DAD GROPES MY MUM’S PUPILS

Dear Coleen

My mother is a private tutor, so lots of children come to our house (both boys and girls). My father is always playfully grabbing and groping the girls, which my mother doesn’t notice.

I’ve also seen him staring at them and at other women when we’re out and about. I’ve found him watching porn online a lot too.

Should I talk to my mother about this?

My dad is a very respected person in the community, but I’ve seen this other side to him.

Please can you advise what to do? I’m a 17-year-old boy and feel very distressed about this.

Coleen says

If you’re worried about confronting your dad, talk to your mum and tell her what you’ve seen. I hope she’ll take you seriously and deal with it – if she doesn’t, she risks losing her livelihood and her reputation.

She shouldn’t have children at your home for tutoring from this point on. I hope it’s not a situation where she’s turning a blind eye to your father’s behaviour.

I think it would be useful for you to talk to someone outside your family to get advice and support – you can talk to the NSPCC if you’re concerned about a child or children (even if you’re unsure).

Call the helpline on 0808 800 5000 or email help@ nspcc.org.uk.

As you’re 17, you can also get in touch with Childline for advice on 0800 1111.