I was raped this week, ask me anything

[KitSileya]

73. I'm really sorry this happened to you.

It shouldn't happen to anyone, but it does, as you and I and so very many others know.

The one thing I want to say to you is this, what you choose to do after this is *your* choice. Report, don't report, tell, don't tell, get help, don't get help, all of that is your choice. There is no one proper way of reacting after something like this, and you have the right to react and feel the way you react and feel. You get to decide what to do with this trauma, what you can manage, and what you cannot manage.

Also when it comes to reporting, know that it the rapes this rapist commits is his fault, and should he happen to rape again, it will not be your fault. From the snippets you have given us, it seems that his behavior is known to others - let them, who have not suffered trauma, get that responsibility if you decide that reporting your rape is too much.

Please also remember that you need to get tested, especially if the rapist didn't use protection. If I recall correctly, you are married, and if you haven't told your husband, you do have to keep in mind that you cannot put him at risk in your sexual relationship.

Finally, know that you have my support. I wish I didn't get to welcome you to the 'club', but there are many of us who have experienced this. Lean on us, and don't be afraid to ask anything, either in-thread or in pm.