Sexual Assault & Rape / Question
Published: July 3, 2003
Dear TeenHealthFX,
My older brother is abusing me. He started to compliment my body and started touching my breast (with my shirt on). Then he started walking around the house with just briefs on and then pretty soon nothing. (Our parents are out of the house constantly for long periods of time). He started to make me take showers with him saying that it would save water...Then came the real abuse. He made me lie on his bed and he licked my vaginal area. Then penetrated me. All of this was done forcefully and I tried to stop him but he won't. Please help me...
Signed: Brother's Abuse
Dear Brother's Abuse,
TeenHealthFX is concerned about your safety. Your older brother has deviant sexual impulses that he is unable to control. He has committed an aggravated sexual assault against you. It is a serious crime and most likely it will continue until you tell someone. You need to tell your parents what has been going on. If you have a hard time communicating with your parent then confide in an adult that you trust what has been happening. There is no justification for your brother's behavior and you deserve to be protected.
Your brother could and may be arrested and charged with a serious crime. If this occurs it is a direct result of his behavior. He alone carries the responsibility for what has happened and therefore needs to deal with the consequences. You are the victim and have done nothing wrong. Keeping silent does not help your brother it only prolongs the abuse.
Being the victim of sexual abuse is one of the most traumatic experiences that a person can go through. You are bound to experience a wide range of emotions that can be confusing and overwhelming at times. However, with the proper therapeutic intervention and support you can survive this ordeal and go on to lead a thriving life. There are many therapists who are trained to deal specifically with victims of abuse and numerous support groups of victims of sexual abuse whose members can share their experiences, hope and strength.
If you would like more information or treatment referrals contact Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network (RAIN), 1-800-656-HOPE (4673), 24 hours, 7days a week or check out their website at http://www.rainn.org/.
Signed: TeenHealthFX
While 93% of teenage women report that their first intercourse was voluntary, one-quarter of these young women report that it was unwanted. 
