Dear Abby: Father's idea of cuddling is too close for comfort

DEAR ABBY

: My mom's boyfriend wants to spend time with my 16-year-old sister and take her places all the time. He wants to cuddle with both of us whenever we sit on the couch and gets really upset when we don't want to. He's my biological father, but I have known him only for a year because he left my mom when she was pregnant with me.

Now he wants to play "dad" when I already have had a dad all my life. (Mom was married for 11 years to another man.) I'm 14.

He yells and swears all the time and takes things away from us if we don't do what he wants. He isn't physically abusive yet, but the cuddling freaks me out and I don't think it's right. I told my school counselor. She said to get over it, that it wasn't a big deal.

I think he is grooming my sister for sex since he told us he likes young girls and was used to them before Mom. Mom has problems with depression and reality and won't listen to us. Where can I go?

- Helpless in the Midwest

DEAR HELPLESS: Because your father's overtures make you uncomfortable, and he "punishes" you if you don't accept them - it IS a "big deal." You should call Childhelp and describe what's happening. The toll-free number is 800-422-4453. The person who answers the phone can refer you to help. Please don't wait. Your safety and that of your sister could depend on it.