I was only 15 at the time, he was my first ‘serious’ boyfriend. He always spoke to me about sex and this made me uncomfortable as I was not ready. I had clarified this to him and told him I didn’t want to. We were round his house watching a film and just enjoying each others company.
He started to undo my jeans and I thought he was just messing around so didn’t think much of it. He started trying to penetrate me with his fingers.
I told him to stop. I told him it hurt. I told him I didn’t want him to.
He ignored me and continued to do it.
I excused myself after and went to the bathroom. I was bleeding and in pain and I just wanted to cry.
I stayed with him, he later ended it with me because I wouldn’t have sex with him.
At the time I thought I was silly for caring about it as he was my boyfriend. However, I now realize 2 years on that this was sexual assault, even if I was in a relationship with him.
I watched this documentary on Netflix and hearing about the website where other victims can share their stories made me finally feel like I could speak about this.
– Kristy, age 17
Kristy, I am so glad you felt comfortable speaking up. I am also really glad that Brave Miss World was meaningful for you. So many people don’t realize that the experiences they have had are actually sexual assault. It takes a lot of courage to admit that you didn’t realize it at the time. Your story will help a lot of people who haven’t realized that they were assaulted. You are incredibly brave. I hope that sharing your story here has brought you some peace.