i was raped as a child. for the first few years after i repressed the memory but lately i have been talking ab it to my therapist and trying to work through it. one of the longer lasting effects from it is obviously my extreme discomfort around All men (including my step father). I’ve noticed along with my discomfort with men i have a extreme problem with making eye contact with them, it sometimes pains me and when forced i go through this whole breakdown and i don’t know why. this is a huge problem for my step dad. he grew up more traditionally and finds it disrespectful that i am so uncomfortable with making eye contact with him and is always the one forcing me despite knowing about my assault and he feels offended that i am so uncomfortable with him when he thinks he’s done nothing wrong.

tldr; i’m a victim of sexual assault and am discomforted by making eye contact with men and that makes my step father believe i’m disrespecting him.

i just want advice on what to do or how to cope through this problem.