Parents Whose children have been sexually abused Community Group
This group is for parents whose children have been sexually abused. We welcome both Mothers and Fathers. Here, we can offer support to one another. We can vent, cry and lift each other up. No condemning or criticizing allowed. We are here for support. We LOVE (((HUGS))) !
You know sometimes the scariest thing is the unknown. Today we decided to go to a show where I had a suspicion we'd run into at least two of the moms that I had to share about the possible abuse to their children. There was a part of me inside that did not want to go just because I wasn't sure how they'd react with our family there and also I didn't know how they'd react to my children now that they knew they were victims of sexual abuse.
I'm happy to say that the burden is lifted off my shoulders! Both moms not only we're happy to see us but I even got a validation from one of them that she was really glad that I did what I did with her. "It's totally cool!" She shared how just a year-and-a-half ago her daughter was so desperate to not join in the shows that they were doing that she literally physically would fight and beg and plead to not go. We dudnt discuss details so sexual abuse wasn't confirmed. Without saying as much I think the mom was telling me that giving her the information I did has helped her daughter to heal even more than they had already worked on. The other mom I did not get to connect with but she was waving to me across the rows of seats very happily and excited to see us there.
I think the most awkward part was especially my daughter interacting with her little friends now that they know that somebody told their parents that something happened to them. You could see it in their eyes... They wanted so badly to connect normally but there was this weirdness about playing again with the secret now not a secret. After a tiny bit they all kind of shook off the weirdness and just played like they used to. The only weird look I did get was from one of the dads. I couldn't tell if it was a look of pity or almost like fear that he had to face the reality. But he was really awesome with my kids and treated them completely normal which is exactly what we'd like.
My children loved going to the show and can't wait to be able to participate in a new one! I'm learning that embracing this as part of who we are now, with confidence, mostly hasn't changed our good friendships! Thanking God for this...
I'm happy to say that the burden is lifted off my shoulders! Both moms not only we're happy to see us but I even got a validation from one of them that she was really glad that I did what I did with her. "It's totally cool!" She shared how just a year-and-a-half ago her daughter was so desperate to not join in the shows that they were doing that she literally physically would fight and beg and plead to not go. We dudnt discuss details so sexual abuse wasn't confirmed. Without saying as much I think the mom was telling me that giving her the information I did has helped her daughter to heal even more than they had already worked on. The other mom I did not get to connect with but she was waving to me across the rows of seats very happily and excited to see us there.
I think the most awkward part was especially my daughter interacting with her little friends now that they know that somebody told their parents that something happened to them. You could see it in their eyes... They wanted so badly to connect normally but there was this weirdness about playing again with the secret now not a secret. After a tiny bit they all kind of shook off the weirdness and just played like they used to. The only weird look I did get was from one of the dads. I couldn't tell if it was a look of pity or almost like fear that he had to face the reality. But he was really awesome with my kids and treated them completely normal which is exactly what we'd like.
My children loved going to the show and can't wait to be able to participate in a new one! I'm learning that embracing this as part of who we are now, with confidence, mostly hasn't changed our good friendships! Thanking God for this...
And it's amazing how much this makes you want to isolate yourself too. I've had those same trepidations about going out. Some confirmed some like you said "burden lifted". Some reactions not anticipated and found hurtful. But then there are those unanticipated supporters who join along too ;-)