[Rayne Selene]

Trigger warning, but I'm trying to keep this as mild as possible.
At 17, I was sexually abused by my boyfriend. I never realized how bad it was until later...and now I want to talk to my sister about what happened to me, so that she can be prepared for similar situations (she's 15.) Thinking about it has been making me relive it, and I've started having really bad nightmares. I've never told anybody about it and I really want to talk, but I don't know if that's an acceptable topic for these forums.

It is allowed, although I think you'll get more meaningful replies if you post on the Survivors Of Abuse forum.

I'm sorry you went through this.

Originally Posted by Rayne Selene

Trigger warning, but I'm trying to keep this as mild as possible.
At 17, I was sexually abused by my boyfriend. I never realized how bad it was until later...and now I want to talk to my sister about what happened to me, so that she can be prepared for similar situations (she's 15.) Thinking about it has been making me relive it, and I've started having really bad nightmares. I've never told anybody about it and I really want to talk, but I don't know if that's an acceptable topic for these forums.

I commend you for wanting to protect your sister by talking to her but since it is really troubling you, I recommend that you talk to a therapist, a friend, and/or post here first. Also, I have found that sometimes private messaging someone on this forum can be more helpful than a post to all. Sometimes when we are abused, it is embarrassing because we feel responsible for the abuse (like it was our fault we let it happen). This can make it harder to talk about things that we really need to discuss. It can make us feel ashamed which can really effect us more than we realize. I think you will have nightmares and anxiety about it for a while when you first talk and post about this. And that you will be able to have the most constructive conversation/advice for your sister after you first spend some time processing this. I am sorry you are going through this but I think there is a good chance that the nightmares will get better with time.

[gayleggg]

I'm sorry this happened to you. I think it's nice that you want to warn your little sister. I agree with Hopingtrying in maybe get therapy first. It might help you approach the subject in a more helpful way and maybe not be as emotional. I wish you the best and hope you get past the nightmares and such.

[shezbut]

(((((gentle hugs)))))

The Survivors of Abuse forum would be an appropriate place for you to talk about what you experienced; and the PTSD forum may be the right one for you to discuss how the memories have recently begun to haunt you.

Of course, I also agree with the others about getting some help from a Therapist. Gentle hugs sent your way ~ you're in my thoughts....

[Big Mama]

Agreed, a therapist who is trained to handle these kinda things would be a good idea. They can give you coping skills for reliving that nightmare. They can also guide you with the words and prepare you for the different outcomes that telling others may have.

I told my sister something similar and it was not good. I wish I would not have said anything. Had I talked to the T first I could have maybe avoid hurt feelings. It did help to have the T to fall back on and help me threw my sisters harsh words.

Good luck with what ever you decide.