Alex's Answer

Hi there and welcome to Ask Alex. 

We understand that it can be difficult to talk about what’s going on for you so well done for reaching out to us. 

It sounds like you’re saying that your dad touches you inappropriately and makes you feel uncomfortable.  You feel that this isn’t sexual in nature, but you still feel very uncomfortable, does that sound right? 

The first thing to remember is that you have the right to feel safe, secure and happy, especially in your home.  No one has the right to touch you without your permission so we would be concerned to hear that your dad is making you feel this way, especially when you mention the worst happens when no one else is around. 

Have you spoken to anyone else about the way your dad is making you feel? Do you have an adult you trust that you could speak to, such as an aunt or uncle, or maybe a youth worker or teacher in school? 

We also want you to know that there are there are people whose job it is to keep children and young people in Ireland safe.  For example, there’s 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.  

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 or 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’re not alone and there are people and organisations that can help you. 

Take care, 

Alex.