Most victims keep abuse hidden for multiple reasons.
The revelation of this experience will have a disruptive effect on family members as well as on the perpetrator. Ironically, victims often feel guilty about abuse and assume responsibility for provoking sexual attention. However, it is important to realize that it is the perpetrator who has taken advantage of the victim's vulnerability or young age. The victim's confusion and feelings of guilt are often complicated by the fact that most abuse is perpetrated by someone familiar to the victim, even a family member or close friend. Through protecting others, the victim is really sowing seeds of self-destruction.