Childhood Was i sexually abused?

[skylee nixon]

i dont remember much from my childhood, but i do have a few spotty memories of my best friend at the time (she's 5 years older than me) touching me inappropriately, I never did anything to stop it, and i never told anyone. we were both kids so i have a hard time blaming her for what she did, and i'm not even sure if i can consider it abuse.

 

[James McGregor]

i dont remember much from my childhood, but i do have a few spotty memories of my best friend at t...

It's a difficult one I know, I'm in the same position, when I was young with someone only a few years older. I struggled with the same questions. However I brought it up with 2 different therapists, and they class it as abuse. What kind,I don't know, I didn't ask, but maybe that will help you

 

[klohwee]

That would be called cocsa (child on child sexual abuse). The older child was probably abused herself and reinacting the trauma on you, however that doesn't make your pain any less valid. Cocsa can cause just as much harm as an adult could. I would definitely speak to a therapist about this.

 

[AliciaEff]

One thing I like to explain to people about sexual assault and abuse is that there can be a victim without a perpetrator (morally or legally). It may be hard to understand, but think of it as if someone was killed. Perhaps their friend accidentally gave them food that caused a severe allergic reaction. We may not be likely to blame the friend for feeding the wrong food, but the fact is ther person is still dead.

Long story short, your experience as a victim (if you accept that word) of abuse is NOT dependent on whether or not your friend knew what she was doing, or meant to hurt you. You are still hurt.