My in-law wants to get involved with me

Dear Pastor,

I am writing to you for your advice. I am 18 years old and I am living with my aunt who lives with her boyfriend. He has two sons. Since I came here to live, one of them has shown an interest in me. I told him that we cannot have a relationship because his father and my aunt have a relationship going, and it wouldn't be right for me to get involved with him.

He is 21 years old. He said nothing would be wrong with that because we are not related. I told him that we are related in some sense because we are living as one family and I can't do that.

One day I was passing him and he tried to kiss me and I told him I would report him to my aunt. But, I didn't do it because my aunt would send me back to the country. I don't want to go back to the country because there is nothing there for me. This hard-headed boy is not taking no for an answer. He has even offered me money, which I have refused. I can't say that I don't like him, but I don't like him as a boyfriend.

Do you think I should report this to my aunt? Suppose he says that I am telling lies on him? How would I prove that I am telling the truth? Anything you tell me to do, I will do, so I am looking forward to hearing from you, please.

K.

Dear K.,

You have declared that you are afraid to report this young man to your aunt because she may send you back to rural Jamaica and that would have spoiled your plans for living in Kingston.

You are in Kingston because you would like to go to school and get a good education and get a job. I can understand that, but, in spite of your plans, I would urge you to tell your aunt that her man's son is harassing you. He wants to have an intimate relationship with you and he is not taking no for an answer.

I believe that your aunt would believe you and this man's father may also believe you. If they don't, ask them to help you to find another place to live because you do not want to return to the countryside to live.

I believe it is a risk you have to take, but the greater risk is to stay in that house and keep quiet and end up being raped by this young man. Report him and do so early.

Pastor