I am a victim and a survivor...

[Sophiegirl]

..of sexual abuse. From the age of seven until October 31, 1979...the day my father died. Halloween seems an appropriate date.

Despite all those years of being afraid, hurt, abused and of trying to pretend I was asleep to avoid another night of it, which didn't help, I never got pregnant. If I had, my manic-depressive, rage-inclined mother would have killed me...literally. Blaming me for his sickness. Calling me every filthy name you can possibly imagine. Not protecting me or my sisters. And not accepting any responsibility for what went on under our roof (kinda like Repugs do when they turn their heads away from what they have done to our country and pretending it never happened).

So, when I hear these nutjobs talk their big high and mighty, superior hoo-haa BS, I wonder if they ever thought about the fact that if a girl is raped and impregnated by her father - under their no matter what no abortion rule - she would be giving birth to her brother. Or if her grandfather did so, she'd be giving birth to her grandson.

I find it hard to believe that there are still people (particularly older white men) that subscribe to this way of thinking. I am sometimes ashamed when I travel to admit that I am an American. How very sad is that.

[yellerpup]

1. That is very sad, Sophiegirl.

How awful for you in every way. It is good that you aren't keeping this pain totally locked up inside and are able to put the truth out. Telling can heal. If you have a chance to speak with a professional counselor, you should give that a try.

[Sophiegirl]

3. Many years

I've been in counseling. That is why I can speak openly about it. And hopefully give those that can't a reason to not feel the shame that most victims do. Blaming themselves when they are certainly NOT to blame.

Just pisses me off to hear this ridiculous Repub stance on abortion and BC.

[yellerpup]

4. That is the most important thing.

To lessen the feelings of shame and confusion. The Republican stance on birth control, sex education, and birth control is heartless. I don't see how any woman can NOT be pissed off.

[Evergreen Emerald]

2. I have no words

I am sorry you had to endure those horrible things. I am thankful that you are a survivor. And i am grateful that you can stand up and tell the world the truth-- that has been so twisted by the nut jobs.

My best to you
Emmy

[Sophiegirl]

5. Thank you

I just want to express my feelings that childhood abuse is no the fault of the child.

And that the Repugs are so ignorant of real life, it is astonishing. Who ARE these people????

[whttevrr]

6. {:o(

I hope more women get into politics.

[renate]

7. how unspeakably horrible

And yet you are giving voice to it. Thank you for sharing your story. I'm sorry you had to be so brave and to endure such pain, not only from your father but from your mother, whom you couldn't trust to protect you or to even be a last-resort refuge.

I am so sorry. The frustration and hurt you must feel when you hear their ignorant rantings must be so awful.

[garthranzz]

8. You are also a hero

Did you see Melissa Harris-Perry's open letter?

Survivors deserve our admiration and our support. The courage and spiritual strength it takes to be a survivor should give all of us pause.

What you say is very true: survivors can heal. Survivors need to speak out, and all of us must make that possible, by doing more than "hugs" - we must enable the healing, and help them find safety - psychic as well as physical.

The sanctimonious arrogance of people like Mourduck is repulsive and disgusting.

Thank you for speaking. Thank you for fighting. Thank you for being another survivor.

[Sophiegirl]

11. No.

Do you have a link?

[garthranzz]

13. Here's the link

http://www.mediaite.com/tv/melissa-harris-perrys-open-letter-to-richard-mourdock-rape-survivors-are-the-gift-to-ourselves/

(I thought you were saying no to my post at first. Let me reiterate: You and all survivors have more courage than that guy who skydived from the stratosphere. Know that there are many of us who are with you.)

[Sophiegirl]

15. Thanks

I'm watching her right now. I love her.

[malokvale77]

9. You are loved

[Sophiegirl]

10. Thank you all..

For your kind words. My experiences have made me a fighter and one that won't go down easily.

I won't stand for those who think pregnancy from rape or incest is "God's will."

SERIOUSLY ?????

Delusional!! That is what they are.

[JNelson6563]

12. Much admiration!

Your strength and determination are very inspiring.



I hope you know much happiness for the rest of your days.

Julie

[bemildred]

14. Tell it, Sister. nt

[LukeFL]

16. :(

[Sophiegirl]

17. Oh...

No frowny-face.

I learned a long time ago how not to let my experiences rule my life, but to channel the hurt and anger toward resilience and strength. It has made me someone ya just don't wanna mess with on these type of issues.

I am a warrior for women's rights.

[LukeFL]

18. I just want you to know

Your story made me cry. How horrible what you experienced from the persons that should have protected you from harm and pain.


I wish for you only but happiness and peace for the rest of your days. I dont know you but you deserve it More than The people i know in my life.

Thank you for sharing with us.

[lunatica]

19. Quite frankly their comments make me wonder about their sex lives

Any man who makes excuses about rape or who diminishes it's impact must be speaking from his personal experience. What else could it possibly be? They're certainly not speaking from any woman's point of view.

Even their church takes a rapist point of view by saying wives must submit to their husbands. It's a rape mentality and they give themselves permission to do it by invoking it as God's will.

Thanks for speaking out. I'm a survivor too from the age of six. No relative involved though.

[Sophiegirl]

20. Submit???

I can't find that word in my dictionary. So, to me, it doesn't exist it this woman's vocabulary.

[Odin2005]

21. They consider women nothing more than incubators.

They are scum!