#MeToo brings back memory

Q Having read about men affected by #MeToo sexual incidents, a bad memory came back vividly and powerfully.

I’m 49, a professional, happily married for nine years. I’ve never told my wife nor anyone about this occurrence when I was 13.

I loved trains and cycling. I’d often ride my bike alone, climb an embankment and watch the trains go by.

One day, when I was about to go home, a guy approached me. He threatened that if I said anything he’d drown me in the creek. He grabbed me, kissed me, ordered me to pull my shorts down. He performed oral sex. He told me to give him my underwear and my socks.

I started to cry and scream. He slapped me and tore my T-shirt, saying that if I didn’t stop screaming he’d rip more clothing and my parents would kill me for it.

He told me to count to some number, eyes closed. At the end of it he was gone. I put my shorts and shoes back on and biked home all tattered. I remember that my lips and genitals were bruised.

I remember rushing inside (my parents were both on the balcony), grabbing new socks, underwear and T-shirt, hiding the ripped shirt in the closet.

My parents noted my dirty appearance. They believed I’d got into a fight.

I don’t know how and why I eventually forgot about this. It had been traumatic, shortterm.

Yet I very recently rolled my eyes thinking, why after so many years, are women suddenly coming out with #MeToo accusations that they probably couldn’t even remember.

Now I know. Triggers can bring back these memories and details. I was sexually assaulted.

He got away with it. Who else were his victims? No Longer Forgotten

A There were undoubtedly more victims. Sadly, many likely didn’t forget and move forward as you were able to do.

Meanwhile, shame and fear of not being believed kept them and you from reporting.

Thanks for sharing your story. Read Ellie Monday to Saturday.