Oh boy do I know that feeling LOL I AM the girl who pointed out the emperor had no clothes. LOL and had to cut off contact with family and friends many times. The last time lasted for I think 7-10 years. and even now those that don't agree with the fact that I exposed my abusers publically have no contact with me and I say their loss.

I have been over the past few years been reconciling with those that do accept that I did what I had to do because I was protecting myself and other potential victims and that I will always continue with my advocacy work with survivors in one way or another, Laura Davis's book - I thought we'd never speak again came in real handy, great advice and info that helped me to know when to choose my battles and so on in trying to get back in touch and form new healthier relationships with these people.

But those that still don't see that I could not keep quiet any longer and possibly allow others to get hurt by my abusers or even accept that their loved one was my abuser I leave it up to them now. and go on with my life with my friends who have become a new non abusive family for me along with those true family that are now back in my life.

How did I cut of contact welll I basically didn't have to once I opened my mouth about who my abusers were and let it be known that I was doing public speaking engagements in schools, community agencies, and in the mass media by way of local newspapers they themselves cut off contact with me after much threatening and abusive behavior against me and then my friends to try and force me to recant the newspaper article and stop doing my guest speaking engagements. when I held my ground they backed off and disapeared from my life. Their loss.

Tactfully? the only thing I can think of is just start pulling yourself away from family gatherings and so on, get an unlisted number and don't give it out to anyone other than your personal friends that you know would not give it to your family. Many people just walk away without saying goodbye. they just go or remove themselves from family situations until the family no longer assumes the person has the time for the picnic reunion, graduations, weddings and so on.