[gon3withth3wend]

I was in and out of therapy in high school, but never really talked about the sexual abuse that I experienced on behalf of my father. As a minor, I was always nervous about what would happen if I told my therapist that my dad was abusing me. My family had a couple interactions with CPS, where I had to lie to protect my father -- the main breadwinner in our home and a VERY much liked and respected person. I'm going to start therapy again when I get back to college for the semester, and on my intake survey there is a checkbox for sexual abuse. I really think that this is an important part of my history, so I need to talk about it. Now that I'm 18 and living out of state, can anything be done if I tell my therapist my dad was the one who abused me? He pays for my college, and is a good parent otherwise. I don't want to ruin his life and that of my mom and my 16 year old brother, but I want to tell the truth!!

Bottom line: now that I'm 18, can I talk about household childhood sexual abuse without legal action towards the perpetrator?

[SoupDragon]

l think a T would have to disclose if someone was at risk. But if you are concerned you could check out boundaries first. l am sorry though that you feel you have to protect your father, what he did was wrong regardless of how nice he presented to others and the financial support he gives to you now.

Good luck with your studies. Soup

[nicoleflynn]

Telling the truth is necessary and freeing. He committed a crime and I am sorry. No one can force you to report him, as far as I know.

[Harley47]

I believe, as far as legal ramifications go, that there won't be any repercussions...too much time has passed (going off the assumption this was years ago) for any actionable legal ramifications to be undertaken. You needn't worry about legalities...as much as I would love to see him rot in prison for the atrocities he has committed, to be quite honest. Please try and pardon my anger there, but for him to do this to his own daughter is beyond forgiveness. I am so, so sorry you have suffered so.

I don't think your therapist will disclose anything unless they feel your brother is in imminent danger. I should say the operative word is *think*...I cannot guarantee anything without detailed knowledge of your state's laws, which is something I lack. You may wish to look into that. I do know, however, no criminal trial can result past a certain length of time...simply, too much time has would've passed for there to be any admissible evidence.

I would certainly tell them Wend...it's liberating to get such a burden off your shoulders, especially when the person you're telling is able to help you professionally. I think you'll find it to be nothing but a benefit.

Please know you're in my thoughts and prayers. I hope you'll be able to get the help and the relief you deserve.

Many hugs,
Harley

[Big Mama]

As long as there are no other minors in the house it should not be a problem. No one can make you press charges. I was raped a long time ago and when I started T and we talked about it I made sure to let her know firsts and foremost I had no intention of pressing charges, and I had no desire to confront this man. If she couldn't respect that then we would just not deal with it or keep it vague. she agreed it was my life and if I didn't want to press charges I didn't have to and she would never press me to do what I didn't want to do. Things have been great. She stuck to her word.