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Hi there,
Sexual abuse is really distressing for the person who has been abused. Finding out that a friend or family member has been sexually abused can be shocking and upsetting, especially when the abuser is a family member or close friend or neighbour.
The thoughts and feelings that are causing you such distress and anxiety are a natural response to learning that sexual abuse has happened within your family. They dont mean that you want to be abused or that you dont care about the family member who was been abused.
Everyone deals with difficult feelings in their own way, so you would need to find what works for you. Keeping feelings inside generally doesnt help, so talking to a family member, a friend or a trusted adult may help you deal with whats happened and how youre feeling.
You might want to try taking your mind off things for a bit by doing something that you enjoy or something that relaxes you. Reminding ourselves of the everyday things we love can help in tough times.
You could also take a look at what other young people say about sexual abuse on the ChildLine message boards or talk to a ChildLine counsellor any time.
Take care,
Sam
You can talk privately to a counsellor online or call 0800 1111 for free.
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