TeenHealthFX - Answers - Repeatedly Raped By My Dad

Childhood Sexual Abuse / Question
Published: July 30, 2008

Dear TeenHealthFX,

i was raped repeatably by my dad i now have anal bleeding is this related and what could it be?

Signed: Repeatedly Raped By My Dad

Dear Repeatedly Raped By My Dad,

TeenHealthFX is very sorry that you have had to experience such terrible sexual abuse from your father and that you have had to deal with the subsequent physical and emotional harm from his horrific behavior. If your father forced anal intercourse upon you or forced any type of object into your anus, and you were subsequently experiencing anal bleeding, it is very possible that the tissue in this area (which is very thin and sensitive) was torn from this forced sexual activity.

FX thinks that it is extremely important that you talk to a trusted adult about your rape because several things need to happen here. First, an adult needs to intervene to ensure that your father is not in a position to cause you any further harm. Second, it is important that you be examined by a medical professional so the anal bleeding can be assessed and so your overall physical health can be examined. FX can only speculate over the internet that forced anal intercourse may have contributed to your anal bleeding – but we can’t know for sure, so you do need to be evaluated by a doctor. Third, FX strongly recommends that you meet with a therapist trained in working with victims of sexual abuse so that you can work through your thoughts and feelings connected to the rape. If you are finding you are feeling guilty for what happened with your father or blaming yourself in any way (feelings that many rape victims do experience), a therapist can also help you to work through these feelings and come to a place where you recognize that you are not to blame and that the only person responsible for your terrible experiences here is your father. Finally, it is important that you have people in your life who are there for you to listen, and to provide you with support and love during this difficult time. It is very important that you do not go through all of this alone and that you feel you have trusting, loving people you can turn to.

If you don't have a doctor and live in northern New Jersey, you can call the Adolescent/Young Adult Center for Health at 973-971-6475 for an appointment or contact your local teen health center or Planned Parenthood. You can also contact Girl’s Street – A Young Woman’s Health Program – at 908.522.2555 if you live in northern New Jersey. In addition, you can call your medical insurance company to get a list of in-network physicians.

If you live in northern New Jersey and need help finding a therapist you can call the Access Center from Atlantic Behavioral Health at 973-247-1400. Outside of this area you can log onto the US Department of Health and Human Services Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration website for referrals in your area. You can also contact your insurance company to get a list of in-network mental health providers or check with your school social worker or psychologist to get a list of referrals in your area.

If needed, you can contact the Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network (RAINN) at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673), 24 hours, 7days a week or visit www.rainn.org.

Signed: TeenHealthFX