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

If you don't want him to touch you, if it's not with consent, then yes, it is sexual abuse. We encourage you to seek some help, go to the police and tell someone you trust, because that's a very serious crime. Also, it's important you seek professional mental health care, because such things can have a serious impact on your mental health. And if you need anything, don't hesitate on contacting a listener here or an online therapist. Take care of yourself and if you feel comfortable, you can look for some online support group of sexual abuse to help you find your strength.

Short answer, yes. Any form of unwanted physical contact is abuse, and you don't have to push yourself to go through it at all. If you've made your boundaries clear to him, and he still doesn't stop, it would be a good idea to get in touch with Child Help Services in your area. Sexual abuse is a punishable offense, as you may know. Once again, there is absolutely no need for you to bear with this, whether it is out of fear or a simple desire to preserve peace. Never let people take advantage of you, regardless of their relationship with you.

It depends how he is touching you, and how old you are. Always be sure to confirm his intentions. If he is hugging you for a long period of time don't assume he is trying to abuse you, maybe he was missing you or was having a rough day and just really needed a hug to make him feel better. Depending on how old you are him cuddling with you at night isn't always abuse, maybe he is just trying to hold onto you while he still can because you are growing up fast. I have personally experienced this and I know that my dad isn't sexually abusing me. Hope this helped. :)

If he's touching you in a way that is fatherly like for example patting your head etc then that is not sexual abuse. However if he is touching you in areas that you are not comfortable in for example for private areas or he is becoming quite aggressive when coming to touch you then I do think it is sexual abuse and you should talk to a trusted adult about it straight away whether its your mum or a teacher. Someone who you can trust. Don't feel embarrassed, it can be quite nerve wracking but if it puts you in danger then your safety matters most.

Hey! i hope your okay but i know this must be such a difficult time but we're here to help. When this happens how does it make you feel and also how often does it happen? the most important thing is dealing with how you cope with this and making sure you're okay and can talk through any uncomfortableness of the situations. feel free to send me a request if you want to talk to anyone over chat to try and understand this a bit more. no judgement, you just got to remember that you're not alone! reaching out is a great first step to the recovery... Holly x

Absolutely. Contact the police, a trusted adult, a school worker, or your doctor immediately. This is not okay and you have the right to feel safe. Of you cannot reach out for help, local hospitals can help you report this. Whether it is still happening now or has happened in the past, you have the right to protection. Reach out. There are programs and services available through counseling programs and county social service organizations that can help you with counseling as well if you want to pursue assistance. Family services can also provide help. Remember, this is not your fault.

I think it depends on the way he likes to touch you, and the places too. The main thing that defines if it is abuse is how this makes you feel. If it is making you feel uncomfortable, and you want him to stop then it definitely would be classed as sexual abuse. Especially if you have repeatedly told him you don't appreciate the way he is touching you, and he is continuing to touch you. Otherwise, it could just be him trying to express his love for you as a father! If it gets to the point where he refuses to stop and you feel unsafe, you should report this.

If your dad is touching you somewhere that is making you feel uncomfortable, and it happens repeatedly, that could certainly be sexual abuse. If this is happening to you and your dad does not stop, please find a trusted adult and tell them about your situation so you can get the help you need. It is never good to put up with any type of abuse, and the sooner you can get it stopped, the better. Abuse should be taken very seriously, so please take action. I hope that it stops, and I hope that you get the help you need.

It depends on where he touches you, when he touches you and around whom, and the time could also help you know if it is suspicious or now, please tell any adult you trust and ask them about it. but to me the word "likes" is already suspicious however i do not know you nor your dad so it it important for you to figure it out and take action as soon as possible to prevent furthur things that he might do, please stay safe and protect yourself. thank you for reaching out on 7 cups and take care

There are a lot of nuances to sexual abuse, and abuse in general. Many questions need to be asked before you come to a final conclusion. Is this touching consensual? What is the nature of him touching you? When and how does this occur? If the touching is nonconsensual, that already presents a problem. Whether sexual or not, you have a right to your space and who gets to touch you. The nature of a touch depends on where it is and for how long, as well as considering the situation leading to it. Finally, a touch in public could be an embarrassment tactic - be wary of the context in which these touches occur, and in front of whom. I hope that you're okay!