UNITED STATES
Mercury News
By Amy Dickinson
Tribune Content Agency
POSTED: 04/13/2015
DEAR AMY: I am 15, and there is a man at my church who makes me feel harassed. At a concert, he started to give me a shoulder massage. My dad was there and saw it, but he didn’t do anything. This man is 30 years my senior and just went through a divorce.
Lately he’s making any excuse to give me a hug or touch me.
He is a doctor and is respected. I’m almost afraid to tell my dad because he wouldn’t believe me.
How can I either avoid this man or confront him?
Troubled Teen
DEAR TROUBLED: You’re smart to pay attention to your gut. Do not be in the same room with this man if he makes you uncomfortable.
That means if he comes into a room, you leave it. Always have a pal with you, or make sure you’re part of a big group. If he attempts to touch or hug you, no matter where you are, tell him, “I don’t like that.” Be very, very clear.
Tell your dad about this. He needs to be educated about sexual harassment, and he needs to know how you feel.
Everyone might tell you that this is nothing to worry about. However, I would stress that you should pay attention to your instincts — over anyone else’s, including your dad’s. (March 2007)
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