Dear Pastor,

I am a 17-year-old young woman and I think I am addicted to sex. I lost my virginity at 13 to a family friend who raped me. He was charged with having sex with a minor and was sentenced to three years.

Sometimes I regret taking the matter to court because I feel like the justice system has failed me. After the incident, I started having sex a lot. Throughout high school I was sexually involved with 12 guys. I am now a first-year student in college. This new environment is a bit overwhelming for me because whenever I see a guy all I can think about is having sex with him. However, so far I have been able to control my urges. I am worried that I might never be a good girlfriend or even a good wife, because I will always have urges to cheat.

Pastor, I really need your advice because I can't live like this. I am hurting so badly.

Sex addict

Dear Sex Addict,

You have a weakness for sex. It is not unusual for girls who were sexually abused to become sex addicts.

Perish the thought that you are bad. It is unfortunate that you were sexually abused. You did the right thing by reporting it. The guy deserved to be punished according to law. You need therapy and it does not seem to me that you underwent therapy.

I am glad that you are in university and that so far you have been able to control your sexual urges. I would like to help you to see a therapist. I will contact you very soon and give you the name, address and telephone number of the therapist. Please spend time in prayer and in Bible reading. Go to church. Ask God to strengthen you and I ask you to use wisdom as you socialise with the opposite sex.

Pastor