So my 12 year old step-brother sexually harassed me by making me suck and rub his private, lick his stomach, and suck on his nipples. I feel like I have no purpose in life when he makes me play with him. I’m scared to tell anyone about this happening.
HELP YOURSELF:
- Thank you for reaching out to Teen Central about this really sensitive topic. We know that you are scared, and appreciate that you trusted us as a first step to telling someone.
- When something really painful and upsetting happens, like what has happened to you, it’s not unusual to have overwhelming feelings of helplessness or hopelessness because there doesn’t seem to be a way out. BUT THERE IS HOPE AND HELP! If you need help right away, and feel like you still can’t tell anyone in real life, there are many ways that you can get help. You can always call 1-800-273-8255 or text HELLO to 741741 or call 1-800-4-A-CHILD (1-800-422-4453). Even if you feel you cannot call, each of these numbers has a website that you can use too – Lifeline (suicidepreventionlifeline.org) or http://www.crisistextline.org/ or http://www.childhelpusa.org/. The other option you have is to call the police – 911. Someone is always ready to listen and try to help.
- We really do think it’s important for you to try and trust someone in your life to tell them what is happening to you. What your stepbrother is doing to you is absolutely NOT OK. Please think of someone that you could tell – even if it’s not a family member, it could be a neighbor, friend’s family, guidance counselor, teacher, or even a spiritual or community leader.
WHEN YOU’RE READY:
- We’re so glad that you already know that what your stepbrother is doing is sexual harassment, which means you also know it’s wrong. There is some information that may be helpful in our LEARN section about Sexuality. The information about Sexual Assault may help you find some words to tell someone what is happening.
- There are other ways to “talk” about what’s happening if telling someone is too much. You could try journaling, artwork, writing a story, creating your own music or identifying some music that talks about abuse. Check out our WHAT’S NEW section for information about Getting Help for Abuse, Art Journaling as a Coping Skill for Stress, and Journaling to Cope with Stress.
- Above all, consider finding a way to keep doing things that help you take care of you. It can feel really difficult to take your mind off of the abuse, but taking care of ourselves is an important part of coping with big stress. Consider spending at least 10 minutes a day doing something that gives you peace and makes you feel calm. It could be taking a walk, taking a few deep breaths, doing some artwork, listening to your favorite music, playing a sport, really anything that you enjoy. Please take care of yourself!
