Silentlyscreaming,

I don't know what resources are in your area for adult abuse survivors. Hopefully, if you keep looking, you will find the help you need close to home. One thing is, unfortunately, certain. No matter where you are, you are not alone. If you need to connect with other adult abuse survivors for in-person meetings, you can be sure that there are others feeling the same way. Perhaps you can find a confidential meeting place, and post notices in local papers or web sites, and give notices to local social service agencies, to let people know you will be there to start a group. Sometimes local therapists can help with this too. Police departments also sometimes have a crime victim resource officer to help with this type of contact.

As for the "guilt" response you have gotten from some, I am really sorry to hear that. You deserved better. Abuse at any age is wrong, painful and debilitating. It is hard to fight back even as an adult because abusers of anyone take advantage of the power they have. Your need to recover as an adult is real to you and you should not have to apologize for that. While children may be particularly vulnerable and usually have a harder time finding help quickly, as well as needing specialized support as we carry our recovery into adulthood, that does not change or minimize your experience or your needs as an adult survivor.

I'm truly sorry you have had this experience on top of your trauma. You have my support. I wish you well.

mtd