You're really brave to speak out about your experiences; I admire your strength. Congratulations on surviving both of those experiences, because even if you didn't speak out (and I can fully understand why you would have kept quiet), you're still here, and that's enough. Like you said, that's more than others have.

And I wonder, does backlash ever leave or even lessen? I don't like to think that it's always going to be lurking over a victim's shoulder, but it's not something that goes away either. The thick, heavy scent of a garden filled with starflowers, a sudden touch on the shoulder, a low, rumbled voice - anything can be the trigger. Survival is a goal in itself, and it's more important to survive than to forget.

Thank you for having the courage to share your story with me. I'm glad my posts helped you, even if only to let you know that you are not alone.

More woman need to know just what you both have said.

More men too.