Are You a Child Being Molested?
If you are a child or a minor and have been molested or the molestation is ongoing, then you need to seek help. Where you seek help from however, varies a lot depending upon your situation, who is molesting you and who you can trust.
Since incest is a large part of child molestation, we often get questions about what constitutes child molesting. A typical question is "Is being touched by your father molestation?"
Whilst on the surface it seems like a simple question, this is not the case. Natural affection between fathers and children is a good thing and should not be discouraged. Touching private areas, such as the genital region or breasts is definitely child sex abuse.
Legal Definition
In most states, the legal definition of child molestation is an act of a person—adult or child—who forces, coerces or threatens a child to have any form of sexual contact or to engage in any type of sexual activity at the perpetrator’s direction.
What If It Doesn't Fall Under the Above Description
But what if he pats you on the bottom in a playful mood? There are those who would say that this is also child abuse and there are those who would say it is not. Really it comes down to the intent of the father and the circumstances and social play of the entire family.
Similarly, many families kiss each other on the lips yet there are those who reserve this only for intimate sexual relationships and only kiss their children on the cheeks. There is no correct answer to these questions and modern society has not decided which way it wants to go.
The last thing we would want to do on this site is to discourage parents from showing proper affection to their children.
Not Sexual, But Makes You Uncomfortable
If your father is touching you in any way, that is not sexual, but it makes you feel uncomfortable then you should talk to someone about it. Firstly, if you get on well with your father in other respects, you could simply tell him that you are growing up and that you now feel uncomfortable with certain things.
If he was just being affectionate, then he will likely apologize, stop doing it and respect your wishes. If this doesn't bring about the result that you would like then you should talk to someone else. Preferably your mother if you get on well with her, but if not then a female that you trust. Your school counselor is a good choice.
If your father looks at you in a way that feels wrong, or he touches you on your breasts or genital region then you should speak to someone else about it and not to your father first.
Who To Talk To
If you cannot find anyone that you trust, then simply contact the police, either in person at the police station or by phone and ask to speak to a female police officer.
You should do this right now.
If you feel more comfortable calling Lifeline or Kids Help Line then do so. They will tell you exactly what you need to do.
You will be taken seriously and they will believe you. You are not guilty of anything and you are doing no wrong. -P