Anyways, last night a very very close friend of mine confided in me that she's been getting sexually abused by her older brother (who is 22 years old by the way; she is 16).

She was reluctant to go into much detail because she's in pretty rough shape right now, mentally. She didn't tell me how long this abuse has been going on, but she did tell me that he often uses duress to intimidate her into doing things with him, sexually... and she said that she... well, he actually used to threats to make her have sexual intercourse with him a few days ago.

I don't know what to do. I am reluctant to contact the police out of fear for her safety, because her brother is the kind of guy who won't hesitate to physically harm anyone who pisses him off. But I don't know what else to do. I cannot stand by and let this shit happen to someone I love (yes, that's right, I love her as one of my dearest friends). It's my duty to protect her from this shit... but I don't know how to go about doing it

Please spare me some of your wisdom  

He can't physically harm anyone while he's in custody.

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6.21.08

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Police.

He can't physically harm anyone while he's in custody.

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She needs a friend that she can trust right now.  I think you need to suggest that she see a counselor who will report it to the proper authorities.  She needs to be removed from being around him and he needs to be exposed.