Alex's Answer
I’m in a horrible situation, my father hits me and touches me inappropriately.
Your Question
I’m upset because at home my dad hits me. Sometimes he tries to touch me in places that aren’t appropriate like my privates. I find this very difficult, what my dad does is sexual assault. It’s not nice. I get hit once or twice a day and this really is a horrible situation.
Answer
Hi there and welcome to Ask Alex.
Thank you so much for reaching out to us and trusting us with what’s going on for you. We know it can be a difficult thing to do, but we also know how great it is for young people to share their thoughts and their emotions. Talking about and sharing what is going on for you is a big step forward.
We are really concerned to hear that your dad hits you and tries to touch you in inappropriate places. Neither your dad or anybody else for that matter, has the right to touch and hurt you in the way you have described to us today. You have the right to be safe in your home and going by what you have said, it is not a safe space for you at all.
You have the right to feel safe, free from danger and happy in your home and no one has the right to hurt you in any way. This is quite serious and should not be happening to you or any other children or teenagers. Did you know that there are people whose job it is to keep children and young people in Ireland 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/. If ever you are in immediate danger, you should call An Garda Siochana on 112 or 999. It’s really important that you are safe and get the support that you need.
Have you ever told anyone else what has been going on at home? Perhaps there is an adult in your life that you trust that you would feel comfortable telling such as an aunt/uncle, a teacher or a school counsellor. It’s important that you get the help that you deserve.
There are some articles on the Childline website which may help you with what you are going through at the moment: www.childline.ie/what-is-abuse/.
If you would like to talk to us some more, you can contact us via our webchat at www.childline.ie, by text 50101 or if you prefer, by phone on 1800 66 66 66. All our services are free, confidential, non-judgemental and available 24-hours a day, 7 days a week.
Remember, you do not have to go through this alone, there are people and organisations that can help you.
Take care,
Alex