Rebekah’s story
I was sexually abused by my step-dad from the age of four. No-one at home ever talked about it, so for a long time I assumed it was just something that happened to everyone. I didn’t think my family was any different to anyone else’s.
But when I went to high school and started having sleepovers at other people’s houses, I realised it didn’t happen to everyone and it wasn’t ok. I was too scared to talk to my mum about it. I didn’t know what she’d say. I didn’t really know who to trust.
Speaking out
I started self-harming to cope with everything. Eventually a teacher noticed my scars and asked me if I was okay. I couldn’t hold it in any longer. I think deep down I’d been waiting for someone to ask me this question for such a long time.
I told her all about my step-dad. She was really supportive and explained she needed to get me some help. She called the police and social services there and then. And she waited with me until they got to school.
It was a really hard time for me. I had to meet lots of different people and describe everything that had happened. Mum was really shocked and upset at first but she stopped all contact with my step-dad and we’ve been a lot closer ever since.
Getting support
The social worker put me in touch with a local rape and sexual abuse support centre. I met a woman who was there to support me through the police investigation.
I was really nervous at first and wasn’t sure what I could talk to her about. But she explained that she was there to provide support and to help me to make choices and understand what would happen along the way.
During my support sessions, I felt I had someone that really listened to what I had to say. I had to go to court to give evidence against my step-dad and my worker was by my side the whole time.
She took me for a tour around the court a few days before so it didn’t seem as scary. And she explained the different ways that I could give evidence so I didn’t have to be in the court room.
I talked to her about any worries I had throughout the whole process. At the end of the trial, my step-dad was found guilty. He was sentenced to 12 years in prison.
Moving on
It’s one year on from when I first spoke about what happened and I’m starting to feel much more positive about the future.
My support worker introduced me to a counsellor at the rape support centre who helped me to accept that what happened wasn’t my fault. I know things will get better in time.
I’m working towards my GCSEs. And love being able to have friends over to my house now! Things are going well.
For anyone living with abuse, I’d say the most important thing is to talk to someone. Support is out there for you. You’re not alone.
Thanks so much to Rebekah for sharing her story. And thanks to the Rape and Sexual Support Centre for their support. Visit our useful contacts page to find contact info for RASASC and other support services.