What should I do when my brother-in-law keeps coming into my room at night?

Ruby’s story:

I am 20 years old and currently am currently working in a movie theater. My sister is 8 years older than I am were married for 6 years. She has a 5 year old boy.

She and her husband are living with me and my parents in our 4 bedrooms houses. They said that they already used the money for the wedding so they needed a place to stay. My parents agreed. I was fine with the idea. My brother-in-law seemed to be a nice man.

Inappropriate behaviors to sexual harassment

My room is at the end of the hall while my sister’s is in the front. There was someone going into my room one night last week. My room didn’t have a lock so he just came in without anyone noticed. I kept quiet but I could see my brother-in-law’s face.

It was dark in my room so he didn’t know where I was. He kept searching for something. He touched my legs and arms. I was so scared so I didn’t move. I tried to cough. He left right away.

I didn’t want to tell anybody because I was afraid my sister would be hurt. But if I don’t, he would just keep going into my room and some day he might try taking advantage of me.

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Sherry Love’s corner:

There is something isn’t clear here. Does your sister have a happy marriage? If she has a troubled marriage, then it’s good to tell her. She might take your side.

One thing you should be concerned now is your safety. If your brother-in-law did actually rape you, you sister will be hurt even more.

There is nothing between you and your brother-in-law yet, so you can still put a stop before it’s too late.

If your sister is having a great marriage, then telling her directly isn’t a good idea. There is a large chance that she wouldn’t believe you. She would probably think that you are trying to break up her family.

Dealing with inappropriate behaviors

student life recap 2

But there is another way you can protect your sister’s marriage and prevent anything from happening.

During breakfast, you could tell your parents that you think someone was trying to break into your room. You heard weird noises and you were afraid. You think you should get a lock in the door so you can sleep well.

If your parents hear this, they would concern about you. If your brother-in-law hears this, he would know that you are talking about him. He knew that you knew. After that, you should tell him clearly. Tell him that he knows who you are talking about. If he doesn’t stop harassing you, next time you will yell for everybody to know.

Then you should get a lock on your door right away. That lock can protect you and your sister’s marriage.

If that trick didn’t work, then you should tell your parents the whole story. The best solution is probably to ask your sister’s family to move out to prevent anything from happening.

Creative Commons License photo credit: Tahmid Munaz






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One Response to “What should I do when my brother-in-law keeps coming into my room at night?”

  1. A friend Says:

    I just read your letter. You also need to file a restraining order against him. Some states have stalking laws and it sounds like he is a stalker.
    Carry a cellphone with camera on it. Take a photo of him the next time he is at your dorm with some of the background in it so you can show your family or the police.

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