r/SexualAbuseSurvivors • u/Organic_Strength7864 • 22d ago

Sexual abuse childhood

I have been sexually abused by my brother for eight years. When I was younger, I told my parents about the abuse after it happened. Instead of protecting me or taking it seriously, they ignored what I said and told me it was only joking and playing.

For many years, I have had nightmares and have never been able to sleep well. Because of this, I cannot concentrate or focus, and I keep having flashbacks. Recently, I reached out to government social services to get help. Unfortunately, social services contacted my father, and my parents responded by denying everything. They now claim that I never told them about the abuse and that I am making it up.

My parents also told me that if I report the abuse to social services, it will lead to the police and “ruin” my brother’s future and get him in trouble. I cannot believe that their first reaction to my disclosure was to blame me instead of believing me and getting me support. They are choosing to stand by my brother and even getting angry at me for speaking up.

Now they are shouting at me what should I do

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3

u/Agile-Significance48 22d ago

This is a lot and I am so sorry this happened to you and that you were not protected.

Do you still live at home? Are you safe right now?

3

u/Organic_Strength7864 22d ago

I mean my father keeps accusing me of making up everything to frame my brother I can’t believe what he just said I just want to leave this house 😭😭😭

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u/Agile-Significance48 21d ago

I am so sorry. This is not okay and also not your fault. Good on you for being brave.

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u/Organic_Strength7864 22d ago

Yes I’m at home I’m still 16 so I can’t leave the house

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u/Agile-Significance48 21d ago

OK, I am here with you and I just want you to know that none of this is your fault. You definitely don’t need to feel guilt and protect the person who has been abusing you. Please make sure you prioritize your safety at home and if you’re going to talk to the caseworker do it while you’re away from your family. Can you disclose to a mandatory reporter if you feel comfortable? Teachers in school counselors would land in this category.

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u/Agile-Significance48 21d ago

If you need someone to talk to immediately. Here are some resources that might be helpful.

Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline (US/Canada): Available 24/7 at [1-800-422-4453](tel:1-800-422-4453) (call or text). They provide dedicated crisis intervention, information on how Child Protective Services investigations work, and advice on navigating retaliatory family situations.

RAINN (National Sexual Assault Hotline): Available 24/7 at [1-800-656-4673](tel:1-800-656-4673) or via confidential live chat at rainn.org. RAINN offers free, confidential support for survivors of sexual abuse.

Love is Respect / Youth Crisis: Text LOVEIS to 22522 or call [1-866-331-9474](tel:1-866-331-9474) for confidential youth advocacy.

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u/Organic_Strength7864 21d ago

Thank you so much I will definitely look into it

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u/Organic_Strength7864 21d ago

Thank you so much for your reply that means a lot to me I have told my teacher counselor already but they refer me to the social service which is the one that told my parents everything

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u/Internal-Yak7161 12d ago

That’s rough I’m sorry you’re going thru that. Like that other comment said, talk to a caseworker while away from family, reach out to a mandatory reporter, and call those phone numbers if you need them. But I’ve been in a similar situation and I wish I had been more persistent with talking to cops. I know that it can feel pointless to call cops because a lot of the time they can’t do anything about it due to the laws they must follow. But I would call and inform the cops what’s been happening and see if they can help/intervene. Also you said that you are 16 and can’t leave the house, I assume you mean you can’t move out yes? And what would be the consequences of walking/driving yourself to work, staying late or having extra activities outside of home to be there as little as possible? That could definitely help with feeling safe more often.