Rape Support Group

the most advice I can offer to this would be to have someone there with you who knows about what happened. That way, when your parents start asking questions, it wouldn't be all on you to supply the answers. It is also nice to have extra support there with you.

What do you want to achieve from telling them? Will they support you in the way you want them to? Think about this first as well as how you are going to feel, cope and accept their response. It's important for you to be prepared the best way you can. All the very best and I hope your decision goes well xx

I can write things much better than explaining them verbally. So, maybe if you're the same way you could write them a letter explaining as much as possible. Just my advice (: It's not easy, but it's the easiest way in my opinion.

I agree with NikkiT. I never told my parents. I never felt they "needed to know" just because they're my parents. And in your case, it sounds like you expect their reaction to be on the negative side. That will only further devastate you. But if you really feel you want them to know, consider alyk & Liam's responses and then log on to resurrectionafterrape.org. In the bonus downloads section there is a pdf file entitled "Parents' Guide to Helping a Woman Who Has Been Raped" or something like that. There is also one that is "A Man's Guide..." which is also very good. Read them both then give one (or both) to your parents to read. Hope it goes well.

I wrote my mom a letter. In the beginning I explained how while i cannot control how she responds to what i am about to tell her, that i would prefer her to help me by acting in xxxxxx manner. I then wrote to her what happened. It was the easiest way. I have a hard time going into detail but she just wished i had told her sooner.

Telling you parents is never an easy thing to do. It is always going to be awkward and scary, but the longer you wait the more awkward and scary it is going to be. I waited six years before i told my mother and step father, my dad still doesn't know. But it was so awkward because i waited so long.

There is no easy way to go about it, you just have to sit them down and tell them without thinking about it. If it is easier pick one of them, like your mother, and tell her. She will tell your father most likely. I wish you the best of luck. And don't rush yourself. If you want to tell your parents make sure that it is the right time for you. For me it was 6 years later; who knows how long it may take for you. (((HUGS))) good luck. and i am here for you if you need any more help.

Last year, I was in a situation where I needed to tell my parents about my attack as well, but I was absolutely horrified....so what I ended up doin was, going out of town with a friend (basically getting out the house for a few days), but before I left, I placed a note where they would get it sometime after I left. It had in it everything I felt I needed to say in the note. Maybe that's an option you can think about. In the note, you can also ask that they don't flood you with questions because it makes you uncomfortable...