I want to quit my job after my work colleague forced his tongue down my throat

DEAR DEIDRE: MY colleague stuck his tongue down my throat when he dropped me home after work and I feel violated. I’m in shock that a man who I thought of as a friend and mentor – someone old enough to be my dad – could try to take advantage of me. I’m 24 and […]

DEAR DEIDRE: MY colleague stuck his tongue down my throat when he dropped me home after work and I feel violated.

I’m in shock that a man who I thought of as a friend and mentor – someone old enough to be my dad – could try to take advantage of me.

I’m 24 and he is in his late 40s.

We’ve worked together for nine months and, as I can’t drive and our office isn’t near a station or bus stop, he has been giving me lifts home.

We always chat in a friendly way and he’s even told me about his girlfriend.

But last night when he pulled up outside my flat he suddenly pulled me in towards him while grabbing my thigh and tried to forcefully kiss me.

I pushed him away, shouting “No!” and he told me to calm down.

Now I don’t want to go into work because I can’t face seeing him. I’ve called in sick and want to quit.

I never did anything to make him think I was interested.

Why has this happened?

DEIDRE SAYS: This is in no way your fault.

This man, who you trusted, sexually assaulted you, so it’s not surprising that you feel shocked, violated and distressed.

Please talk this through with Rape Crisis (rapecrisis.org.uk, 0808 802 9999).

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They will give you emotional support and help you to decide if you want to take things further by reporting him or pressing charges against him.