Dear Harlan: Two weeks ago I was sexually assaulted by a man I don’t know. I’m too scared to tell anyone. I’ve been really depressed over it. I’m scared to tell my mom because I don’t know how to tell her. What would you do?
— Struggling
Dear Struggling: I’m so sorry this happened to you. You need support. You need your mom. You need experts who know how to help survivors. You need help. If you’re not sure how to tell your mom, you can contact RAINN and ask a trained staff member for guidance. Contact RAINN at www.rainn.org or call 800-656-HOPE (4673) to be connected with a trained staff member from a sexual assault service provider in your area. You can talk to a counselor at school (if you’re in school). You can talk to someone in law enforcement. The most important thing you can do is reach out to people who know how to support and help survivors. Once you give voice to this pain, you will find answers. You are surrounded with loving people who want to help and support you. Thinking of you.
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