Hey, sweetheart. I had experienced abuse by my brother's caretaker, and my mother didn't even believe me. Other people have tried to just wave it away, not realizing the gravity of it. It's easy for people to belittle experiences, partly because they are not standing in our shoes.

*Hugs you* Fifteen years is a real long time, and I wish that you try to take a step, just a little step forward, in talking to a person who would believe and try to understand you. One of the keys to healing trauma is talking through it. And I know how scary it is, especially when the people you talked to, don't understand. If you want, I am always and forever here to listen.

Please take care. Sending lots and lots of strength, love and warmth to you. <3 You are brave and beautiful. <3

Is there such a thing as in person support groups for this stuff? My church has Celebrate Recovery and I just don't think that's a good fit....I spent a lot of time talking about this in therapy and in a CR group that was great. It was such a large gathering that they had groups split up by issue - so you went in and talked with others who'd experienced abuse, rather than those who haven't. But that group has dissolved. It's been years since I even went. I thought it was harder to talk about it each week, or even just have it on my mind constantly. I was feeling more and more anxious during/after the meetings after cutting him out of my life....so I stopped going. And I was fine. Until I got married and my mom invited him to my wedding. I thought whats the harm I'll play nice for a few days.....but a few days turned into a few years :( He doesn't even live in the same state but he visits enough that this needs to stop.....except It's been three years and I have a daughter now and he's met her......I have no support in my life for this. I can't set boundaries without someone in my corner. This group site seems like maybe it will be helpful, maybe not - who knows but you guys are all over the world. I need people here to call friends. Someone tangible to talk to who I can't close the screen on when I'm scared....

Yes there are in person support groups, depending on were you live. Please contact your nearest women's shelter. Many offer free support groups for anyone who has been or is being abused in any way. They may also be able to refer you to a trauma recovery therapist who also does group therapy.

If you don't know of any, please call the National DV hotline and ask for the number of a shelter nearest you. http://www.thehotline.org/

If there are no shelters in your area, please call your state/county social services and agencies like the United Way. Also look for trauma release/ trauma recovery therapists. They are specially trained in various modalities in addition to talk therapy.

~healing hugs~

Thanks