I was first raped at the age of twelve, my school friend’s uncle, promised to take us to the movies, instead he took us to an isolated beach and grabbed me first, I tried fighting him but he was too strong for me, he hit me in my stomach and as i fell to the sand, he jumped on me and tore my clothes. He went on to rape me mercilessly. I had my eyes shut and screamed helplessly but he kept putting his hand to my mouth to shut me up. I must have fainted cause h next thing I saw was he running away. I dragged myself to the water, sobbing all the time, when suddenly I heard screams, I ran in the direction of the screams and there lay my friend also raped. Together we cried uncontrollably and comforted each other. That day we made a pact never to tell a soul cause it was her own uncle who did it to us. My life was turned upside down from that day. I could not concentrate i school and home life was a misery. I became a rebel.
Then it happened at the age of eighteen, a well dressed man followed me and offered me a lift, I hesitated, he seemed pleasant enough and I blindly took his offer of a lift to town. Instead he drove to the mines, and there he held me at knife point and brutally raped me, I managed to escape by biting on his hand. I ran to the police station and reported it, and they found him a few days later, he was arrested but nothing came of it, as the police did not check me up and they did not take me seriously . It was unheard of in those days. It was a shame for the woman and a sin.
The 3rd time I was raped at the age of 36 in my home. There was an armed robbery, the whole family was held and tortured for a few hours, I was raped by four men, the bullet missed me by inches. The police arrived a few hours later, told my husband to take me to hospital, there I was treated with shock and given a prescription for anti hiv medication. It took me 12 hours before I could get any help from hospital or police. The men were never found. I have had to heal by myself, with self help meditation, books and videos. Time to time I have flashbacks and sink into depression. I am 52 years old.
— Tracey
Dear Tracey – thank you so much for posting your story here. First, I’m so sorry the police didn’t take you seriously when they caught your attacker. I hope you know that what happened was NOT your fault; it doesn’t matter that you got in the car with him. None of these stories were your fault and you’re so brave for continuing to move forward and for speaking out. You have been through so much and I am so proud of you for working to heal yourself. That is no easy task. I would encourage you to see a therapist on top of the books and videos. They can help you process the incredible emotions you must be feeling and give you space to talk about anything you want – or need to. They can also help you work through the flashbacks and the depression that happens. You inspire me and I am honored to witness your story. Sending you love and support and light. Love, Alexis
Tracey, like you I was raped when I was 12 by my uncle. My parents had left me in his care while they went away for a weekend. The first night (Friday) we sat on the lounge and watched a movie it was nice, it I remember waking up with his hand down the front on my pjs rubbing me. I was so scared…..he made me undress and then did stuff to me, it was so yuk.
But it was on the Saturday night that was the worse….that was when he raped me. I was so ashamed of what happened I couldn’t tell my parents. I hate it when he comes over for parties, he’s always looking at me and smiling at me I know he’s going to do it again sometime.
Stay strong.
Wow that is so sad I am very sorry