Replies to 'Childhood Sexual Abuse Support'

Quote From: terrielm

Thanks so much for your messages. I have actually been through counseling years ago and did try to confront the abuser (a male cousin) about 11 years ago. Needless to say, it didn't go very well. He started out pleasant but got angrier the more I pushed the blame on him. He kept saying that yes he remembered the incident but "we were kids" at that time. I reminded him that "we" weren't kids, I was a child of 8 and he was 17. There was a big difference! He was an adult! He got angry and started firing off insults, told me I was nothing but s**t, and left. Not much was accomplished. I'm sure he was shocked that I would ever bring up the taboo subject. I thought at the time that I was done with it because I rarely ever see this cousin. Things change. Supposedly this cousin is now a preacher and some of my family members have joined his church and a lot of this "old stuff" has resurfaced. My brother has wrongfully interfered many times in trying to get me to forgive his pastor (my brother is co-pastor at my cousin's church). This whole mess has caused a lot of resentment within my family. I just refuse to smile and say "okay, no harm done, I forgive you" when I know better. Of course I was harmed. My life was altered because of his actions. My family can't seem to understand that. By the way, my wanting to confront him is for my benefit only, not for my family or him. I want to get this resolved for good and move on.