My Best Friend Assaulted Me For 25 Days, Says Ahshaas Hussain

24-year-old  Ahshaas Hussain spoke to SheThePeople about what he has been through in life and how he wants society to be kind towards people. Here's his story:

(Trigger Warning: Sexual Assault)

"I had a very tough childhood. People around me thought I was too effeminate to be a man. I spoke politely, was compassionate, and got along with everyone. My friends and classmates asked me, "Are you a chakka?" I was shocked and wondered why the softness in my personality bothered them. My parents sensed my discomfort and wanted to save me from the embarrassment, but I wasn't sorry for who I was and how I conducted myself. The bullying continued throughout my growing-up years, but there was no reason for me to change.

Little did I know that even people I thought were closest to me would consider this to be my weakness and try to take advantage of it. I was in class XI when my best friend assaulted me for 25 straight nights. He would hurt me with blades. I was in deep pain. My body used to ache.

I could figure out that it was not right because it wasn't done mutually, but I didn't have the guts to stop him. Also, deep down, I knew that if I shared this with someone, I would be harshly judged and nobody would believe me. But I finally gathered the courage to stop him. I threatened him with dire consequences if he kept abusing me.

Suggested Reading: 10 Things One Should Stop Doing To Save Themselves From Sexual Assault Say Leaders

He was shifted to another state board and I was relieved as I didn't have to see his face ever again, but the incident had devastated me. It made me question myself and my beliefs. I spent a major part of my early adulthood struggling with anxiety and depression. I would wake up in the middle of the night and start sweating. I still face problems hugging people.

I am 24-years-old now. I am employed as an English teacher at a school in Odisha. My profession allows me to interact with young students and teach them the art of expressing themselves freely. I have worked very hard to keep myself positive. I write poetry. I am also fond of gardening. I have made peace with myself.

I also want society to understand that men can also be survivors of sexual assault. Also, I think we should accept children for all the unique traits they are born with and not try to forcefully fit them into a box. As far as my feminine traits are considered, I can proudly say that I am a man with the heart of a woman. "

Watch the video here.

Feature Image Credit: Ahshaas Hussain/ Instagram