[Mal123]

I recently learned that my cousin, whom I was very close with in past years was sexually molested by his father from the ages 11-14. I suspect that this happened before then though. My cousin and I are 19, and although i dont talk to him much anymore, i would like to help him. Also, his father claims that he has not harmed anyone else but i have suspicions that my cousins sisters have been abused also. Theres a lot more to the story, and i just need someone who maybe can help me with this situation. I hope someone can help me out, cause im at a loss of what to do right now. I need someones help hellokittygirl12@aol.com

Is your cousin seeking help, or acting in a way that demonstrates he needs help now? I'm not quite sure how you want to help. Just being a friend would be a good start. Being a supportive friend is wonderful, and will be very helpful. But, sexual abuse is a complicated issue, and when he is ready, he would probably be best helped by a therapist who specializes in this field.

My most urgent concern would be if your cousin's sisters are under age 18. If you have valid concerns that these children are currently in danger of abuse, you can call the National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-4-A-CHILD or your state's Child Protective Service.

Take care. You have a kind heart for wanting to help.

emmy

[Mal123]

Thanks so much for the number. See, the whole situation came about because my uncle had admitted thoughts about young boys to his therapist. My whole family knows now. My cousin is seeking help for that and for cutting himself. As for my two cousins though, my aunt doesnt want to tell them about this, but i think they already know and are part of it. Ive looked into it and some signs of having been sexually abused are like drops in grades and wetting the bed. Both of which both the girls do, and they do have a signifigant attachment to their father. As of now they are not allowed to see their father but 1 a month under supervision, but no one seems to suspect that they could be involved it it also. In researching though i found that it is not likely that a petophile abuses only one child, which is another reason why i have my suspicions. I have recollections of my cousin asking me to do things to him when we were younger like 4 or 5, and i told my parents and of course never did them but thats why i think that all this occured at a much eariler age. I just want the best for my cousins but im not sure how to make everyone realize that this could be a lot more complicated than they think. Or i suppose it could just be me jumping to conclusions. Thanks for the advice though ... if you have anymore insight id appreciate it.