Dear Auntie Stella

I feel really terrible and have nobody to talk to. When I was younger my uncle always hugged us children nicely and gave us presents. But last year, when I was twelve, he sometimes followed me into the bush when I was fetching water, and touched my breasts and under my skirt. I was frightened but he said it must be our secret or we would both get into trouble.

Then this weekend he came for a funeral and everyone was drinking beer. In the night, when I came back from the toilet, he was waiting. He grabbed me, pushed me down and had sex in me. It was so painful but he hit me when I cried.

Afterwards he said it was my fault because I was wearing a bra and that made him need sex.

Auntie, please help me. I feel bad and dirty and I keep remembering it. I’m too afraid to tell my parents. They will be very angry with me because my uncle helps us with food and money. But what if he does it again? I’m so scared. What can I do?

Sibongile