Pat's Answer

You are very welcome to Ask Pat.

It seems like you have concerns about your friend. You say she is being physically and emotionally abused by her Dad. Her family are turning a blind eye to it and now she is at home with him 24/7.

This is a very difficult situation for you and your friend to be in and you seem like you are a very good friend to her, and are genuinely worried for her. She is lucky to have you as a friend.

We are very concerned about the way your friend is being treated. Her Dad has no right to treat her in this way. It is her Dad’s responsibility to keep her safe and it doesn’t seem like this is what is happening here. She has the right to be safe and to be happy and to be treated properly.

Her well being and mental health is very important to us and we would be more than happy to chat with your friend if she would like to give us a call. Our phone lines are open 24 hours a day and we are a free, non judgmental and confidential service.Our number is 1800 66 66 66. We have a text service also, 50101; and a WebChat service on this website.

Alternatively you or your friend may some find some useful tips on our website in the ‘Info and Advice’ section. There is also support available on the HSE website on www.yourmentalhealth.ie.

Hopefully you will find some of the above helpful and of course we would be more than happy to chat to you also if you ever feel like giving us a call. You have the right to support too.

Thank you for contacting us here at Ask Pat and we wish you well.