Oh, wow! I am so sorry you are in this situation. I know the feeling of your whole life changing because of another's (husband) crime. But in my case I didn't have to move out of the country! We are here when you need us. (((Hugs)))

Hi. Thank you for welcoming me. I can't tell you how long I've looked for other women like me. I joined COSA which is like Alanon for ex addicts. I was the only one in my group that had my issues. However the women in my group have become my very good friends especially one who's like my sister now.
I was so ashamed for many reasons and fearful of judgement for staying with him. We've been married for 33 years
My daughter and her husband have become estranged. She had her first child this past February and won't talk to me. That's a long story in itself and fortunately I belong to a Facebook group to help me with issues.
I'm okay today but not always.
I look forward to chatting with you soon.

Chiara11 I commend you for seeking the help you need, it is not easy to do!! My boyfriend and I are navigating the first year of his sentencing, and so far so good, but I fear what the future could hold with relatives and neighbors. It's an amazing testament to your strength and character that you choose to stay with your husband, I imagine he needs you! Some day it will get easier, hang in there and welcome!

Thank you Chickabee31. for your kind words. I'm actually relieved that we're here rather than our old neighborhood.
I had other help along the way which I want to share with you. I'm a recovered addict (14+ years) and leaned on my 12 step program to get through the emotional turmoil. I never shared the crime with anyone there except for a handful. I also suffer from complex PTSD and was admitted to a partial adult hospitalization program.
The silver lining in all of this enabled me to become a peer support specialist for those with serious mental health issues. I even found a psychiatrist who speaks English across from our apartment. That in itself is quite a miracle.
But, in all this time I have been alone with my conflicting thoughts about why I stayed. I feel the stigma stretches across to the SO so basically I'm preoccupied about being judged too even though I shouldn't care what people think, but I do.
Hang in there too. It's now the new normal.
I'm glad to find a group to finally let this out.
Thanks again,
I hope you have a great day.

So sorry for your circumstances. My son is currently incarcerated for possession of child porn. It's not easy finding support. I know my son will face many road blocks when he is released concerning his felony record & being on the sex offenders list. I am curious how your husband is being accepted or challenged in Italy. I hope he has found employment. I also pray you will find inner peace. Please remember everybody has a dark seed. Some are exposed, others aren't. If you are a Christian, I would highly recommend a book for you & your husband to read called "Comeback". It's never too late. It has been the best book I have read for encouragement & has brought me peace & hope time & time again. Also, as a priest told me once, those who judge would be better served working on themselves since they won't be questioned about you or your husband.