I just found out that the computer my husband recently gave to me has child porn on it. I reported him on the Center Missing and Exploited Children website, where it says to report child pornography. Is there anyone else I should contact about this to be certain that he will be investigated?
I've always known about his porn addiction, but when I was looking for a file I saved for school, I came across the child porn. I feel like I want to throw up right now. I'm filing for divorce, but what more can I do to make sure he is caught??
Just a post of support. I'm not in your country and can't make any suggestions but just want you know that I think you've done the right thing.
You did the right thing. You can call your local police department and ask tell them about it and that you have already reported it to CMEC. They may want to confiscate the computer and if they deem it necessary, they will arrest him. From his perspective (and like the previous poster who asked if her husband was gay because he was communicating with men) addicts delve into many areas of sx that are considered fringe or even dangerous because their addiction demands that they maintain a certain level of chemicals in their brain to get the rush that they seek. It doesn't mean that your H is having sx with children, but looking at the child prn, nevertheless, is very disturbing and, of course, illegal.
This actually may be a good thing for him since being caught will mean that he will have to face his addiction once and for all and work his way back into sobriety through real recovery (which will probably be mandated by the court).
I feel horrible for you. You seem like you are taking actions that are in your own behalf as well as your family's and that's really all you can do for now, but you may want to seek counseling for the trauma that the discovery caused you. You will certainly get support here my dear.
What a horrible shock for you. I'm so sorry. You did the right thing. Your immediate action was a beginning. As far as the US, the FBI is usually the agency that tracks, investigates and handles these issues. I think someone also suggested the local authorities like...Police Department, Sheriff's Department, Department of Social Services, US Marshall, Children's Services, Child Welfare agencies..the District Attorney...there are many. And as someone said, they will confiscate the computer for investigation into the sites.
Also, I agree that it would be to great advantage were you to seek counseling regarding the shock and trauma to you. If you have children, it would be wise to take them to a counslor as well. You will need help with identifying and handling many emotions and problems in regard to his behavior. You have already began strong and decisive action. Keep moving that direction.
I just recently found the same thing and my heart is too broken to think.... IDK what to doo... my life is so fragile.... we have a disabled 1 year old and I have a beautiful young lady who 11 years old I'm thinking about... but what of the family stigma... all the hurts, pain, imbarressment. I just can't stop thinking to think straight. how do I keep moving from here? #HurtingSoMuch
You poor thing. Unfortunately, many of us have been through this, or something similar. Right now, you're probably in a state of turmoil. Yet, you probably feel you need to make some important decisions. It's hard to make those decisions before your head and heart settle down.
The things you may want to think about might include, what are your higher values, are you and your children safe and is any one in immediate danger from his behavior?
It can take a bit of time to sift through these issues, specially while your heart and brain are arguing back and forth. It helps to get support and some sort of counseling. Have you looked at www.recoverynation.com ? The site will give you information and has a very active support network. You can read the forums and read and even work through the partners lessons, even if you don't register (although I would recommend that you consider registering).
Some women get support through 12 step groups although I have not tried that myself as their model does not seem to fit my case. You might also consider some private counseling.
There is a model that suggests that spouses are very traumatized by making these discoveries about their partners. This did seem to fit my experience. In the first months after discovery, I was shell-shocked and felt unable to make major decisions (even though I am normally a very capable and decisive person). I felt unable to clearly make sense of what I had discovered, partly because what I found out about my husband did not gel with the man I had perceived him to be for the previous twenty odd years.
You do not have to make all the decisions at once. Your first priority is to try to get a sense of whether you believe that you and your children are safe. If you decide there is any risk, you need to remove yourselves to a place of safety or institute any steps (boundaries) you believe will ensure your safety. It's okay to be wrong. You can change your assessment at any time.
Then you need to get support and if possible, some real life face to face support. Time will help you get your equilibrium back. Time will eventually help you to think clearly and get off the emotional roller-coaster that often follows these discoveries. Once you get calm and can think clearly, you will find the right answers, the best answers for your situation. These answers may include reporting your partner and/ or separation, or they may not, but first, attend to your (and your children's) personal safety then work to get the emotional space that will allow you to get a clearer perspective so that you can make the long range decisions. This will come with time. I do feel sorry for what you're going through right now but please know, it will ease. Things will become clearer... and better.
Marcia Means and Barbara Steffens book "Your Sexually Addicted Spouse: How Partners Can Cope and Heal" may also help you. I wish you the very best. I hope something I've said is of use to you. There is no, one right answer so, if what I've suggested does not seem to fit your situation feel free to disregard it.
Please feel free to stay in touch on these forums. There are many here who read and lurk who do not always comment but we have been through similar things and will be thinking of you and wishing the best for you.
This actually may be a good thing for him since being caught will mean that he will have to face his addiction once and for all and work his way back into sobriety through real recovery (which will probably be mandated by the court).
I feel horrible for you. You seem like you are taking actions that are in your own behalf as well as your family's and that's really all you can do for now, but you may want to seek counseling for the trauma that the discovery caused you. You will certainly get support here my dear.
Also, I agree that it would be to great advantage were you to seek counseling regarding the shock and trauma to you. If you have children, it would be wise to take them to a counslor as well. You will need help with identifying and handling many emotions and problems in regard to his behavior. You have already began strong and decisive action. Keep moving that direction.
The things you may want to think about might include, what are your higher values, are you and your children safe and is any one in immediate danger from his behavior?
It can take a bit of time to sift through these issues, specially while your heart and brain are arguing back and forth. It helps to get support and some sort of counseling. Have you looked at www.recoverynation.com ? The site will give you information and has a very active support network. You can read the forums and read and even work through the partners lessons, even if you don't register (although I would recommend that you consider registering).
Some women get support through 12 step groups although I have not tried that myself as their model does not seem to fit my case. You might also consider some private counseling.
There is a model that suggests that spouses are very traumatized by making these discoveries about their partners. This did seem to fit my experience. In the first months after discovery, I was shell-shocked and felt unable to make major decisions (even though I am normally a very capable and decisive person). I felt unable to clearly make sense of what I had discovered, partly because what I found out about my husband did not gel with the man I had perceived him to be for the previous twenty odd years.
You do not have to make all the decisions at once. Your first priority is to try to get a sense of whether you believe that you and your children are safe. If you decide there is any risk, you need to remove yourselves to a place of safety or institute any steps (boundaries) you believe will ensure your safety. It's okay to be wrong. You can change your assessment at any time.
Then you need to get support and if possible, some real life face to face support. Time will help you get your equilibrium back. Time will eventually help you to think clearly and get off the emotional roller-coaster that often follows these discoveries. Once you get calm and can think clearly, you will find the right answers, the best answers for your situation. These answers may include reporting your partner and/ or separation, or they may not, but first, attend to your (and your children's) personal safety then work to get the emotional space that will allow you to get a clearer perspective so that you can make the long range decisions. This will come with time. I do feel sorry for what you're going through right now but please know, it will ease. Things will become clearer... and better.
Marcia Means and Barbara Steffens book "Your Sexually Addicted Spouse: How Partners Can Cope and Heal" may also help you. I wish you the very best. I hope something I've said is of use to you. There is no, one right answer so, if what I've suggested does not seem to fit your situation feel free to disregard it.
Please feel free to stay in touch on these forums. There are many here who read and lurk who do not always comment but we have been through similar things and will be thinking of you and wishing the best for you.