After many years of keeping it to myself, I came forward to my mother about my step dad being inappropriate with me while i was a kid and all i can think about is how I should have kept my mouth shut. How I should have continued to keep it to myself. It was just easier that way.

I would always see other victims talk about how they felt relief to have spoken up but, I don't feel that at all. I feel regret and shame. I wish i could take it back. To others who have spoken up: will this feeling pass?