Sexual Assault & Rape / Question
Published: December 10, 2003
Dear TeenHealthFX,
I was raped by my teacher when I was 12/11 years old I'm now 13. I want to do something about it, as I know he's still teaching and I want to put a stop to it but I feel it's to late to do so.
Signed: Raped By Teacher & Now Want To Do Something
Dear Raped By Teacher & Now Want To Do Something,
It is not too late to do something. You need help and support to deal with this painful and confusing situation. You need to make your parents aware of what happened. Although this can be difficult, you will need their support to confront this situation. They will probably be angry with the teacher and your school for violating your trust and your body. If you cannot confide in them right away, you need to talk to a trusted adult like an aunt, a police officer, guidance counselor/school nurse or your doctor. It is very important to tell someone.
You may feel intimidated or embarrassed into silence but you must speak out. What happened is not right and will not go away with time. You can also call the child protective service agency in your area; the number here in New Jersey for the Division for Youth and Family Services (DYFS) is 800.792.8610. If you live outside of this area, the number for child protective services is usually listed inside the front cover of the phone book or you can log onto ChildHelp USA for information on how to report in your area.
Chances are that the teacher will be investigated and may be arrested and charged with a crime. It is important to remember that any consequences he faces are a result of his own actions. You are the victim here - this person took you advantage of you and for that, he or she alone is responsible.
In time, you will need to deal with your feelings regarding the abuse with a professional counselor who is trained to deal with these issues. If you live in northern New Jersey you can call the ACCESS line at Atlantic Behavioral Health at 888.247.1400. You can also contact the Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network (RAINN) at (800) 656.HOPE (4673). A counselor at any of these numbers can help you.
Signed: TeenHealthFX
Less than 33% of teens with depression get help, yet 80% of teens with depression can be successfully treated if they seek help from a doctor or therapist.
