I am currently 15 but will turn 16 this month. So this took place when I was about 9 years old and my cousin was around 15. Me and my brother shared the same room at the time and he was around 7 or 8 so my brother would hang out with my cousin and play games. Well we had stayed up and my brother was half asleep and I was in my princess night gown when my cousin asked me if I wanted to play a game. Of course since I was a kid I said yes. So the game was that I had to guess the word he was thinking while I was on top of him. If I guessed the word wrong, he would put his hand further down my underwear. And well I lost. And he put his finger inside me and proceeded to do so. The next time, we were in the living room watching movies. And my brother fell asleep. So my cousin decides to get on top of me and starts kissing me and touching me. I didn’t know what was happening but I knew it was wrong so I told him to get off, but he didn’t. This cont nued on until I was around 10 or 11. My parents got divorced so I moved in with my gma. Before my freshman year, I decided to tell my bf and was supportive. Later that year, word got out that my cousin and step sister had sex. And she was a minor (my age) and he is 20. So cops asked us questions about him and I lied. But then my bf convinced me to call cps and report what happened when I was 9. They had him in custody and turns out he has been having sex with A LOT of girls my age. He is a good looking guy but still a monster. The case was closed around the end of October 2016, but he got bailed the day before thanksgiving. He’s currently living with my uncle. It kind of sucks. He gets less than a month in jail. Do I get no justice? I’m afraid to walk in town alone because he might be there. He might want revenge. Less than a month. That’s how much my innocence was worth. But I don’t let that bring me down. I’m still living life the way I want it to be. I do n’t let him have the power to control me or my life. I know this story isn’t as traumatic as these other brace women but I hope my story helps. Because even as a 15 year old, I understand that everything happens for a reason. I got no justice, but I have my will to live a happy life and no one will take that kind of power away from me. I love you guys. Stay strong 💪🏼
— Survivor, age 15
You were so brave to speak out. I am so amazed at how you are committed to staying positive about your life. I hope you can also get support to grieve that loss of your childhood, when you should have been safe and loved. An uncle did the same to me. It has taken many years,to trust people. But all of my important friendships and relationships have come after sharing, grieving and healing. Support grouos and srlf defense classes were vital to my healing too! In deep gratitude. You are so strong!
Dear survivor – thank you so much for sharing your story here. I am so sorry that the system failed you. You’re certainly not alone in that but that doesn’t make it hurt any less. It’s not a matter of a story being more or less traumatic than any one else’s – it’s about it being *yours*. And you living your life the way you want to is amazing and brave and beautiful. If you’re not already talking to a counselor, I would encourage you to seek one out. They can help a lot, especially in those moments when you feel powerless or stuck. I’m rooting for you – as is everyone reading this. Sending you love! Alexis