Is it illegal for your step dad to hit you?

Answer 1

United Kingdom

Nobody should hit you. I'm not sure where you live, but in England, its not illegal to strike a child, but it is to leave a mark. If your over 12, it's actually assult. Its likely that if you were to report this to someone, social services would become involved and monitor the situation at home. I'm assuming your mum lives with you? Have a word with her when your alone. Tell her how it makes you feel. If you don't get anywhere, don't suffer in silence. Talk to a teacher..or an adult you trust.

United States

Generally, yes. Generally, a step parent has no legal rights regarding the child and that includes physical punishment. The biological parent should handle punishment.

Physical punishment should never be administered by a step parent unless both biological parents have agreed to allow the step parent to mete out physical punishment. When a biological father has objected to a step-father striking his child against his wishes he not only has the right to object but also the right and obligation to report physical abuse to the proper authorities (the family court with jurisdiction over the case). If the situation is serious enough it may result in a change of custody once the court has reviewed the situation.

It should be noted that legal rights and step parents don't become an issue in most blended families and society in general is casual about the relationship between children and step parents. The issue arises when the legal rights of a step-parent are questioned due to some circumstances (such as the one brought here) and found wanting. A step-father is not a legal guardian unless he legally adopts the child. He has no right to impose his view of parenting and physical punishment on another parent and child, especially over the objections of the biological parent who has parental rights.

Answer 2

It is not OK for your step dad to hit you. It is more important that you are made safe than how he is punished for what he has done, he must never be allowed to come near to you again.