Dear Del,

I have a problem with my younger brother. I am in high school, he is in middle school. A while ago, we took a family car trip, and he and I were in the back when I fell asleep. I woke up, with my eyes still closed, and felt a hand rubbing against my leg, and when I sat up, I saw him pulling his hand away. I wanted to make sure I wasn’t imagining it, and pretended to fall asleep again. I felt him rubbing his hand on my leg again. It didn’t seem like a big deal, so I ignored it. A few weeks later, he did the same thing on another car trip.

For a while it freaked me out, but I didn’t tell my parents. Today, I fell asleep on the couch. I woke up, with my eyes still closed, and this time I felt a hand on my butt. I moved, and saw my brother swiftly step back from the couch and walk away.

I don’t think he knows I know he’s doing these things, but it really creeps me out. I want to tell my parents, but it would be awkward, and I know my brother would accuse me of lying. He would also call me a liar if I confronted him before telling our parents. He would probably end up fighting with me, and he has violent tendencies, which scares me.

What should I do? Should I tell my parents? Or confront him about it? I don’t want him touching me again.

Dear Katie,

At his age the hormones are raging but they should not rage with you!  He probably does know what he is doing but after reading your entire email I think it would be wise not to tell your parents and don’t accuse him, but whenever you find him doing it, just take his hand away and in the future don’t fall asleep anywhere near him!  If worse comes to worse, just tell him to stop it or you will tell the parents.  Don’t let any fear of him stop you from stopping him!

Sincerely,

Del