Reply #40: Thanks for sharing.

[KitSileya]

I think it is so important that not only these experiences be voiced, but also that it is possible to lead full, fruitful lives afterwards. So often there's an expectation (reinforced by media - L&O-SVU, anyone?) that once you've experienced rape, sexual abuse, or molestation you'll never be right again - it becomes the defining characteristic of your life, your personality, your choices. To a certain extent I think it becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy. I don't want anyone to misunderstand me here, of course these are shattering experiences that have far-reaching consequences for most, but the idea that this damages you and that that damage can never be repaired irks me so much. You become different, perhaps, than how you would have been, and it lays a burden on your soul that takes time and effort to work thru and which should never, never be laid on anyone, but there is hope.

I was in middle school when a classmate, his friend and his brother held me on their laps and touched me inappropriately. For me, however, the worst was that my father walked right by and did nothing, because he thought it was play - I was laughing a lot and he didn't think anything but horseplay was happening. I am incredibly ticklish, you see.