 points 1 day ago

Right, that's probably a good idea

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[–] gregor@gregtech.eu 33 points 1 day ago* (last edited 1 day ago)

Nothing to contribute to the conversation here, but fuck, I'm so sorry you have to go through this. Please do let us know if you get out of this alive.

[–] FollyDolly@lemmy.world 89 points 1 day ago (2 children)

Here is my advice. When someone tells you who they are believe them. Get out. DO NOT contact police or any kind of law enforcement until you are gone and safe. People like this will escalate if they feel threatened.

You can get new documents, clothes and items. Even if you only escape with the clothes on your back, wallet and phone. Make sure your family cannot track your phone. Make sure any communication you have with your helpers is locked down. Use an app your family doesn't use or understand, like Snapchat or Discord. Have your helpers or uber pick you up a few houses down in the middle of the night if you have to.

You would be surpised who still cares for you. Reach out to family, to old friends, to anyone you think could help, either by giving you a ride or taking you in for awhile. I haven't talked to my best friend from collage for over a decade, but if she called me needing help I would drop everything and head her way.

Also, I live east coast and hell, maybe I could give you a ride to somewhere depending on where you are going.

Lastly, please take this seriously. You are not overreacting. Your life may very well be in danger, and just like with any other abusive relationship, leaving is the most dangerous part. Nothing you own outside of your ID and medications are worth dying for.

[–] Andromxda@lemmy.dbzer0.com 18 points 1 day ago (2 children)

Use an app your family doesn’t use or understand, like Snapchat or Discord.

Nah, use Signal, they definitely won't use it, cause it's "woke leftist crap"

Signal posted this on Twitter a few years ago:

And this is what the Trump cultists had to say about it:

So you can definitely be sure that they don't use it

It's also much more private and secure than Snapchat or Discord. I would avoid Discord, since it's not encrypted and your chats are saved to your account. If someone gets your password, they can read all your chats. Signal only saves them on your device, so you're safe.

@sprigatito_bread@lemmy.world

[–] gregor@gregtech.eu 2 points 17 hours ago* (last edited 17 hours ago)

Absolutely, Element is fine too. Signal is easier to use tho

[–] JackbyDev@programming.dev 5 points 1 day ago (1 children)

How can they say that when Truth Social is a fork of Mastodon lol

[–] Andromxda@lemmy.dbzer0.com 2 points 18 hours ago

There's a pretty easy explanation for it. In fact, it's just one simple word: stupidity

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[–] DarkThoughts@fedia.io 97 points 1 day ago (5 children)

My brother said that he hates Harris supporters so much that he wants a day of retribution where he goes on a violent rampage to kill everyone he knows who supports her, especially gay and transgender people. When my dad asked if that included me, he did not hesitate to say "Sure."

Isn't that already a case for the police or FBI or something?

[–] TrueStoryBob@lemmy.world 33 points 1 day ago

My first thought also. I get people not wanting to get the police involved (i.e. some officers may share the sibling and father's sentiment), but this is definitely a situation where authorities should be contacted. This really feels like we're going to hear in like two months a local TV reporter say the words: "from a FOI request, we've learned that the two suspects were on police radar for months."

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[–] Snapz@lemmy.world 16 points 1 day ago

With conditions that severe, do you have access to a medical transport service or an understanding friend? One way or another, have them get you to a bus depot, buy a ticket to the nearest sane state and tap their social services to help you get established with basic care - Ohio is likely beyond broken intentionally, and it might not feel like it, but you will find social systems that function (not perfectly, but function for those truly in need) in other states.

If you're in active danger, focus on moving (or being moved) away, as fast and far as you can afford.

[–] RIPandTERROR@sh.itjust.works 65 points 1 day ago

You don't have family there. You have relatives.

[–] chiliedogg@lemmy.world 31 points 1 day ago (6 children)

First thing is to ensure your safety.

Once you have that taken care of - what do you know about your brother's out-of-state trip? He sounds like the kind of person who will ignore the local gun laws of wherever he is going if they're stricter than where you live. If he's going to a fascist meet-up, a tip that he may be illegally armed may give law enforcement a reason to start searching the Nazis for weapons.

[–] wolfpack86@lemmy.world 12 points 1 day ago

Some of those that work forces, are the same that burn crosses

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[–] RBWells@lemmy.world 58 points 1 day ago

Assuming this is real, and that you have a cell phone, I think your best resource is your not crazy relatives. Ask to visit. I find it more likely your brother is just boasting and full of shit, but if you are physically delicate, it could still end badly.

So call them and tell them what you told us, that you are worried. If they invite you, that will be an excuse to get your stuff from your mom. You need allies.

[–] Apytele@sh.itjust.works 419 points 2 days ago* (last edited 2 days ago) (8 children)

If you're as disabled as you say and either you have documentation (such as state benefits) or it's just obvious I would try APS (adult protective services) over the cops. Things will move faster and more effectively if you do some of the legwork (hypothetically speaking) for them ahead of time.

  1. Get in touch with the family that might take you in. Try to find three options who confirm they will take you. Write down or keep in a Google doc or whatever their: full names, phone numbers, email addresses, and physical addresses. The number one thing I see holding up cases like yours is housing, and if you have all those details worked out ahead of time a caseworker can do a lot more for you a lot faster. A lot of the time our psych social workers can get someone a uber / lyft or bus ticket easily enough, the problem is figuring out where they're going. If you have the contact info of someone they can call right there and then who has already agreed to take you, you are a slam dunk open and shut case. Get three so you have backups.

  2. Arrange for a ride locally such as a friend or acquaintance or literally anyone else who has a car and is willing to help you for 24-48 hours. This should not be hard to talk someone into. Many people want to help a person like you but don't have the resources to house someone for weeks or months. For this acquantaince you are an easy way to help and feel good about themselves. Use that. Tell them to wait for you to contact them. Again, try to get three options set up so you have two failsafes.

  3. AFTER you've done that, call your local APS (adult protective services) or file a report online. Do whatever you can to keep your family from knowing you called because it might take a few hours up to maybe even a day or two for them to get to you and you don't want your family tipped off in the meantime. Tell them you're being held by your family and kept from accessing your legal identifying documents like your birth certificate. If you get state benefits your documentation or papers regularly mailed to you may also have a compliance / abuse reporting hotline number somewhere on it. You could also try a crisis hotline through an organization that does community outreach. Tell them they have abused you in the past and you are in fear for your life. Tell them you HAVE A PLACE TO GO you just need help getting your documents. Again, you are easy to help in this situation, they don't need to worry about setting you up with benefits or housing or anything, just transport maybe. This is what the numbers and addresses are for, they may want to confirm you have somewhere to go and even have options. Just play up the danger and that they're keeping you from your documents. If you get an asshole worker wait six hours and try again (change of shift) or try calling a different agency or the next town over. You may also be able to find other places to call or worst case scenario call 911.

  4. The SECOND they show up and if they're able to get you those documents, get the hell out to that person who's helping you locally and block your family and do not tell or hint or give them any other indication of where you're going. Don't even tell the person giving you a ride if you think it will get back to them. If necessary tell them an entirely different final destination and just get them to get you to the airport / bus terminal and get out.

  5. while you're waiting, get all your medications, medical equipment / supplies, any valuables or sentimental items, and 3-5 changes of clothes all in the same area of the house. Make sure to pack sentimental clothing but especially pack accessible clothing that's easy for you to dress yourself with. Get them into a bag if you think you can do so discreetly, but a box or even just a pile in an out of the way corner is fine. If you have any special skin safe shampoo or other non-medicine but important toiletries stash them too or just make sure they're all in the same place in the bathroom. Get everything into 1-3 discreet / hidden piles so you just need to throw them in a trash bag and go. If there's any valuables you think your family will try to dispute ownership of, try to get any receipts or photos of you wearing or using them or texts from someone who bought them for you or whatever else you can find and put them in a Google drive folder or email to yourself. Worst case scenario though, be willing to leave some things behind if you have to.

Good luck and godspeed. :)

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[–] VantaBrandon@lemmy.world 78 points 1 day ago (2 children)

If you're serious go to the police immediately and remove yourself from physical danger, deal with the rest of it later

[–] BalooWasWahoo@links.hackliberty.org 73 points 1 day ago (3 children)

Having been involved in a conversation about this sort of family dynamic with police, I wouldn't recommend it. Unless OP is in a gigantic city, he is not going to receive any help from the police that actually protects him. What will happen is the police will listen to his story, then go talk to the other parties involved to get their story.

If an officer believes him right off the bat, they can/may hold off on talking to the rest of the family and tipping them off that OP is making these claims, but even in that case OP still may be stuck in the house. They might be able to connect him to a shelter. Might. The problem is that he is male. Male domestic violence shelters are almost certainly going to be a shit-show at best, and 95% chance there isn't a shelter for males of domestic violence within any distance that the cops would help him get to.

The best bet for OP that involves cops is to follow Chonk's advice: https://links.hackliberty.org/post/3089471/5115602

Use the cops for what they are actually good at: protecting you in the exact moment they are there. Anything else is going to be a time-consuming investigation, unless the brother/father literally admit to planning to kill OP.

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[–] Curious_Canid@lemmy.ca 26 points 1 day ago (5 children)

If you can get relatives to help, do that. If not, contact a local women's shelter or other abuse-related non-profit. They may or may not be able to help directly, but they will most likely know what other resources are available.

I wish you the best.

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[–] jordanlund@lemmy.world 154 points 2 days ago (1 children)

First, you need to know, you did NOTHING wrong. Your family is the problem, NOT YOU.

Second, when you say you are "financially-dependent on my mother at the moment." it's quite likely the other way around. If you're as disabled as you say, you should be getting disability benefits, paid to YOU, not them. Likely they were collecting before you turned 18, but at 21 those benefits are YOURS, not theirs.

Third, don't sweat the birth certificate or SSN. Those are just paper and there's a process to replace them, a process you can't start if they harm you.

GTFO. Now. While you can. Take your benefits with you, cut them off and let them hang.

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