Creepy cousin and family situation ***Trigger Warning****
Hi everybody,
I just spoke to a listener who suggested Id write here to get some insight and advice from the community.
To make a long story short; I'm 21years old and my 27year old cousin tried to make sexual advances towards me about a year ago. He said he have masturbated thinking of me for years (but now he "had stopped") and he said it was his biggest secret. And some other behavior that I read as predetory. I'm a survivor of sexual assault and this situation really triggerd bad memories and I am very afraid of my cousin now. I haven't seen him since he told me that thing.
My brother (2 years older than me) have always been very close friends with this cousin. It wasn't til a few months ago that I decided to let him know what had happend. I thought he didn't have any contact with the cousin after that.
Today I found out he have "hanged out" with the cousin at least one time after my brother found out.
I feel empty and sadly I doubted this whole time that I could trust my brother. He doesn't seem to understand how serious this situation is.
Right now Im stuck at home with my parents and brother, struggling with depression Im unemployed and unable to move out.
Should I try to talk to my brother?
Thank you,
J
@hardworkingRaspberries8568
Hello, Hardworking. I'm so sorry for your experience with your cousin. 
It sounds like it was a very traumatizing experience that has left your triggered and feeling very alone. As far as speaking to your brother about it, what do you think would happen if you did? Do you fear your brother will be angry or try to minimize your feelings on the matter, what do you fear the most in speaking to him about it?
If you haven't already, I'd also recommend reading our self-help guide on Sexual Abuse. It may help you find ways of expressing yourself and to cope with this situation.
Take care and good luck! 
xx
@KindListening
KindListening, hello and thank you for your respond and support. It means a lot <3
Well I had a long talk with my mother the other night and she seemingly understands the situation better now. And she spoke to my dad who seem to understand and support me now too. Shes supposed to speak to my brother aswell.
But my brother is another story. Just a few hours ago he told me that he now knows everything (although from what he said he didnt seem to) and that he and cousin thinks that I should forgive him and leave this behind us. He also said that he doesnt think what the cousin sad is "that bad".
I understand that my brother is his own person and he can hang out with all the creepy cousins he want. But I am very worried about him bringing home creepy cousin. I dont feel safe in my own home.
Ill get out of here next fall but I hope the situation gets better til then.
Thank you for listening
<3
