Sexual assault from a family member when I was a kid. Should I seek help or let it go?

Question

When I was 10, a family member that was 14 sexually assaulted me. For some reason I’m 24 now and it’s effecting me. It’s bothering me really bad and I don’t know what to do. I don’t feel like anyone would beileve me. And I feel like it was my fault and it wouldn’t matter because he was young too. Ugh.

Answer

If it's causing issues in your life. No matter how big or small. You need to find help. Even if no one believes you. Or if he's "too young". You need help. It's ok to ask for help.

Answer

This is something you need to work through. You were young and someone you trusted to advantage of you and that's not something you can just let go. It's okay to ask for help working through something that is traumatic. Find a councilor they will believe you and they will help

Answer

Yes I would seek help. There are different stages of grieving…sometimes it will take a while to come up to the surface. Don’t ever  think it was your fault.

Answer

I was sexually assaulted by my older brother for a few years. It 100% affects me to this day. I have anxiety and depression and struggle with angry outbursts. I never really started to heal and improve until
I openly acknowledged the assault to my therapist and my family. My therapist helps me so much in advocating for myself and setting boundaries, solving my problems from the context of my trauma, and having grace and compassion for myself when I fail. Sexual assault can really fuck with your brain. For me it impacted my perspective on what a healthy sexual relationship was, my ability to trust others, and my ability to process stress and relationship dysfunction. I can’t even begin to describe what a difference it’s made to address it.

Answer

Your feelings are valid. Being sexually abused, no matter the circumstance, is traumatic. Trauma doesn’t just go away, you have to work through it. At 14 he knew what he was doing and was old enough to understand consent and that what he did was wrong. What he did to you is not your fault, and it’s understandable it’s still effecting you. Please don’t be afraid to seek help over this

Sexual assault from a family member when I was a kid. Should I seek help or let it go?

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