#WhyIDidntReport

Twitter is blowing up with this right now.

Because my mother never would have let me out of the house again.
Because I didn’t know I had been slipped a drug.
Because I had no idea how and why it happened.
Because the guy would have denied it.
Because I would have become the talk of the town.
Because I didn’t value myself or my virginity that much.

Because nobody would believe me.
Because everyone was threatened.
Because I already didn't trust anyone before it happened.
Because I didn't love me.

Because he was an authority figure
Because I didn't say "stop"
Because I thought it was my fault

I seen this happen!

I believe you and hear you!

Because I didn't want anyone to worry about me.
Because I didn't know if it "counted".

Because I didn't scream or fight back.

Because I don't trust the police.

I hear this all the time.

Because I don't remember all the details since I was so young.
Because he was a Catholic priest so people thought he was a good guy.
Because I'm autistic and fear the court would use that against me.
Because if I'm ever ready the statue of limitations is up now anyway.
Because he's dead anyway and can't hurt anyone anymore.

I'm sorry that you are struggling right now!

It blows my mind how many people tweeted about their experiences. I think it is therapeutic for me to realize how common this is. Here I felt so alone from my experience, I simply put it out of my mind for the rest of my life until recent years, only because my marriage became a huge problem for me and I took a look back in therapy. I believe honesty and transparency has to be a good thing for the betterment of mankind. I hope that proves to be true.

Exactly here, too

Because we were dating and I felt like everyone would think I was exaggerating

Diagnoses:
PTSD with Dissociative Symptoms, Borderline Personality Disorder, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Fibromyalgia and Chronic Pain

Because I didn't know what abuse looked or felt like.

Because I had grown up that way.

Because I thought obsession = love.

Because I didn't trust my own body or perception.

I had a lot of experience in that myself!

I believe you!

I took my post off because I am not sure if it was abuse (like all of the posts on here--I am so sorry this happened to all of you) and because I am not proud of my role in it all.

So while it may help many to speak of these things and I do believe that when we are truthful it is healing--there are also situations where people are not ready talk about these things because it brings it all back and makes them feel traumatized or just embarrassed. While I am not trying to hide the truth, it is also OK if I am more comfortable keeping some things private. This is everyone's personal choice in that we have to decide what works best for us. For many of you, I know sharing is healing (though we never completely heal, only learn to accept, cope, be stronger). A lot of my experiences have been colored by the fact that I have very extreme anxiety and realizing that helps me understand more about why the first time was not a positive experience.

One of the worst things about abuse from my POV is when abusers deny their role in it all. When there is "he/she said he/she said" someone is lying and this is as bad as the crime. I find stories in the news where I do not know who is lying to be very triggering but also want to add that I do believe everyone here. No one deserves to go through this.

One was an authorities son. I knew I wouldn't be believed.
One was a Social workers son. I didn't want to rake Myself over the coals
I knew it would be he says she says case in court

Thank you everyone who wrote about their experiences. I absolutely believe you all. Your words help me to feel less alone.

Glad we could help

I second that!