Sexual Assault & Rape / Question
Published: August 14, 2002
Dear TeenHealthFX,
I am a 16-year-old male and my grandfather raped a month ago. Then a couple of days ago he raped me again. But I liked it this time. Am I gay? I do want to continue this.
Signed: Grandfather Raped A Month Ago
Dear Grandfather Raped A Month Ago,
The reason your grandfather attacked you has nothing to do with your sexual orientation. He has a serious sexual problem. He most likely will continue this behavior until he is caught. It is extremely important that you tell your parents or any adult that you trust what has been happening to you. No matter what the consequences your grandfather may face, it will because of his actions. Your grandfather is not the victim here. By telling you are stopping him from hurting you again.
TeenHealthFX believes that therapy can be a helpful process that can aid you when dealing with the complicated issues that arise from being sexually assaulted. For instance, questioning sexual identity is common among males who have been victimized by another male. The assault occurred because of your grandfather's deviant sexual urges and has nothing to do with your sexuality.
There are mental health professionals who are specifically trained to deal with victims of sexual abuse. In addition to individual therapy, there may also be a family component since incest tends to affect everyone in the home. There are also support groups for males who have been victims of sexual abuse. These groups will put you in contact with other young men who have shared your experience, and not only survived, but thrived.
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. Outside this are contact Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network (RAIN) 1-800-656-HOPE (4673), 24 hours, and 7 days a week or contact them online at http://www.rainn.org/
Speak up; your voice is your power.
Signed: TeenHealthFX
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