You are right to question your Mom's opinion on this one and pretty astute at 16. Getting the sense that friends might not understand I also get. I have found that people can try to understand where or what you must have gone through when they here it, but the comfort doesn't last too long, they quickly forget your story and don't really grasp how mind changing it can be, it's never just about the occasions that the abuse happened, the effects stretch on into your years of life much later. The very fact that it was an immediate family member, a family member who had authority over you adds even more to the experiences. You are fortunate that your Mom and your father are no longer together. Counselling could definitely help you. You might even consider some of your sessions down the track to have your Mom come along too if she's willing. I wish you all the best in the future, you sound like a very brave, strong young man