thinking back to my own childhood as i read your post... i was severely sexually abused but most people dont know it. the only person in my family who knows is the abuser. i have total love/respect for this person... this person sincerely apologized to me in a letter when i was 15. it was never brought up again, and i understand this person's pain. this person suffered much guilt over it, even though it remains a secret i will take to my grave.