I am 18 and I lived in another parish before Kingston. I live with my father, stepmother, my brother and stepbrother.

I do not like my brother. Last year I caught my brother peeping into my room while I was putting on my clothes. It wasn't the first time he was doing so. I immediately told my dad and he hissed his teeth. From then I have despised his son and my respect for my father has decreased.

When it happened, my stepmother was abroad. I was so hurt that, up to now, my feelings haven't changed. They finally talked to him about it about four months later but it didn't make any difference because I still hate him, and I want nothing to do with him.

I don't refer to him as my brother because he isn't. I know when he gets older he will be a pervert who will prey on women. I caught him one day reading up on how to rape people. It doesn't concern me because what he does with his life doesn't affect me. I told his mother but she didn't do anything. That is their problem not mine.

Angry

Dear Angry,

I am sorry you haven't mentioned your brother's age. However, I am glad you reported to your father, and to other members of your family, what you caught him doing. Unfortunately, your father took the matter lightly and did not speak your brother immediately or soon after.

Nevertheless, I want you to know that while you are being watchful as a result of your brother's behaviour, you need not hate him. You cannot trust him because of his behaviour, but to hate him will do you no good. You should not hate your father either. He would not want to see anything bad happen to you. Learn to love, not hate.

Your brother needs help and you should tell your father and stepmother of the type of literature you saw him reading.

Pastor