Life is pretty okay now, in fact, you could say her life is good – when viewed from the outside. She is a graduate from one of the best universities in the US and is an IT professional in a top notch law firm. However, there are deeper scars she hides that has shaken her confidence and self-esteem as a person.
It started right at home, where her parents never got along and a war like atmosphere presided at home. She loved them both dearly, she notes, but just couldn’t stand them in the same room. So she could never discuss her problems with her parents.
When she was 4 years old, she was made to sit on the back bench with three boys who tried to slip their hands inside her skirt. And everything went downhill from there. Her neighbourhood friend’s uncle would also slip his hand below her skirt and whisper inappropriate things to her. Her father’s colleague, would invite her home, ask her to lay on his bed and would grope all over her. He went to the extent of inserting his fingers inside her!
The communication problems at home is what caused these traumatic incidents to be bottled up inside. She had no one to talk to, and her message to parents is that parenthood is more than just providing food and education to your children. It is about being your child’s friend.
Anyone you, as an adult, will connect to, will become a part of your child’s life and open, fluid communication channels is what will keep the perpetrators at bay.
Her message to children facing sexual harassment is to speak out. Your parents/guardian’s job is to protect you, so let them do that!
Push aside all the embarrassment and awkwardness you feel when talking about being a victim of sexual abuse. And never, ever forget, you are not alone!
It is so sad that we live in a World where, the perpetrators of crime walk around, guilt free, while the victims shrink away from a good life, out of fear and guilt.
But just know that help is available! It is never too late to get your issues sorted, and all you have to do is talk to an expert.
