Is it okay for my dad to whip me with a belt (and if it makes any difference, in the state of California)?

[Anonymous]

He whipped me on my arms and legs, and there are marks left. I took some pictures of them, too.

He got angry at me for going to a sports practice which he wouldn't let me go to (even though my mother let me) and whipped me a few times and threatened me that if I go again, he'd do worse.

He has actually hit me before (fist on body) that left bruises on my legs. I don't have any pictures for those, though.

I'm going to talk to my counselor about it and show her the pictures, but should is this also enough for CPS or the cops to do anything about it? I'm tired of my dad controlling my school life and doing these things to me and my mother. I'm scared to go home now.

But seriously, is this even legal?

Updates

+1 y

Thanks for the answers, you guys :) I really appreciate it.


Things are a lot better now. There's not as much conflict as there used to be in my household, anymore.


Again, thank you all. I'm glad that the GAG community is so caring and helpful.

[RandomGuy007]

Not legal at all.

I would recommend keeping those pictures secure. For example, saving them on a flashdrive.

I would also recommend that you start keeping a log of every time he hits you. Write down, when, where, and how badly.

Once you think it shows that he does this repeatedly, then approach your counselor.

If you approach with only one incident, your father could just say that it was one-time thing, or that, you two just had a misunderstanding. Your counselor might also ask your mother about it. And from the sound of it, she may be too timid to defend you when push comes to shove.

[Asker]

that's a really good idea. Thank you so very much.

[RandomGuy007]

good luck!

keep us posted on how it goes, and if you need any other advice!

[Asker]

alright. Will do!

[cjwright79]

He ought to be hauled before a court. Pay a visit to your nearest police station if you still have some ugly marks to show off. There should be at least one person there who will get things taken care of. Likely a woman.

[smokahontas]

i don't think it's legal to whip on any other body part except the butt because this little girl I babysit for got whipped on her arms and legs and CPS said that she's not allowed to see them for 2 years so I'm guessing it is illegal

[cjwright79]

I'm not sure that the courts will accept the butt as being a kosher target.

[smokahontas]

it's legal to whip on the butt

[CORYXDAUGHTER]

Yes, so nun don't find out.

[cary1391]

OMG! yes they will do something right away! and if your scared of what you dad will say or do, don't be afraid to call the cops on him! How old are you? does he hit your mother too?

[Asker]

I'm 16. He didn't hit my mother this time. Just me. But he has hit my mother in the face before - and yes, she got bruises from it, too.

[cary1391]

when your someone suspects abuse on a child they cal DCFS and will send someone to investigate your family. That's what happend with my brother, he had some green birthmarks on his back and his teacher thought it was bruises so like a week later they sent someone to interview everyone in the family to make sure there's no negligence going on. trust me if you just go to a councler and show him or her your bruises they HAVE to call DCFS if they suspect any type of abuse! good luck hun!

[cary1391]

To report child abuse in Los Angeles County, California, contact the Child Protection Hotline 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

Toll-free within California, phone [phone]

If calling from outside of California, phone [phone]

TDD [Hearing Impaired] [phone]

Heres the information for DCFS in california

[Asker]

thank you so much.

[cjwright79]

good job cary, you rock hard

[frankieisagirlname]

No its not legal or at least I don't think child abuse is. you should probably tell the police

[mike5150]

This is very serious, my father used to hit me and whip me with the belt almost daily until I was 16. I know it might end up for you when he gets out but you should call the police it is uncalled for to treat another human being that way.

[mike5150]

So you are not getting hit?

[Asker]

No. :)

[mike5150]

That is great news :)

[oh_henry_oh]

This guy needs to be in jail.

Please let us know what happens and get back to us if the cop's don't lock him up.

And make sure to tell the police that your Mother is being hit, too.

[ihatework]

what an abusive prick. get in touch with cps immediately.

[sa230e]

No it's not okay, it's physical abuse and I would urge you to get in contact with CPS.