Sexual Abuse Support Group

Sexual abuse is a relative cultural term used to describe sexual relations and behavior between two or more parties which are considered criminally and/or morally offensive. Different types of sexual abuse involve: Non-consensual, forced physical sexual behavior such as rape, incest or sexual assault, or psychological forms of abuse, such as verbal sexual behavior or...

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Boyfriend molested 2 girls between 9-10 years old

Hopeinhardtimes
Hopeinhardtimes

I need help understanding if anyone is willing to share, what kind of damage or long-lasting turmoil can happen when at age 9-10, a girl is touched over her clothing by a family friend who she trusted. I am truly seeking to know how to have empathy for my friends and their daughters. I also don't know how to deal with finding out that this is true, after dating someone for most of a decade. I am disgusted and down with that relationship now, but I just found out that it is true. 

Hopeinhardtimes
Hopeinhardtimes
*DONE with that relationship, not down
Jane800
Jane800
What happened to me was more than being touched over clothing, but I was at a similar age when it stopped. For myself, it's hurt my ability to trust people, and more, it's hurt my ability to trust my own intuition. It's caused a lot of anxiety and depression over the years. Of course, I didn't have any support from friends or family, it was family that did it. I think what's important is for the girls to have support. You've already shown support by condemning the guy's actions instead of denying it. Believe me, that helps a lot! They also need space to talk about what happened, and to be allowed to feel hurt and anger, to be allowed to express those emotions. That's something I never had until recently.

Generally speaking, the less intrusive the assault was and the more loving support the victim has, the less lasting trauma there will be. It is definitely possible for these girls to heal, they just need the help and support of friends, family, and councilors.
Hopeinhardtimes
Hopeinhardtimes
@Jane800
Thank you for sharing that. It helps to hear. Yes, both of these girls are getting strong support from their families, and we are all talking to each other about it. I’m sorry for what you went through and hope you continue to heal.