i agree Blue..i had to lose everything to gain everything. I know you are not me, and every situation is different, i can only compare to what i have been thru, and what other people i know have as well, plus what i have read, then study all to get the best perspective and make my decisions. Fear feeds on it's self and tears at your health as well. It invades your sleep, and sits in your subconscious (sp?) like an evil little troll taking away the very joy you should be having at this time in your life. I don't know what the story is on mom, i don't know what your relationship is with her, and if you are afraid the she too will be hurt for she is still there i assume, i'd like to take her for a long walk and talk because her lack of action of abuse is enabling the situation to exist, and teaching your siblings that abuse is an acceptable way to conduct your life. If u and your siblings can team up you can support each other on this and possibly make everyone's life better..your all just starting out and your brother is at such a danger danger age for there are many ways to run away, and at that age drugs will be top of the list, if not that drinking can be a numbing agent until it becomes a monkey on the back that steals the life as well. Take some serious time to think..call some hotlines and legal aid, see what your options are, talk and talk and talk to people until you have all your answers, then make a plan,,and a back up plan as well. Only then will you be free of this, and your family as well.