Sexual Abuse: Coping, Recovery and Survival

[NotAnAverageGuy]

Originally Posted by always2late

I agree with the postings above that one of the best ways to help a friend who has been abused is to listen. One of the components of abuse is secrecy. Victims are coerced or threatened not to speak. They are made to feel guilty and that feeling of guilt is compounded by remaining silent. Sometimes all a person needs is a kind, nonjudgemental ear. The very act of being able to speak of the abuse without fear of judgement or recrimination can be cleansing.

From the talks I have had with my friends, thats the first thing they tell me is that they were told to keep it secret or else they would be killed, etc.

So from now on I will keep an open ear on every word and just let them talk