Hello my name is Vivian. About 2 years ago my mother, with great shame and fear, revealed to me that she had been raped as a young girl on a date. She and her older sister, my aunt, went to the police for help and was told there was nothing they can do. It took everything my momma had to even tell me this. She said she had told my father not to long before she told me. She has been caring this burden inside for many years. I believe she thinks it is her fault! I didn’t want to upset her any more than she was so I did not ask her many questions. I hugged her. I believe that years of this kind of silence put a huge strain on our family and on our relationship as mother and only daughter. She never delt with the hurt and trauma of it all and kept it a secret. I believe it still lays a huge burden on her life to this day. She is 80 yrs old now still active and just started her life dream of taking up piano lessons. My wish is for her t o be able talk about the incodent, stop blaming herself and live the rest of her life loving who she is. Is there anything I can do to help her? It is so important to be open and talk to someone you can trust. Keeping such a horrific part of your life to yourself effects not only the quality of life for yourself but for your family too. I love her.
CLICK BELOW FOR WAYS TO GET INVOLVED
CLOSEBring Brave Miss World to your community or campus
to spark conversation, awareness
and change.
Sharing your survival story can inspire others who may be
victims of sexual assault
to receive the help they need.
Buy a T-Shirt or make a donation and be part
of the solution for rape awareness and prevention.
>> Click here to buy a t-shirt
Dear Vivian,
Thank you for reaching out to Brave Miss World. You are a very special person for reaching out to ask for help. I think the best thing to do is to let her know that you love her and that you respect her wishes in this, but that if she ever wants to talk about it that you would be willing to help her find someone to talk to. One of the most important things to remember is that it has to be her decision to talk about it and her decision to seek help. So remain supportive and loving and gently remind her that you love her and you are here for her. You could also start a conversation with her, if she is willing, about how you have felt since she told you. Then you could remind her that you’d like to keep communicating about this. She has to be willing to proceed though. I hope this helps. If you have any other questions just respond back to my comment!