Pat's Answer

Hi there, you’re welcome to Ask Pat.

Thanks for getting in touch with the Ask Pat service and deciding to chat to us about what’s on your mind. From what you’re saying, it sounds like you have some questions about your rights around personal safety and what would happen if your Dad hurt you physically. We’re unsure whether this is just something you’re curious about or if this is a real threat that’s going on in your daily life, either way you are not alone in this and there are supports out there to keep young people safe from harm. No one would have the right to hurt another person physically or in any other way, and adults in particular do not have the right to hurt any child or young person. There are laws in place in Ireland that protect young people from harm so that means there are agencies and services whose job it is to keep young people safe. 

For example, Tusla, the Child & Family Agency. You can call Tusla on 0818 776 315 from Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm. You can also visit their Changing Futures website to find more information about their services: https://changingfutures.ie/  

It’s really important that you are safe. If you are in immediate danger, you should call emergency services any time by dialling 999 or 112. Those are a freephone numbers that can be contacted no matter where you are if you are in danger. 

Talking to someone you trust about what’s on your mind might be something to consider too. If you have been hurt by your Dad then you would have the right to get help and support so maybe talking to someone you can confide in such as a trusted adult family member, coach, teacher or school counsellor might be an option for you. Childline are also here for you any day of the year, at any time. You can contact the Childline team by phone 1800 66 66 66, text 50101 or by chatting online at www.childline.ie. We will always listen, never judge you and would love to chat with you. Also, https://www2.hse.ie/mental-health/ might be a good place to start if you feel you need some support in coping or looking after your mental health.  

Please remember that you’re never alone, there are organisations out there that are always happy to help when you need it, and even if you just want to have a chat you can give Childline a call. We hope that you get support if it’s something you need and if not, we hope this reply gave you a bit more information on something you were curious about. 

Thanks for getting in touch and take care, 

Pat.