I find equating child abuse to the crime of murder to be a validating and accurate description of the vileness, heinousness, and horrificness of the crime. As a survivor of long-term physical, psychological, and sexual abuse, I definitely feel child abusers are equal to the most sadistic and cold-blooded of murderers, as is their crime.

I think this post is a good example of how we each interpret things in our own way…. what is validating to one survivor might convey a different message to another.

I never suggested any survivor would be better off dead. I certainly do not believe that. For myself, the question is what can I do about it:

1. Where the laws allow, file charges against your abusers. I think this is the single most empowering thing one can do, even though it is difficult.

2. Where the laws do not allow, fight to get those laws changed. I am working on this with other Survivors groups from NY. Confront both your abuser and those who kept you silent as a child. Tell them the shame of it belongs to them–even if they do not acknowledge it. for your own sake.

3. Always show support to other survivors in speaking their truth. And understand that people react to the abuse differently.

The truth is there is very little of this out there. But there are many who claim they have ‘the answer’ to finding peace–just buy their book, tapes, etc. I think finding peace involves fighting, speaking out against this crime and pushing for tougher laws that keep those animals locked up. that’s all i’m sayin. thanks.

There are MANY factors that determine how deeply one suffers or how much times one loses to the pain of it.

I don’t know how young you were when you abuse started, how severe or how long it lasted. Or if your “memories” have been largely repressed.

Others of us have not been so fortunate, my friend. But we are happy for your light sentence. Regards.