“Every time I attend a family function and have to see that cousin, I feel wildly uncomfortable.”

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Note: This post contains mentions of sexual assault, predatory behavior, and violence.

"Several years later, my aunt once again found herself at the center of family drama when she fell in love with her married second cousin and began having an affair with him while his wife had cancer. 

At the wife's funeral, they were seen cuddling and being handsy, to the point where the man's own sister boxed his ears in front of everyone and told him to act right. They were married a couple of years later; they're still married."

"I’m 54, and this happened to me years ago. I’m so sorry you have been through that. I hope yours gets better; mine never did."

If you or someone you know has experienced sexual assault, you can call the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE, which routes the caller to their nearest sexual assault service provider. You can also search for your local center here.