Dear Dalila,

I'm so sorry that these these very upsetting and difficult things occured in your life. Yes, of course these things count and matter. Abuse is abuse, and it can occur by any kind of person, male or female. It can be a person who is biologically related to you - a parent, sibling, or grandparent, for instance - or a caretaker, friend of the family, or neighbor. It's still abuse whenever an another adult hurts a child sexually, physically, and/or emotionally, whether they are a relative or not.

I was abused by various people as well, both males and females. The most difficult abuse was that which my mother did. So yes, it is possible. I think it occurs less frequently, though, and it is harder for a lot of us to discuss as well because it seems so unusual for women to hurt children, and particularly female children. But it is possible to talk about it and get help, and heal from even these very difficult things.

I wish you all the best, and I send you caring thoughts....

Take care,
ErinBear