You should read the newsletter item Jamie3 posted
Mothers Surviving Disclosure of Sexually Abused Children

There are lots of people I have not told. Many will not understand. Most of my family. Most of my work colleagues. I have a few close friends and my supervisor and manager that know only. I have done counselling and will probably go back for some more paid alot for some of it. Tried a couple of different places and also tried a private therapist for both of us. I am completely broke and my idiot of an ex husband thinks he does not have to pay support anymore because she is 18 now. One of the agencies that was helping with court stuff offered an 8 week program for parents. that was run by a volunteer and 2 social workers. I would have loved to have seen that go longer. there was 2 other moms there and me. we talked about our feelings and got questions answered about court process etc.. I had 14 court dates in almost a year to endure. funny thing is he pleaded guilty and there was no trial. He only got 3 1/2 years and will probably only serve 18 months in a comfortable minimum security prison while my daughter serves a life sentence from the abuse she endured. She has Post traumatic Stress Disorder and cannot even attend school regularly or hold a job. She is chronically depressed and sometimes suicidal. She has some developmental delays which studies suggest is related to the sexual abuse. I never know what I am going to come home too. I am on the site tonight hoping to get some more answers myself. It is a roller coaster ride at times. Our situation is more extreme as this happened to her from the time of about 18 months to 14 or 15 years of age. That is all she knew. She is having to relearn everything. Just possibly your son may fair better and with some help get through this. I suggest you look for the local sexual assault centre and see what they offer for your own well being. Us mom's are victims too had have been hurt very badly by this and we need to heal as well. What counselling helped me to do is be a more attentive and understanding and patient mom. sorry for the rambling but has been a long day and I am tired. I wish you luck and don't give up. there is some really inspirational stuff on here especially if you see the writing that Jamie3 has done. She has given me some great faith and comfort. Not a lot of activity on site lately. I hope you get responses you were looking for. If nothing else you can always go to a remote or sound proof place and yell at the moon. We live close to a large park and my daughter and I did that one time in the middle of winter late at night when it was -20 degrees celcius outside (if you are american I am not sure what that translates into fahrenheit but this is Northern Alberta and it gets a little chilly sometimes). Not many people in the park at that time! Definitely we are more northerly than Vancouver (If you are watching the winter olympics right now). We joke that Vancouver is our warm get away in winter without having to cross the border. anyhow I am getting off topic. I was once like you and wanted to yell it from the roof top and tell anyone and everyone. Some of that will pass and you with work and help you will get better. Hope my suggestions help.

Hi,

Ive just posted our story on the abuse of our daughter. We have just gone through an assessment process here in Ireland which found her story to be credible.

If I can be of any help, get in touch. We have found the whole experience a nightmare. I hope you have found good support.

take care,
derran