mytime,

Have you discussed this with a therapist? I ask because I wonder what your expectations of your family's reaction are. I know that in my case I wish like hell that someone had known the horrors I endured but at that time it was not safe for me to tell.

Your situation is very different......you have been through the legal system. Good for you for seeing prosecution through! That is something to be very proud of as it is difficult and can take a huge toll on the survivor going through the legal battles.

I'm glad to hear you've let your close friends in on this. I hope you practice talking this out with them until you're comfortable telling what it is that you'd want to share with your family. Like rehearsing a script if you will.

I hope your family would be supportive and understanding after this much time. It can help to have printouts or book lists available if they are not as aware about emotional trauma and how it is just as serious as physical. I know that is a sticking point for many the visible physical wound versus the emotional scars that take much much longer to heal.

So.....talk to us here or your friends there or your therapist....but start talking out what your wants and needs are from this theoretical conversation with your family............then go from there.