Living with my abuser
My brother abused me when I was 7 and I've been suppressing it pretty much ever since but I've recently been thinking about it a lot and wanting to talk about it with people (I've never spoken about it before to anyone). I haven't lived with my brother permanently since high school and I've been trying to avoid him my whole life but recently we've been fighting at family dinners as I don't like the way he's treating my mum so my mother wants us to talk it out at an organised meeting. I don't want to tell her what's happened and why I've resented him all these years and I also don't want to break down in the middle of the discussion and I just really don't know how to handle this situation as I've been avoiding it forever.
@HeatherMillie
I can totally relate as my brother abused me when I was 9, though the family knew. This is a good time to get things out - keeping it hidden and inside won't do you any good. You can message me if you need to talk. :)
@HeatherMillie
Just to offer an alternative view....
I think it's great that you're gradually feeling able to face what happened, and discuss it with others. Hopefully this will serve to get it straight in your mind, and for it to become less of a burden.
However, I'd be hesitant about airing it with your mum or brother too soon. I think you need to feel clear about what you seek to gain, what potential outcomes you may create, and how you would manage any potential aftermath. I'm not saying it should forever remain a secret, just that you should take it in your own time, at your own pace, and with your eyes wide open as to how this may affect your whole family dynamic.
I'm so sorry you've had to experience abuse, and that you're in the quandary you're currently facing. I wish you the very best in doing what's right for you.
@BestIcanbe thanks so much and I completely agree although I'm not sure if I ever want to tell my mother I just need someone to talk to about it but I'm going to move slowly, even posting about it on here was a huge hurdle but I think it has helped