| join now | shop | freebies & contests | help
     gURL.com  the Web    web search powered by Yahoo!


SHOUT OUT BOARDS

YOUR ROOM


HELP ME HEATHER

SEX ED BLOG



gURL GAMES

QUIZZES



COMIX

PHOTOS



POLLS

VIDEO



BODY IMAGE

SEX

  you are here  >>> FIND OUT > help me heather > sucky emotions  
  related topics  >>>  friends & family  |  health  |  sucky emotions    

 


 
  Dear Heather,

I need help. I think my brother sexually abused me when I was seven through nine years old. Between those ages he said that he had a girlfriend and wanted to practice kissing. He said that I should help him since he was teaching me how to shoot archery, so I did. Then he came up with all of these ideas. He put his hands on my butt a lot. Once, he cupped my private spot with his hands. He even pressured me into pulling down my pants.

I was always uncomfortable with it but he made me promise never to tell anyone. It was on and off, but I eventually cut it off completely. Now that I'm thirteen, I'm worried. What could have happened to me? Please help me. Don't tell me to go to my parents. I can't talk to them.

AddThis Social Bookmark Button

 
 
 
Hi.

Sometimes kids, even relatives, close in age experiment with each other as they are trying to figure things out sexually, but this does not sound like a mutual exploration. It sounds like your brother was manipulating you into doing things you didn't want to do. It was great that you had the courage to say "Enough!"

Examining what you need psychologically will help you determine which path to take next.

People are usually confused and need to heal after having such experiences. Speak with a school counselor who may be able to point out local resources for supportive therapy. The only catch is that your parents will probably need to intervene if you decide to seek mental health treatment, since they usually have to pay for the services or make arrangements for insurance to cover therapy.

Your instinct seems to be saying "Don't tell them," though. Since you've put an end to your brother's behavior, you may feel there is no urgent need to say anything. Your apprehension about telling your parents may also stem from a fear they will blame you--and you may be right. One thing to think about when considering what to do is that you were very young when this occurred and you bear no responsibility for your brother's actions.

Maybe what you really want is an apology from your brother and an acknowledgement that what he did was wrong. If so, it may suffice for you to confront your brother and let him know how his behavior affected you. But be prepared: the conversation may not go over easily with him. He's likely to be defensive and even offensive toward you.

Good luck.

 
   
 
 

more sucky emotions

select another topic:

 
 
 

email this feature to a friend:
IM this feature to a friend (AIM only):
tell us what you think of this feature.

  CONNECT EXPLORE gURL.com BY TOPIC ABOUT gURL  
 
shout out boards
gURL newsletter


being yourself
beliefs
body image
brainylicious
dating
d.i.y.
fashion & style
friends & family
health
music, movies & media
school & careers
sex
sports
sucky emotions

contact us
what is gURL?
advertise on gURL
privacy policy
terms of service
help

 
  ADVERTISEMENT

gURLmall
   
   Also... Get your horoscope mailed to you every day!
   Sign up for gURL and Astrology.com's daily newsletter.

 

© iVillage Inc. 1995-2008. All rights reserved.