Alex's Answer

Is slapping my bum sexual abuse

Your Question

Is my dad slapping my butt sexual abuse? I told him that I didn’t want him to do that, and he ignored me and went to bed.

Answer

Hi there and welcome to Ask Alex.  

 

Thank you for getting in touch with us here at Ask Alex. It sounds like you are going through a really difficult time right now, but you are so brave to contact us. 

 

We’re truly sorry that you’re experiencing this, and we want to emphasise that it’s not okay for anyone to hurt you or make you feel uncomfortable like this in any way. You’re showing great courage by reaching out to Ask Alex. In Ireland, all children have the right to protection and safety, and they should get help if they’re being mistreated in any way. 

 

Do you have a trusted adult who you could talk too? This adult could be an aunt, uncle, or grandparent. We know that it can be hard to open up to someone who is close to us, so maybe talking to somebody outside of your family who you feel comfortable talking to might work better for you at first. It is important for your own physical and mental wellbeing that you get the help and support that you deserve.     

  

Túsla is the Child and Family Agency in Ireland. Here, there are social workers whose job it is to make sure that all people under the age of 18 are safe. You can find your local Túsla office here www.tusla.ie/get-in-touch/local-area-offices/. You may need the help of an adult to talk to somebody at Túsla, but it is important that you know, that the adults in your life have a responsibility to keep you safe and get you help if you are not.  

 

There are some articles on the Childline website too that you may find helpful www.childline.ie/what-does-inappropriate-sexual-behaviour-look-like/; www.childline.ie/what-is-sexual-abuse/.  

 

If you would like to have a chat about how you’re feeling, you can always contact us here at Childline, by clicking on the Live Chat button on this website, or giving us a call on 1800 66 66 66. You can talk about anything you want to, and we are here to listen to whatever you would like to say in a non-judgemental, non-directive way. There are always trained people waiting for you to get in touch, any time, for any reason.

 

Take care of yourself, and please reach out for support soon.

Alex 

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