Dear Pastor,

I am a 15-year-old girl and I live with my stepfather and my mother. The problem is my stepfather always beats me for not wanting to have sex with him. Twice before he and his friend forced themselves on me and raped me. I told my mother about it and she called me a liar and boxed me in my face. I don't know what to do. I want to run away, but I also feel like killing myself. I have a 19-year-old boyfriend and he's offering to help me.

I need your advice. I feel so dirty and unclean.

K. K., New York, USA

Dear K. K.,

You should report both your stepfather and mother to the police. It is not too late for you to do so. Your mother should be ashamed of herself and your stepfather is a nasty man. Your mother is going to regret the way she reacted to you because you will never forget it. It is indeed a pity that you have had to suffer sexual abuse and that not even your mother stood up for you. Your stepfather and his friend should have been doing time in prison. I repeat, report the matter to the police.

Pastor