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My dad likes to touch me. Is this sexual abuse?

279 Answers
Last Updated: 06/03/2022 at 1:24am
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Top Rated Answers
GabrielaaTaker
August 9th, 2018 5:34am
If this gets serious, It can be sexual abuse. Love is shown in many different ways, But once something makes you uncomfortable thats when you seek help.
Anonymous
August 11th, 2018 5:54pm
It really depends on where he touches you and how he touches you. And if it makes you uncomfortable just tell him to stop
Anonymous
October 3rd, 2018 5:53pm
Sexual abuse is clearly defined as an abusive act that is beyond of what a normal father would do to his son / daughter. I do believe that touching may be included, but is not limited to signs of sexual abuse. I do believe that if you feel uncomfortable with this happening, you should try to speak with your father. If he harasses you sexually that may also bridge to verbal and physical abuse, thus, don't hesitate to seek legal guidance. Nobody deserves to be abused regardless of age, gender, spiritual belief, ideas, thoughts, etc. Abuse is abuse. No matter what happens, even if he is your father, this is not okay.
healingRabbit41
October 27th, 2018 2:09pm
If you do not want him to touch you are you try to resist than yes It is I would contact authorities right away this is only if you are under 18. If you are not I would see if you can find another safe place to live try telling you dad that you do not want him to touch you and see if he responds to that. Try talking to another adult in you life and tell them about this. If they know your dad they may better be able to give advice on what to do I hope this gets better!
angelFace94
November 29th, 2018 10:21pm
That really depends on many factors. Such as your age, your consent and how he touches you. However, it most likely IS sexual abuse if it makes you uncomfortable or if he does anything you don't want to do. If that is the case, you should either report it to the police or tell someone around you that you trust. If you do not want to do that, you can start by having a talk with your father about what makes you uncomfortable. Unfortunately, most of the sexual abuse comes from people you know and trust, so please, take care!
peaceseeker1811
May 3rd, 2019 10:05am
Does he touch you inappropriately? If yes, then it is sexual abuse. It is a crime. Child sexual abuse is a form of child abuse in which a child is abused for the sexual gratification of an adult or older adolescent. It includes direct sexual contact, the adult or otherwise older person engaging indecent exposure (of the genitals, female nipples, etc.) to a child with intent to gratify their own sexual desires or to intimidate or groom the child, asking or pressuring a child to engage in sexual activities, displaying pornography to a child, or using a child to produce child pornography.
yollypot
June 14th, 2019 3:55pm
Yes! Definitely. It’s sexual abuse and it shouldn’t be taken lightly. You need to talk to someone. This is not okay and he doesn’t get to get away with it. Please report it to someone you trust. I’m here for you if you need anything. Remember it’s not your fault. There’s nothing to be ashamed of. What he’s doing to you is wrong and atrocious. I’m sorry you have been exposed to such abuse. But you can stop him, let your voice be heard. I know a lot of people who have been sexually abused and they got the help they needed.
Anonymous
June 20th, 2019 2:21pm
In anyway or with any person shall you feel uncomfortable then yes. You have the right to your body— speak up to protect it and you! The hardest part may be to say no but the easiest part is moving on from this and accepting that it is not what you want. While innocence of a child and their parent involve touching this is out of love, once the touching becomes not innocent and you question yourself and the touching— it doesn’t seem as innocent or comfortable anymore. Speak to someone, say no to your father and the way he “touches” you.
Anonymous
October 17th, 2019 3:10pm
He is your father so maybe he is just the touchy type; however if you feel uncomfortable then let him know and I'm sure he'll stop. However, if he is touching you inappropriately then yes, that can be classified as sexual harassment/abuse.
Hedwiglovegood
December 8th, 2019 6:53am
i believe it is if you find it uncomfortable and feel am indication of a sexual intention. talking to someone you can trust and who also could do something about it is a good precaution to take. Make sure you don't make wrong assumptions and try to explain his inappropriate behavior as fatherly affection. No father should try something like that with their child. If you want you can try and tell him to stop but it might be better idea to inform someone who can handle the situation as if he really is doing it in a sexual way, he wont be very keen to stop.Everyone deserves a good and caring parent and no one should have to put up with this kind of behavior.
Sagettarius
January 29th, 2020 10:01am
I suppose it all depends what you mean by 'touch'. There are different types of touching, some of which are acceptable, others of which amount to sexual abuse. Some families are naturally tactile and hugs, cuddles and embraces are just part of normal, affectionate daily life. And this is all well and good as long as it's above board and consensual. But there are limits to what is acceptable. If your dad starts to 'touch' you in a way you don't feel comfortable with and doesn't stop when you ask him to, then in my opinion that verges on, or is actually, sexual abuse. Any deliberate sexual contact between a parent and a child (especially repeated contact) is sexual abuse and shouldn't be tolerated. If he continues to touch you in ways you feel are inappropriate, you should tell someone. Never let him tell you that this is your fault or it is just because he loves you. This kind of guilt-tripping is typical abuser behavior. You need to put a stop to it one way or another.
Anonymous
April 1st, 2020 5:33pm
It depends on the kind and place of touch. Usually, it is appropriate for fathers to have physical contact with their children. However, if the father touches the child/daughter in intimate areas and against the child's will, that can be sexual abuse. Usually, it is sexual abuse when your dad is touching you under your clothes and in intimate regions against your will and may force you to touch him back in his intimate areas for his pleasure. Your dad may threaten you to keep the experience a secret as well. Another good indication is when your dad is also physically or emotionally abusive toward your mother.
Earthling22
July 5th, 2020 2:15pm
The touch of our parents is something that should make us feel safe and loved. A simple pat on the back or kiss on the cheek should make us feel appreciated and protected. It is common for our parents and dads to want to show their affection through physical contact. However, if your dad touches you in private places, or if his touch makes you feel uncomfortable, it is important to acknowledge your feelings and perhaps even voicing them out. It is possible that your dad only wants to show you his love through the power of touch but at the end of the day it is crucial that you feel comfortable about it.
professionalRecipe69
August 28th, 2020 7:07pm
short answer no, longer answer it depends, if he's just hugging you or a pat in the back then no but if he's making you uncomfortable, if he's touching you inappropriately, if he's kissing on you or making sexual remarks while touching you than yes it is sexual abuse. if you've told him to stop and he continues. if he talks about you In a sexual manner then. there's a lot that goes into determining if something is sexual or not a simple touch or hug can just be boundaries issue but if he is being sexual or you just feel as if he's intentions are bad then yes it can be sexual abuse
Riversandmountainsjoy
September 24th, 2020 4:10pm
How do you feel about it? It for sure is abuse, whether sexual or emotional. It also is illegal and I would not advise you to think this is normal. I don't know your situation but if he doesn't stop after you told him to stop you should tell someone about it or just not be alone with him in the same room ever. Also I would like to add that you could talk to him, touching could be in different places and if you feel uncomfortable talk to home about it, but if it is on your private parts do not let it slip.
Anonymous
October 8th, 2020 8:43pm
It depends on how he touches you. Does he make moves to touch your private parts, or is this just his way of affection? If you feel uncomfortable in these situations, talk to him about it. If you feel unsafe, talk to someone trustworthy, or, even better, talk to a therapist or even call the police if you're in a desperate situation. Just know that you're not alone and that you don't deserve this. You can also try to talk to your mom about it, as she could shed some light on the situation. Keep moving forward and never look back. If you need to, cut your dad out of your life. Sexual abuse isn't something to take lightly.
Anonymous
October 31st, 2020 3:56am
I do believe this is sexual abuse if he you are uncomfortable where and when he is touching you. In my opinion when someone is uncomfortable with something the other person should immediately stop when notified or when he/she notice him/herself. An important question to ask is where he is touching you and what are his motives. Maybe he is being playful or as a joke. But, with your question I think this is highly unlikely. Does he do It when you guys are alone and is it subtle or what leads up to his action. Maybe tell him to stop. I know it might be hard, but it is better in my opinion than being uncomfortable.
Anonymous
November 6th, 2020 4:40am
Is your dad touching you in a sexual manner or making threats towards you? If you are uncomfortable with him touching you, tell him. Communicate what is ok and not ok. Even if he is your dad, he should ask for consent and talk to a trusted adult or friend if you can. It is good to communicate your thoughts rather than keeping it to yourself. If he continues to touch you inappropriately, report him to the authorities. It is not your job to condone his behavior if you are uncomfortable. A father should be protecting their child, not harming them.
Sierra9712
November 15th, 2020 5:39am
Yes this would be considered sexual abuse. It can bring about many different feelings that can be very confusing and scary. It is best to tell an adult or tell someone so you can recieve help. This behavior needs to stop and it can be scary to have to face this alone. Especially when it is your parent that is the one hurting you. I would tell someone so that they can report it to the proper authorities. It may sound scary but this way the sexual abuse can finally end. It may seem overwhelming but you don't deserve what is happening to you and it is not your fault. Your dad is the one with a problem and he needs to be held accountable while you are being safe and protected.
caringCreature2051
November 15th, 2020 5:52am
Of course it is sexual abuse if he touches you in a way that makes you uncomfortable. You should talk about immediately with someone who you trust and think will not try to shut you up. And if you are old enough to take control of the situation then call the police or the authorities concerned directly. No matter who it comes from bad touch is bad touch. It shouldn't happen. Especially coming from a father, the person who's supposed to be protecting you. Please report it as soon as possible. It shouldn't go on any longer than it already has.
Anonymous
November 15th, 2020 6:27am
Absolutely. Your dad should never touch you under any circumstances. It is wrong, and it is unlawful. If you are underage, you should tell a trusted adult what is happening so they can get you some help. If you are an adult, you should file a report to your local police station. It is not okay under any circumstances for your dad to touch you. If you are able to, you should stay with a friend as much as possible. Just stay out of the house as much as possible and try not to be alone with him. You should get help as soon as possible.
Anonymous
January 20th, 2021 7:34pm
YES! This is sexual abuse, I am so sorry that you are experiencing this. Please contact emergency department, police or at lest tell someone adult outside your family like a teacher or anyone that you feel safe with and they can help contact other authorities. As someone who has experiences abuse by my own parents I can relate. I know how hard it is. But you need to be brave and strong and ask for help. Asking for help is not weakness, its strength and I hope that you will get the help that you seek, need and deserve. Best of luck to you. Sending you love and strength!
Anonymous
February 10th, 2021 5:35am
It depends on the way that he’s touching you, honestly. Without giving any context, we have no idea what “touching” means. If rests his hands on your shoulder or hugs you, then no. But if it is an uninvited form of touching on any areas that make you feel uncomfortable or you know are wrong for him to be doing, then it might absolutely be. While he is “touching” you, how do you feel? Is it in a sexual manner, such as trying to put his hand on your thighs too close to your personal area? Is he trying to grope you in any sort of fashion? Does it make you feel uncomfortable at all? Those are the main questions.
Lyulph
April 11th, 2021 5:39pm
Where does your dad touch you? If your dad touches you on your private parts it is definitely sexual abuse, with or without consent (if you are underage). If your dad touches you on other parts, not private parts, it is technically not sexual abuse. However, if he does this without your consent it still goes into the category of ‘abuse’. You should never let anyone touch you if you are not comfortable with it, even your own family members. I understand your question. I wish all the best for you, remember; no one is allowed to touch you without your consent.
DragonView
May 1st, 2021 1:47am
This may be sexual abuse depending on context. Note that your father has no rights over your body, you can always say no, whatever he says about it, and you can ask trustworthy people for help. 1) Does he touch your private parts on purpose, or does he do it "accidentally" too frequently for it to be an actual accident? This is sexual abuse. 2) Does he touch you in ways that are ambiguous, or in places that may feel ambiguous because they are not technically private parts, but are related to sexuality (lips, thighs, belly button, neck), and doesn't stop when you say no or does it over and over again in separate occasions despite you having said no in the past? This can be sexual grooming or sexual assault. 3) Does he act entitled or angry, or tries to persuade you when you say no? It may be grooming or sexual assault. 4) Does he try to make you keep it as a secret? This is sexual abuse. 5) Any touch that continues after you said no, even if it is not sexually abusive, is abusive, and you have a right to try to stop it, prevent it or denounce it. There are many signs of sexual abuse. So, what touch is okay? 1) Touch that is evidently for your own good, like to check a wound or lesion or your temperature when you are unwell, to keep you safe, if you are disabled you may need someone to wash you without overwashing particularly your private parts, a proper culturally normal greeting, hugs, culturally normal kisses for fathers to give to daughters. 2) Touch that is obviously accidental, such as bumping on you on the very rare occasion on tight spaces (very frequent bumping can indicate it is purposeful). 3) Touch that is purely communicative, such as tapping gently on your shoulder to get your attention.
keirashepherd123
May 9th, 2021 3:22pm
yes yes yes if you think it is not appropriate. Talk to someone you can trust about it and get in touch with your local authorities if you think it has got so far. do not suffer in silence as you deserve to get help and be supported. If it makes you uncomfortable tell him to stop, if he does not stop get up and move away from him. tell him that you do not like it and tell him he has to stop. Tell any other adults you trust about this so that they are ready to help you
Sunisshiningandsoareyou
May 14th, 2021 7:43pm
There's a difference in touch, there's both good touch and bad touch, if a touch is making you uncomfortable or something that makes you wonder if it's an inappropriate touch or at a private body part , making you question if it's sexual abuse ...then it definitely is a form of molestation . Be it anyone , you're allowed to feel safe , and no one should touch inappropriately . I hope you're able to figure out if it's uncomfortable for you , and possibly tell him or someone who you feel comfortable with, to seek for a possible solution to it. keep safe ❤
mayayaya16
July 16th, 2021 4:02pm
It depends. On one note, parents love showing affection to their children whether hugging, kissing on the cheek, etc. On another note if a parent were to take a more romantic liking toward a child maybe touching more often than regularly noticed that’s different. Sometimes a parent might be sexually abusive and think it’s okay because it’s their child so they might envision that they have the right to touch or do things. So in answering the question, I think it could possibly be sexual abuse. To check, a couple questions to ask yourself are, “has the touching increased or has your parent shown more care to your body or how you feel physically?” “Do you feel uncomfortable or have you been sensing inappropriate behaviour from the parent?”
Anonymous
August 4th, 2021 5:44pm
Many close relationships, such as friendships or familial relationships, involve some form of touch. Touch is both a love language and a natural way that people communicate. Not all forms of touch are sexual abuse, however, when touch is inappropriate, unwanted, or unwelcome, such as fondling or unwanted touching under or above clothing, or when touch includes sexual contact with family members or children, it can constitute sexual abuse. Therefore, the answer to this question is, it depends on the types of interactions you and your dad are having. If you were uncomfortable with the interactions, could you tell him? If you told him, would he stop? Regardless of whether this is sexual abuse or not, consent still matters. For more information, or if you need help, feel free to check out these resources: National Domestic Violence Hotline 800-799-SAFE (7233) National Sexual Assault Hotline 800-656-HOPE (4673) The National Domestic Violence Hotline can also help you find programs in your area. Be well and stay safe.
Anonymous
August 8th, 2021 5:22pm
This depends on where he touches, with what intention he touches you and most importantly, how it makes you feel. If you don't feel comfortable with him touching you, even if it's just a pat on the back, you should inform him that the physical contact makes you uncomfortable. If he refuses to honor your wish you could talk about it with someone else. I would proceed cautiously though. If your father searches physical contact with you for pure intentions, it would be a shame if one would smother his good name. So in short, if the physical content is non-sexual in nature, talk with him about it and inform that this makes you uncomfortable. If the touching is indeed in a sexual context then I would reach out to help.