Childhood Sexual Abuse / Question
Published: May 22, 2002
Dear TeenHealthFX,
I am an 11-year-old girl. A friend of mine told me about you and I decided to ask you about this. My 37 year old, aunt comes to us very often and in some nights she comes to my bed and teases me especially my area between my legs and that between my cheeks, you know what I mean. She tells me that it is a massage and I like it very much (it gives me nice feelings inside my belly), but my friend told me it is not right. Whom should I believe? She loves me, I am sure.
Signed: Aunt Teases Me Between Legs
Dear Aunt Teases Me Between Legs,
What your aunt is doing to you has nothing to do with love. Her "massages" between your legs are an invasion of your privacy and done for your aunt's pleasure and not to make you feel special.
Your aunt has a problem and is going to need help. One of the ways that she can get help is if you tell your parents what has been going on. You may be scared that they may get angry, but do not worry, you did nothing wrong. Your parents will realize that you have been victimized and will want to protect you. They may even want to get you into therapy so that you can talk about what happened to and come to understand it.
If you would like more information or help you can call Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network (RAIN) 1-800-656-HOPE (4673), 24 hours, 7days a week. If you live in northern New Jersey and would like help finding a therapist, you can call the Access Center from Atlantic Behavioral Health at 888.247.1400.
Signed: TeenHealthFX
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