Survivors' Story

A CRY for HELP

I was eleven years old when IT happened. I was alone with my Dad and we were watching television and sitting on the couch. We were the best of friends, but then it all changed.

He had ended his relationship with his girlfriend, and used me as a toy for his own sexual pleasure. He took my innocence. I said, “Stop, stop!” but he kept going. It was a cry for help. 

I waited one year to tell about what had happened. I kept telling myself that he didn’t mean to do it, that he was just depressed. But the more I thought about it, I realized that what he had done to me was wrong.  And one day at school, one of the nurses came into the classroom and talked about sex: pregnancy, birth control, and sexual abuse. One of my friends encouraged me to talk to her about what had happened to me, and so I did. My friend stayed with me while I talked to the nurse, and her friendship enabled me to have the courage to talk about my abuse.

After I spoke with the nurse, she called a social worker, who came to the school. I talked with him, also telling him what had happened to me. He then sent me to a sexual abuse counselor, who is helping me work my way through this.

So if a loved one has hurt you, don’t be afraid to confide in an adult - maybe a counselor - that will help you. You will always have a friend to lean on and talk to about this so that you don’t have to hold it in. Don’t let this ruin your life!