I have what I consider to be solid relationships with my parents and siblings. 

Yet at 18, when I told my family my cousin sexually abused me when I was 3-4, you'd think I simply announced it was raining or something. It just wasn't a big deal. And to this day, some of my family members still have a relationship with him.

Then, about five years ago, my cousin's husband sent me numerous dick pics. When I told my family, nobody believed me. And I'm not a liar or anything - never have been. Multiple members of my family went to my *ex-husband* to find out if what I was saying was true. He confirmed that yes, I received numerous dick pics from my cousin's husband. Yet my family still sees and talks to him. 

Both of these situations have bothered me for years. I've cried. I've felt ignored. I couldn't understand why my family would continue talking to these perverts.

Then today I discovered that quite often family will side with the abuser. 

It's not just me. It isn't my fault. I didn't do something wrong. I don't deserve this.

I wanted to share this with you in case you have experienced it too. 

You aren't alone. 

[It's more common than you'd think](https://psychcentral.com/lib/reasons-family-members-side-with-sexual-abusers).