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    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 > Depression > Sexual abuse for 4 years
    Posted on: 03/24/2010

    Question

    I'm 17 and I was sexually abused for four years. In in the four years I came extremely close to being raped. I'm having issues sleeping, eating and just being myself. My parents are not aware of what happened, and I don't want to tell them. I don't know how to cope.

    Answer

    First, you are not alone. Please reach out and talk with someone at the Rape and Incest National Network (RAINN), 1-800-656-HOPE (http://www.rainn.org/). They will put you in touch with someone you can talk to near where you live.

    Second, everything you are feeling and experiencing is perfectly normal and there are things you can do to make it through this. Please find an adult, doctor, counselor or teacher to talk to! You can check out our trauma site for help coping, too: http://www.pamf.org/teen/life/trauma/

    Good luck!


    Answered By:
    Nancy Brown , Ed.S, M.A., Ph.D.


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