Here is what I would do.

Let the maintenance workers come into your house and do their job. If they say anything about your situation----which I doubt they will----throw it right back in their face. Don't allow people to scare you in this manner.

You can say what you want to the workers if needed, but you might say this---"Do you have a problem with a family supporting another family member who made a mistake?"

Put them on the defensive. Sometimes the best defense is a good offense. You do not have to get nasty about it, but just let them know that you are not about to take any verbal abuse.

There is a time to get a little aggravated when people treat you badly for a crime your relative committed.

You have done NOTHING wrong. Your relative's crime was not exactly the Crime of the Century, as CP charges are a non-violent, non-contact crime. You are acting as if he raped a dozen women at gunpoint and everyone is sure to confront you about the charges.

At some point, you have to stand up for yourself. Don't allow this fear to consume you.

Learn to fight back with words.

rewdiazepam

Thanks rew. I'm trying. Some days are easier than others. Tomorrow shall prove to be a test. And I will always stand up for him. He's more a man than most his age. He knew he made a mistake, owned up to it, is willing to do whatever punishment including therapy, and does it all with a smile on his face because what secret he's been carrying around is out. He no longer feels that shame or guilt. Yes, he is sorry for anyone he may have hurt. But, that's it.

As you said, it's CP. People are very quick to judge without knowing the facts. And considering how much they exaggerated the story on the news, it will be hard to change any ones mind. But if i can get through to one person that feels they need to challenge me for supporting him, maybe I can get through to that person.

I wish people would just stop and look at their families. Their sons, daughters, husbands, wives, siblings. And ask yourself. Could you see them on the 5pm news, a story being told of how they "lured" children and made them do unspeakable things? Or that their family members face and home is on the news with that loved accused of child porn? Having your neighbors watch police raid your home. Then having to face your neighbors, co-workers, people you know in town as you try to go about your daily life. I can only hope someone realizes that this can happen to anyone, anywhere.

Just hope people learn to be a bit more reserved when making judgements and gain a bit of compassion and understanding.

Without sounding prejudiced (if I do, it was not intended), but most maintenance workers probably know hardship and most likely know someone in the criminal justice system. So, I would not worry about it too much. People's opinions are just that, opinions, and we all have one. I don't think anyone would bring up the topic, they are just happy to have work, and have seen worse in their lives. Unless, you want to impress this person, I would give a sh$% about what they think. Get it done.

I had that Frgvnss. The fear on people in my house who know about the case thanks to the good old media. I was terrified they would treat me differently, the repairs would be botched etc. My husband was only just in prison when the water started coming through the ceiling and I panicked but I called and in came a plumber he was a jolly man nothing mentioned just general chit chat. Then in cane the joiner again he was lovely and polite. The electrician came and he chatted to me for almost 40 minutes about our kids and tv shows! Finally the works inspector cane and lo and behold he was lovely too! It really was a breath of fresh air! I made myself sick with worry over nothing. Either no one remembered, they saw me as the innocent wife that I am or they were doing their job. There was no discrimination, no remarks just excellent repair work.

You'll be ok. Its scary but it'll be fine.

You'll be ok.

Keep your chin up. You have nothing to be ashamed of. You have done nothing wrong. You got some pretty good advice, and like SallyBlue said, it is scary, but you will be fine.

I am still apprehensive about going out in public, having my case well-publicized where I live. However, I have had no problems - perhaps a few odd stares - with people I encounter.

I doubt a maintenance worker coming to your house will cause you trouble. Time is money and business is business...and I don't think most people care; if you treat them well, they'll treat you the same.

The vast majority of Americans today don't even watch the news or care about the world around them.
That said, if one of these workers say anything, toss their asses out and find someone else.

Hold your head up high. You haven't done anything wrong. If anyone enters your house that you are paying and has the NERVE to say anything, I would open the door and show them the way out. Tell them you aren't paying them to judge, you are paying them for home repairs. There are many contractors out there to pick from so find one with class.

Wow! Thank you everyone!! So blessed to have a such a great community to help me feel that much better. Really, you all are truly angels! THANK YOU!

Just wanted to update everyone that today went well. Still was apprehensive but...it went OK. Even did some normal things later on today I'll get to tell the social worker about. I'll admit, a pat on the back for me as I even impressed myself. Baby steps. As good of a day I had, I still cringe when traffic picks around here at rush hour, with people coming home from work and what not. Just makes me a little on edge. But...this to shall pass. Gotta keep the faith and just breathe. Thanks everyone! Meant a lot to hear from all of you. Hope this finds you all well and safe.