I was sexually molested by my godbrother throughout my childhood. He touched me, constantly walked in on me changing, and he would sneak into my room in the middle of the night to remove my clothes. I couldn't confront him - it wasn't in my nature and he was a boy. Girls aren't supposed to tell boys "no." So instead I would try to resist passively. I would gather my sheets tightly around me and cling to them with all my strength when he tried to remove them. I would try to act like I was about to wake up. He didn't want me to wake up - sleeping girls can't say no.

I never told my parents. I felt dirty and sinful and guilty. I thought my parents would blame me for allowing him to do this to me, for being submissive, for letting this start in the first place. I was afraid they'd blame me for waiting so long, for letting him get away with so much. I silently bore my sorrows, not wanting the heroes of my life to see me as the dirty, shameful, weak little girl I thought I was.

I do not have to let this damage my soul, my self esteem, and my ability to love and experience joy. I do not have to be silent and bear my misery alone. These events have changed me and allowed me to grow, but they do not define who I am.