It started when I was 8. At the time I didn’t know what he was doing. He would come in my room when my parents went to the store to get groceries. It went on till I was about 9 or 10. As I grew older I started to realize what he was doing and I didn’t like it. I used to hide in the attic for hours until my parents would come home. He would still manage to find me at times. I never told a soul. Not until a couple months ago. I told one of my close friends. 2 weeks ago I told my parents. It was the hardest thing and my step brother doesn’t know anybody knows. I just told my best friend I’ve known since I was 4 yesterday. We were best friends when it all was going on. I’m happy to have such great friends and family but I just got in a serious relationship and its bringing up memories. I get so stressed out and I started cutting… I’m in the hardest part of my life right now..
— Survivor, age 16
Dear survivor,
I know how difficult it can be to open up about something like this and I want you to know how incredibly brave you are. I am really glad you have supportive friends and family to help you and to listen to you. Disclosing sexual violence can leave you feeling incredibly vulnerable. The feelings you are experiencing are valid and real and can be overwhelming. I want you to know that there are resources available for you that can help you through this. You took the huge first step of finally disclosing and you should be so very proud of yourself. Please respond back to this post if you’d like me to help you with resources to help guide you. Remember that you are not alone and that your feelings are real. You are truly very brave!