Should I ask step-sister to leave the house, making her homeless?

[Anonymous]

Our mother passed away a few years after my brother was born, and our biological father remarried. They divorced a few years after I moved out, and my biological brother moved in with me because it was nearer to his campus, while our step-sister left with her mother.

Recently, she came to me asking if she could stay because her mom kicked her out over a big fight after she came out to her. Neither of us had a good relationship with her, because of her behavior (she would steal from us, and physically assaulted me during arguments). I was not keen on letting her stay, but my brother said we should let her stay until she gets back on her feet so I relented.

But she started doing other things, like bringing her girlfriend over without permission, or smoking in the shared toilet, which caused more arguments. The final straw, was last week when I got a phone call that her girlfriend got into a fight with our brother, and that she got hurt.

I rushed back, to find him on the ground in pain, and we had to rush him to the ER because of her. He was the one that got hurt but she did not tell me that (her girlfriend had a cut lip, while he had a more severe injury) and he had to be rushed to the ER because of her.

Apparently, he scolded her for smoking and she said something about our mother, making him to shove her, causing the fight. (Because he could not walk for a week, he had to stop work to recover and wanted to press charges but changed his mind)

I want to kick her out of the house for good, but I have not had the time to talk to her in person and we are afraid she will have a violent reaction. And I am also feeling a bit of pity for her, because she is not doing well and might not be able to get a place to stay if I do.

tldr: My step-sister got kicked out of the house, I offered to let her stay but she is causing problems and her girlfriend even injured my brother, am I the asshole if I ask her to leave?

[Guy13]

Firstly, consult an attorney and know that I am not one. This is my best guess. Assault is a criminal matter. Each State law varies.

It is clear that sitting down and having a talk with her is a suggesting by one who has dealing with physically and mentally abusive family members. The first thing I would do is contact the police, hopefully 911, and have a report filed, and pictures to prove assault. They may inquire as to arresting the perpetrator. A restraining order or immediate protective order would be pursued if I was the victim. That's about the only thing that will resonate with this girl... in my opinion.

Secondly, gather and keep medical reports for the police. Serious bodily injury needs medical conformation for Court. Thirdly, expect some family feedback and reaction but all those persons would be in police report if it was me that was assaulted.

You do what is best for you but if it were me an attorney would be first stop.

[Chris_Morgan]

I think You may have to have a serious talk with her and set some boundaries. Tell her that she's welcome to stay until she gets a job and finds a place of her own, but in the meantime her girlfriend is not allowed over, and there can't be anymore fighting or she's gonna have to find some place else to live. That way it's her choice to either follow the rules or go live on the street, it isn't your fault, she has a choice to make and her actions are going to be her own reponsibility.