My Best Friend Raped Me
Q: I’m 20 years old and I was raped by my best friend. I’ve been dating a guy the same age as me for five years. He knows that I was raped and we never made love. I’m now having a problem which could result in me being sterilised. I don’t know how to tell my boyfriend. Because of my studies, I’m not ready to make love and he understands this. What should I do?
A: I’m concerned that you don’t need to be sterilised and yet you’re considering it. At 20, it is very young to decide that you don’t want to have children. On the other hand, if your health is at risk, get a second opinion from a good gynaecologist before you take such a big step, and then do what you need to do so that you can be healthy and happy.
I am glad to see that you are taking control of your sex life. Rape victims often benefit from the kind of relationship which allows them sexual control, not to say “no” all the time; so much as to give them back power they may feel they lost. The guy you are seeing sounds like he really cares, make sure you do what is right for you.
