Teen FAQ
For over 10 years, teens have been asking us questions on every topic imaginable. While we are no longer taking new questions, we have a wealth of information we would like to share with teenagers.
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Navigate: FAQ Home Page > Violence > Reporting an assault
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Answer
Whatever happens to the boy, what is most important is that you get the support you need to heal from the assault. The fact that your mother feared for your safety at the time suggests that both the assault and the background situation were really frightening. Whether sexual or not, a physical assault is traumatic and can have lasting effects, which may be one reason you want to pursue the matter even though several years have passed. You didn't say who besides your mother knew of the assault or if you had counseling at the time. If memories of the assault still trouble you or if you feel that it has affected the way you relate to other people, it is important to get help. Your doctor or school counselor may be able to help you find someone experienced in working with young people who have been the victim of violence. As bad an experience as this must have been, it is possible to put it behind you. Good luck.