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Originally Posted by mylittledemon
I'm going to possibly coin a phrase...I think it's "exploitation of victimization"...that's how I see it. There are things that have happened to me in my own life that have been just as "terrible" but I choose to only tell certain people. I'm aware it's not healthy to bottle it all in...I just don't feel the whole world needs to know about it. It doesn't define who you are.
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I would totally disagree with you....sexual abuse DOES define who you are for a very long time. One of the biggest struggle survivors face is not making it the defining factor of who you are. Unless you've been there, you have no idea of what's involved in surviving sexual abuse. My sister and I were abused by my father as children and we both have spent most of our lives trying to get away from the shame and stigma. And yes, it's self-inflicted but you just can't wish it away.
I share my story with a lot of people because it's not MY shame; that belongs to my father. And also, the more publicity about sexual abuse the better. Perpetuating the secret helps no one and indeed, makes me feel the shame all over again. And Amber I, too, have met many people who have been sexually abused. I don't know if we all unknowingly are drawn to something in each other, or the fact that I DO speak about my past that makes people want to talk to me. I will never stop sharing my story, because if I can help one more person come to grips with their abuse, it's all worth it.