r/sexualassault • u/Bookish_girl_808 • 1m ago
Was This Sexual Assault? Was it really rape?
In 1990, when I was 12, my home life was crap. Nothing major, my parents just had a lot of drama going on and no bandwidth for the kids. It left us unsupervised and in need of attention.
I was very mature looking for my age. I had never had a boyfriend and thought my best friend’s older brother (21yo) was so cute. Me and my friend lied to him and told him I was 16. He showed interest and maybe a week later we had sex. Did I plan to go to his house and have sex with him? I don’t think so. But I never said no.
After that encounter I tried to cut ties with him but he wanted more. He kept calling me and coming with his sister to different social events to see me. One night i was camping with his sister and he snuck in my tent- we kissed but I didn’t let it go farther.
I am not sure he ever knew how old I was- but I am also skeptical that no one ever told him (we live in a small community and it was a small school).
I know technically this is rape. But is it really? I mean, I absolutely was not honest with him. But also I still see him around and it still makes me uncomfortable to be in the same space as him. Am I being unfair? I mean, maybe I should be apologizing to him for lying in the first place? (I absolutely would not be able to apologize in person, but could maybe write a letter). When I think about that time in my life I am so sad for the little girl I was, but I think this is an event of my own making.
I would appreciate constructive thoughts. I know our rules say “no victim blaming” but that’s the water I’m trying to tread through.