My best friend is having an incestuous relationship with her father, what can I do?

Question

One of my best friends, who is like a little sister to me, revealed to me that she is in an incestuous relationship with her father. I was speachless at the time she told me. I just can't look at her the same way again...

Her parents are divorced.

I can't do anything about this because it is really none of my business, but I care.

Also, she is 16.

16 is the legal age of sexual consent in this state so it's her choice...

but i still think it's wrong.

Answer 1

Incest is a crime. I can understand your hesitation in speaking it out to someone you know. Better to save her than your friendship. So reporting it to any of the following is the only way out:

1. Her mom
2. Your parents, elders, or a teacher whom you can trust.

Do keep us updated or if you need any help - [e-mail]

Answer 2

Many times in my life, I've heard that girls claim that they are happy about their incestuous relationships. Even if your friends claim that she is happy, trust me, she is NOT.
Your friend may be 16, but that is still traumatizing. No girl should ever be touched by her father.
Also, 16 is too young. No offense to other states, But i think the legal age of sexual consent should be hired. to 18 like it is here in california.
Trust me, your friend is suffering deep down. I can't believe somebody would even do something like this. Doesn't her dad love her????
I can't picture doing anything like that to my son when he is older, i love him too much. Why else would I have had him?
Her father is SICK. He is a pedophile, because obviously they've been doing it for a while, even before she was "legal".
Find her mother's number, and call child protective services.
She may be considered and adult in your state, but in most states she is still considered a minor, and your state will most likely treat her the same. She can not emotionally handle this. Help your friend, please. I know I would.

Answer 3

My what a hard spot you are put in. I believe that she told you because she wants to get out of this situation and you are her friend and she is relying on you to help...even if she told you not to tell anyone.

Do you know who her mom is? Can you call and tell her about what was shared with you?

If not, can you talk to your school counselor or teacher that you trust? How about your parents? There is always children's services and I think you might even be able to do it anonymously. I know a lot of parents don't want to get involved, so this might be the way to go.

Whatever you decide to do, it needs to be done soon. She is going to need a lot of help emotionally. She'll need to be in therapy and probably for a long time. This is not only incest, but it is rape. As much as she may say she is doing it because she wants to, she did not. Her father talked her into it and almost brain washed her into thinking she wants it.

Best of wishes and thanks for being such a good friend!

Answer 4

INcest is a crime whether your friend is now of age or not. I suspect the incest also occurred before she was of age.

It is your business because you know and it is a crime. Incest victims often cannot help themselves because they are ashamed and in the case of a parent do love them and are afraid to report this activity.

Even if she is of legal age to consent to the sex otherwise, this is also child abuse of a minor and in my state you are legally obligated to report it.

You can call the police or child welfare anonymously if you want, but please call and as soon as possible. Your friend may be angry, may even claim to hate you for now, but she needs help and you may be here best hope for getting it.

Incest is NEVER OK and it always harms the victim. Any sexual abuse of a child is wrong, wrong, wrong. I speak from first-hand experience. I didn't tell for twenty years and I sufferd a great deal because of it. One brave friend can stop a great deal of suffering that can ruin a life and have a negative effect for many years.

When I was a young victim, I was afraid no one would believe me if I told, so I didn't. Your friend told you for a reason. Be that "best friend" anf get her help.

And you may e-mail me if you or she want to talk.

Answer 5

Incest is morally wrong. No one has a right to abuse a person in anyway. Help her see a psychiatrist right away.The damage done is already "deep" and a few one-on-one talks won't do. This has to stop the soonest time possible. Report to authorities without causing a scandal...that is the hard part.Your friend really needs help.

Answer 6

The legal age of sexual consent has nothing to do with it in this situation, because incest is a crime. Report it to the police and social services.

Answer 7

Legal age or not it is illegal and as well as being incestuas it makes him a peadophile. Report it to the police. She may hate you initially but in the long run will know you did the right thing and can you live with yourself if you do nothing

Answer 8

It's an emotionally and physically abusive situation. If she has to put out sexually to be housed & fed, it's almost like sex slavery. Urge her to contact a local Women's Center that helps with women's issues. Look in the phone book.

Answer 9

Most likely since she told you that she is asking you to help her. I think you should. If I were you, I'd hit the man in the head (really hard) with a brick and then see how things go from there.

Answer 10

If your friend's happy and content, then let it be. I highly doubt it is because those relationships have red flags everywhere. They almost absolutely have to be trauma in that girl's life. I think it's totally wrong and i would strongly recommend seeking therapy to correct this. This relationship is abnormal and she needs to understand that.