I was around 7 or 8 when this happened. My brother in law and step sister were watching me. I am not sure where my step sister was, but somehow I was in the bedroom/living room with my BIL and he started touching me and rubbing my legs. Then he worked his way up the my private area and started rubbing me there. I wasn’t sure what to think. I knew it wasn’t right, but I was scared. Then another time, we were in the kitchen and he tried to tongue kiss me. It was horrible. I told my Dad, but he never said anything to my Mom or anyone. At least for a while. A few years passed and he finally told her and I was never allowed to go over there again. Fast forward 15 years or so and my BIL did it to my nieces, and some cousins. My nieces went to the police with it and I couldn’t press charges due to the statue of limitations being up. But he did serve time for what he did to my nieces. He is such an evil man. I don’t think I have eve r truly healed from it. I am a survivor. Thank goodness it wasn’t anything more.
— Survivor, age 36
Dear survivor,
You speak of an important issues that so many survivors face – silence. Sometimes it isn’t the survivor who is silent, it is the people around the survivor. It took courage to tell your father. The cycle ended with your nieces, but I imagine it was difficult for you since you could not press charges. I hope that sharing your story here helps you in your healing process. It is certainly not an easy process, but I do believe it is possible to heal. Thank you for speaking out. You are very brave. With love, Alissa