Dear nickgirl24,

This must be a very difficult situation for you, but you've taken the first step — you're reaching out for help.

Sexual assault is the use of force or intimidation — physical or psychological — to make a person engage in sexual activity. And rape is a kind of sexual assault. It is coerced sexual intercourse.

We all have the right to say no to sex. And even saying "yes" is not binding. That means that you have the right to change your mind at any time, for any reason. You are the only person who has the right to set — or change — the boundaries around what feels comfortable and good to you. If you agree to something but then change your mind, you have the right to stop it immediately. If both people truly care about each other, it means that they continue to listen to each other every step of the way.

Healing from a rape may take a while, so give yourself the time you need to deal with the hurt you feel inside. It is important to continue talking about the rape, even if it happened a while ago. You can call the RAINN hotline for free, confidential, counseling 24 hours a day at 1-800-656-HOPE.

Hope this information helps!

Take care,

teenwire.com^® Editors

This column is for informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have a medical problem, please call toll-free 1-800-230-PLAN for an appointment with the Planned Parenthood health center nearest you.