Triggering (Sexual Abuse) - There's more of us

[14MillionMiles]

I went away to see family in Ireland this weekend, and it came out that they're waiting on the results of a court case for all 5 of the sisters, and 2 of the brothers against one man.

The stuff the defence has said is disgusting.

This is an old case, from the 60s and 70s, and it came out officially in 2008. How can this be happening to so many of us, and why has noone seen it?

Even more so, WHY did it take years for them to see it in ME?!

One of the sisters has been shut in an asylum by her mother for the past 30 years, on and off. If that was me?

I just don't know

[ghosts in the machine]

It is hard to look back and ask "why?" - and given that we were on the receiving end of the abuse, it's easy for us to ask why others didn't see it. Maybe they couldn't begin to consider that it was possible, thinking instead that people are inherently nice and don't do those kinds of things to others. I don't know.

But you're right - from what I've heard from others the defence for these people can and do say awful, awful things in the hope of getting their client off the charges. Try not to take it to heart though - it's not a reflection on any of you but rather the lows they're prepared to stoop to so they'll get away with it.

[Putain]

I grew up in the 60s and 70s and things were very different then - allegations of abuse by children were unlikely to have been taken seriously, especially if they were against somebody 'respectable' in a position of authority.
That's England i'm talking about. No offence, but it probably took Ireland longer to change.

I can't answer your other questions. I don't understand them.

[14MillionMiles]

Sorry it was a bit of a rant, I know it doesn't make alot of sense, I don't think I understand this all myself. It's something that is almost beyond understanding.

Looking at what the defence have put up it almost makes me glad that I haven't gone to the authorities with mine. I don't think I could cope with that. And then I feel weak because I can't do it.

[ghosts in the machine]

You're not weak because you haven't reported it to the authorities. I haven't. Lots of people I know haven't. And it's not a weakness - sometimes it would be too traumatic to go through the reporting process. Knowing that you wouldn't be able to cope with it, and making the choice to look after yourself first, is a good decision.

And it's perfectly fine to rant here =)

[14MillionMiles]

They found him guilty of all 11 counts. Unanimous jury. They will look at the dublin cases in the republic.

I'm so pleased.