Incest

Home: Survivors: For Teenagers: My body belongs to me

Incest is a word commonly used to describe sexual abuse within a child's own family or family network. Incest offenders are almost always men.

Most incest starts when the girl is too young to realise what is happening to her. She might be only three or four years old. Nearly a quarter of incest victims are molested or raped by their own fathers. Other girls are abused by stepfathers, brothers, grandfathers or uncles.

This abuse might only happen once, but it often goes on for months or years.

If you are being sexually abused, then you might find it hard to tell anyone what is happening to you. What may have started as warm cuddles and attention has turned into a situation where you are confused and unhappy. Maybe the abuse stopped ages ago, but you still feel pretty mixed up about it.

Sexual abuse affects the way you feel about yourself, and sometimes the way you behave, for a long time, sometimes without you realising it. Some girls get cut off from their feelings, and their anger and pain is expressed in very self destructive ways. Sometimes they get angry with other kids, or teachers, like Alison in the story Dark Time. Sometimes they try to cut out the pain with drugs or alcohol or food. Some girls feel they are worthless and that there is something wrong with them. They might find it hard to trust people, and this makes it hard for other kids to be friends with them.

The best thing you can do is talk to someone you trust, and tell them about the abuse. It can only go on if it's kept secret. You may be worried about what your family and friends will think of you when they find out. People might not understand. Don't be discouraged if the first person you talk to doesn't give you the help you need. Keep trying until you get the help and support you need and deserve.

Whatever happened, it's not your fault.

DON'T GIVE UP. There are people who can help you.

Sponsor

Department of Human Services

Disclaimer Copyright Updated: 11 Jul 2003