My Brother’s Strange Behaviour (UPDATE)

Salam sisters, It’s been two weeks since I last wrote. Uni work kept me busy, but I finally have time to update everyone on what’s happened and what I found out. First, I want to address the suggestions people made and what I checked: 1. A lot of you told me to look for hidden cameras. I did a thorough search: moved furniture, checked behind pictures, checked the wardrobe, vents, shelves-anything that might hide a device. I found nothing. I also don’t think a 15‑year‑old had the ability or means to secretly install anything sophisticated in my room. 2. Some thought he might be watching haram material. I got access to his laptop once when mum called him away and checked his browser history, open tabs and folders I could reach. I didn’t find any porn. I can’t say for certain what he does when I’m not looking, but I won’t accuse him without evidence. 3. Many suggested I install a door lock. That isn’t allowed in our house-parents won’t let us lock bedroom doors. People recommended locked storage boxes instead; I bought some and now keep my underwear and other private items locked away. That was actually very helpful, and I’m thankful for that practical tip. 4. While I had his computer, I also checked his chats. The messages explained a lot. The things he did to me-taking photos of my feet, breaking my mirror, messing with my things-were all dares from his friends. They paid him to complete those tasks. I found out I wasn’t the only girl targeted: two other girls, possibly sisters of other boys, had similar photos taken. The group had an odd obsession with white pedicures and gold jewellery; the photos followed that same pattern. 5. A few people told me to physically confront him. That won’t work for me. I’m about 5'3" and he’s nearly 6'. If I tried to fight, I’d get hurt and my parents would likely side with him and blame me, saying I should be an example as the older sister. It would probably make things worse. Recent incidents show he’s stepped up his behaviour: - He planted a vape on my bed once while I was downstairs and ran to our parents saying I had been vaping. I have never touched a vape. My parents just told me to throw it away, and my mum still gives me cold looks sometimes. - Last week when I came home from uni, my nail polish was ruined because he had squeezed toothpaste into it. I didn’t complain-complaining hasn’t helped before. I’ll replace it myself and keep it hidden. That’s all I know so far. How I’m coping: I leave the house right after he goes to school and come back after 9pm. I take extra shifts at work so I can stay out longer. Since he’s studying for his GCSEs, my parents often tell him to stay in his room, which limits how much he can bother me. But this isn’t sustainable-I can’t live avoiding my own home forever. Some days I want to come back early and rest, but I don’t feel safe. I need practical, realistic strategies to protect myself until I can move out. Please share tips that will actually help. And please avoid slander or name‑calling about my brother-insulting him won’t fix anything, and we’re accountable for our speech. JazakAllah khair for any sincere advice.