Sexual Abuse: Coping, Recovery and Survival

[Gemme]

Originally Posted by Andrew, Jr.

Yes, Gemme. I think it is like this . Do you have bad dreams? I do. Sometimes I start talking and my sleep walking comes into play.

I've had some dreams but I don't dream regularly anymore, which is a blessing, I suppose. I'm very good at compartimentalizing things, which is very helpful to me in being able to work on manageable parts of myself at a time.

Originally Posted by always2late

I agree with the postings above that one of the best ways to help a friend who has been abused is to listen. One of the components of abuse is secrecy. Victims are coerced or threatened not to speak. They are made to feel guilty and that feeling of guilt is compounded by remaining silent. Sometimes all a person needs is a kind, nonjudgemental ear. The very act of being able to speak of the abuse without fear of judgement or recrimination can be cleansing.

Absolutely. Secrecy is detrimental.

Originally Posted by Andrew, Jr.

Every individual can be such an impact. One never knows what others have endured.

So true.