How many here were abused as a child?

Question

Both men and women, please answer with honesty here, how many of you were physically/emotionally or sexually abused as children? Details don't matter, just am wondering with so many people that post here, whether more men or women were abused.

Yes...Was sexually abused from when I was a baby(he would interfere) until the age of 16. It didn't happen all the time, but every few years. I hated living with him, because he would always try to corner me and grope me and once took photos of me just as I was going through puberty-he'd sneak up on me with camera and take photos of my chest,etc.

The abuse became worse after my mom left. Nowadays I still have the memories of what happened, though some I have blacked out the worst, I wish I could black it all out.

Answer 1

I won't speak ill of the dead, suffice to say I entered foster care at the age of 10 and bonded very well under a new roof. Mistakes were forgiven in the living years.

Answer 2

I was sexually molested when I was 9 and it took me hundreds of hours of therapy and thousands of dollars to finally be able to be open about it without feeling shame or considering it my fault. I think it's great for people to stand up and speak up about their past trauma if this will encourage another little girl or grown woman to come out of her isolation, knowing that there are more people like her that will support her to overcome the trauma. Oprah was my inspiration and I hope to help others. It's not the victim that should feel shame by going into silence but the aggressor.

I guess I have also felt emotionally abused in relationships in the past but that's only because I made a conscious decision to be involved with those people. The more confident I became and the more I achieved for myself, the less I found comfort with any kind of neglect or abuse.

I do have a very nurturing, open minded, intelligent and caring set of parents though. It's just that my father travelled a lot and my mom wasn't always able to play the dual role fully.

What about you?

Answer 3

I was sexually abused (by both a man and a woman, both primary caregivers while my parents were at work) from the ages of 4 to 9. Also stalked by a serial rapist (at age 10) and was able to identify him through a lineup, and his vehicle, and his license plate number as well. Testified in court against him. (Proud to say I helped get him off our neighborhood streets!)

Physically, emotionally, and psychologically abused from the ages of 18 to 33 (by my now ex-husband.)

I don't mind talking about it but don't want to be told I'm making it up or being "dramatic", as there are some regs here that think this about me.

EDIT: I doubt (but I could be wrong here) that you're not going to get very many men to admit it if they've been abused. Men are much more uncomfortable (it seems) admitting to or talking about things like that.

Answer 4

I was abused by an individual whose past relationship to myself I won't specify. At first it was fondling, then it escalated to further activities as time passed, I don't wish to add further details, except that this went on until I was in high school.

I don't really talk about this, as it is something extremely personal, but also believe that there are many abused people who would feel at least a little support, knowing that there are others who have experienced sexual, mental or physical abuse as well.

Answer 5

I did read one study done in the 1970s which concluded that 23% of American children experienced some form of sexual and /or physical abuse. I can look up the reference if anyone is interested. I was raised up in a fundamentalist church/cult which mandated physical discipline for children and I understand this is an accepted practice still and it is of course potentially a means of inflicting sexual abuse as well.

Answer 6

My dad emotionally abused me as a child--yelled and screamed a lot, called me everything but a human being sometimes. But no physical or sexual abuse occurred, thankfully.

Now to be fair--Dad had been abused in every single way imaginable (physically, sexually, emotionally) when he was a child. He did not want to hurt me or my sister so he just yelled. Also take into account that he was a heart patient and in constant pain. Not excusing it...just saying.

Answer 7

I was never physically/emotionally or sexually abused as a child but I do sometimes think I was emotionally abused with well intentions by parents, teachers and friends when I was a child.

I think 138% of all feminists here claim they were abused as a child. Almost 99.99% of non-feminist women also claim they were physically/emotionally or sexually abused as children. 20% of men claim they were abused as a child.

Answer 8

I was abused in every convievable way. from age 6 by my biological father. I still have the physical, emotional and psycological scars but I am a survivor-NOT a victim. I do try my best to help other overcome.

Answer 9

No, I have not. For the most part, I've had a very healthy childhood. Sure, there were (and still are) occasional screaming matches, but my parents and I are stubborn as oxen.

Answer 10

I was mentally abused and physically abused, sister was sexually, physically and mentally abused, hubby sexually, physically and mentally abused.
my kids pampered happy darlings that have no idea why mama is so darn protective of them.
Hope they don't understand why until they are older.