Can it count as abuse even if this other person is also a woman and was around 10 years old? I feel like everyone is going to say that it doesn't count as abuse just for this reason.

Answer

Thank you so much for this question. First and foremost, it’s important to remember that only you can define what happened to you. Sexual violence is deeply personal, and how you understand and process your experiences is entirely up to you. While we aim to provide support and information, please know that we are not here to label or define your experience. Your experience is yours and yours alone.

Sexual abuse can occur in various forms and can involve individuals of any gender and age. The gender and age of the person who harmed you does not diminish the severity or impact of the abuse you experienced. Abuse is defined by actions that violate consent and boundaries, causing harm and distress to the survivor. Regardless of the identities of those involved, if you have experienced unwanted sexual behaviors that have caused you pain and suffering, it is valid to recognize it as abuse.

It's understandable to fear that others may dismiss or invalidate your experiences based on misconceptions about gender and age dynamics. However, it's essential to prioritize your own understanding of your experiences and seek support from individuals and resources that will validate your feelings. Your feelings are valid, and you deserve to be heard and supported as you navigate your healing journey.

You might consider seeking support from a therapist or counselor who specializes in trauma to further process what you went through and help you determine next steps. They can offer a safe space to explore your feelings and develop coping strategies to help you heal. You are not alone, and there are communities and resources available to provide you with the support and validation you deserve. This is your journey, and you have the right to navigate it in the way that feels right for you. Thank you again for trusting us with this question.

When I was 8, my 9-year-old cousin convinced me that certain sexually inappropriate behaviors were normal between girls. I don't have many memories of the incidents, but I remember some parts clearly. Months later, she tried to get me to engage in these behaviors with our younger cousin, who was 4 or 5 at the time. Thankfully, our parents found out before anything more serious happened. Most of the family made jokes about the situation, but one aunt kindly explained to me why it was wrong and that children should never touch each other in those ways. The older cousin seems to be doing alright now, but I'm not entirely sure. The younger cousin appears normal on the outside, but she has been pressured to date and refuses. I don't know if this is related to what happened. I hope all three of us can heal from this experience, but I feel incredibly guilty. I keep worrying about what might have happened if our parents hadn't intervened or if something worse occurred that I can't remember. Am I both a victim and a perpetrator in this situation?

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Understanding Trauma & Violence

Quiero saber si fui víctima de COCSA. Cuando era niña, a mis amigas les permitían ver contenido para adultos, y ellas intentaban recrear esas cosas conmigo. Me besaban y me tocaban sin que yo entendiera. Una vez, me presionaron para que me desvistiera, y luego se burlaron de mi cuerpo frente a nuestros compañeros de clase, lo cual fue humillante. Eso me dificultó hacer amigas. Ahora que soy mayor, me pregunto: ¿eso fue acoso o abuso? I want to know if I was a victim of COCSA. When I was a child, my friends were allowed to watch adult content, and they tried to reenact those things with me. They kissed and touched me without my understanding. Once, they pressured me to undress, and later mocked my body to our classmates, which was humiliating. It made it hard for me to make friends. Now that I'm older, I wonder - was that harassment or abuse?

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Understanding Trauma & Violence

When I was in kindergarten, a friend asked me to play a game that she said her parents taught her to play only with people she loves. The game involved inappropriate sexual acts. I felt confused and uncomfortable, but I participated. Years later, I'm unsure if this would be considered child-on-child sexual abuse (COCSA) and I don't know how to process these memories, especially given that my friend said her parents taught her the game.

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Question

Can it count as abuse even if this other person is also a woman and was around 10 years old? I feel like everyone is going to say that it doesn't count as abuse just for this reason.

Answer

For immediate help, contact the RAINN National Sexual Assault Hotline

1-800-656-4673

Free. Confidential. 24/7

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Question

Can it count as abuse even if this other person is also a woman and was around 10 years old? I feel like everyone is going to say that it doesn't count as abuse just for this reason.

Answer

Related Questions

For immediate help, contact the RAINN National Sexual Assault Hotline

1-800-656-4673

Free. Confidential. 24/7

For Updates & More

© Our Wave 2024. All rights reserved.

Made with in Raleigh, NC

Safety Exit

Resources