Abigail Breslin Explains Why She Didn’t Report Her Sexual Abuse: ''I Was In a Relationship With My Rapist’'

Actress has previously spoken about the incident on social media

Days after first speaking out about being sexually abused at the hands of someone she knew well, Abigail Breslin is taking to social media to shed a light on her experience in the hope of helping others.

Shortly after posting an infographic explaining just how few rapes actually get reported, and how many reports lead to arrests and convictions, the actress explained why she found herself staying silent.

"I did not report my rape. I didn't report it because of many reasons. First off, I was in complete shock and total denial. I didn't want to view myself as a victim so I suppressed it and pretended it never happened."

She added, "Second of all, I was in a relationship with my rapist and feared not being believed. I also feared that if my case didn't lead anywhere, he would still find out and hurt me even more. Third, I knew how hurt my family and friends would be after finding out and I didn't want to put them thru that."

Breslin further shared her subsequent diagnosis and how she's coping today. "I was diagnosed with PTSD a year and a half ago. I have made a lot of progress since the event occurred, but I won't pretend it isn't something I struggle with. I still have flashbacks, I still get nightmares, I still jump when somebody touches me unexpectedly, even if it's my best friend tapping me on the shoulder."

Earlier in the month, in honor of Sexual Assault Awareness Month, Breslin posted a script showing the following powerful message: "You are not obligated to have sex with someone that you're in a relationship with. Dating is not consent. Marriage is not consent."

The 21-year-old actress captioned the Instagram photo, "I knew my assailant. #SexualAssaultAwarenessMonth #breakthesilence."