Possible sex abuse from dad

What is the name of your state? Washington State

First of all, you guys have been great in answering my other questions that I have had on here before.

My 5 year old daughter told me out of the blue that she has taken showers with her dad and that she has washed him. I was concerned about that so I took her to a CPS social worker to talk about it. In the meeting she told the lady that her favorite place to sleep when she goes to her dad's house is in her bed with her dad. Apparently there was not enough evidence for the CPS worker to prevent visitation. So now what? I'm still concerned about her dad, I always have been. He has a past of Domestic Violence and an addiction to pornography. I have past phone bills to show for this.

Anyway, I'm just wondering if there is anything else I can do besides WAIT for something really bad to happen to her. Do I have to report through CPS or can I take a different avenue to get this resolved? By the way, I do not think anything physical has happened to her yet. I think I was fortunate enough to catch this while he is in the "grooming" stage. Shouldn't that be enough for a judge to say he needs supervised visitations? I have been told by others to talk with an attorney and force him to go to court to explain why he is taking showers with her and sleeping with her. I wanted to ask you guys first before I fork out money for an attorney. Thanks you guys for any insight.

I would say you may have something on the showering especially because you say she washes him.
On the sleeping situation, might not be much there because lots of children sleep with their parents and her oly being 5, I wouldnt say this is a questionable age.
It could all be innocent in nature but I know you never know so, you cant be too careful.
If you are really feel that something isnt right I would contact an att. and see what they have to say anyway. It couldnt hurt.

Angel,

I don't know much, legally, about what you can do, but I want to say that I strongly disagree that any child who is being abused will come out and say so. Most children, in fact, do NOT report their abuse and there are a million logical reasons for that. I think you're an amazing mother for being so concerned and cautious with this, especially seeing as your daughter's father has a history of domestic violence. If I were in your shoes, I would do whatever possible to get as much support in dealing with this as possible. I'm sorry I don't have much advice in terms of how you can best handle this and who you should contact, but I wanted to throw my support your way.

One thought that comes to mind -- has your daughter seen a therapist at all? I'm just thinking that it couldn't hurt for her to have the support of a professional, especially someone who may have experience dealing with child abuse and who may be able to recognize certain signs, etc. And, it also never hurts to have an expert witness on your side.


I wish you and your daughter the best of luck. There should be more parents like you out there.


blazon