Dear cheryl28,

What you're experiencing is very common. Rape can be a very traumatic experience and very painful and difficult to deal with. For some rape survivors, being sexually intimate after an assault can be scary, and they may find it difficult to be close to someone in a sexual way. For others, the response is exactly the opposite. Being assaulted may cause people to feel disconnected from their bodies, and they may seek out as many sexual experiences as possible in order to try to "erase" or "replace" the memory of what happened.

Many young people who have been raped find that talking to a health care provider, counselor, or other trusted adult can help them make decisions and deal with their feelings and circumstances. Many find support groups or individual therapy to be helpful. Support groups and individual therapy can provide a place where fears and concerns can be safely expressed and explored.

A nearby Planned Parenthood health center may be able to provide information about support groups or individual therapy for rape survivors. You may also want to contact the Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network at 1-800-656-HOPE for additional information and support.

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.