Jump to content
Some browsers are having difficulty with functionality. Please try an alternative browser, if this is happening to you. If you are having connectivity issues beyond this or or need assistance, email us at: aftersilence.moderators@gmail.com! ×

New Person, Looking To Talk To People With Similar Experiences


Recommended Posts

Hi all. I'm really glad that I found this website; thank you for your contributions that allow a resource like this to exist.

From 2005 to 2009, I was in a romantic relationship that could probably be described as emotionally abusive. Among other things, this included having sex that I did not willingly consent to. I resisted thinking of myself as a sexual assault survivor for a long time, partly because it's the kind of story that people would doubt (in the context of a romantic relationship) and partly due to shame (I have a reputation in my social circle of being a die-hard feminist, I moved hundreds of miles away from home to live with him, he ultimately left me). I never told a lot of my close friends from the period in my life where he and I were together, even people I would consider my best friends.

I've come a long way in the past 5 years. I developed my identity outside of what other people wanted from me, got my Masters degree, moved to a fantastic city, and fell in love with a guy who respects me and cares for me. Unfortunately, being in a committed relationship for the first time since all that past nastiness has been one of the most difficult parts of the healing process for me. I have a great therapist who is guiding me through a dialectical behavior therapy workbook, and my partner is committed to helping me in any way he can, but I feel the need for support from people who have survived similar ordeals.

I really look forward to getting to know you folks and being part of a mutually supportive and safe conversation.

Link to post

Hello AFireAtSeaparks and welcome to After Silence.

I'm sorry that you you have to have need of this site, but because you do, I am happy you found it. AS is a safe place to share with and receive support from fellow survivors.

I'm so glad to hear you haven't let what was done to you make you any less then the special and talented person you are.

It's also nice to know you have a partner who cares about you and is showing you what a real romantic relationship looks and feels like.

I hope the therapy helps you in this stage of your healing journey. (((Hugs))) If OK.

Your voice deserves to be heard and here on AS it will be.

I'm looking forward to getting to know you too. Take care

Link to post

I'm very sorry that you experienced that abusive relationship. I also consider myself a super feminist, so I can certainly understand what you're saying. But, ultimately, it's the patriarchal, misogynistic culture we live in that shames even women who "know better" into isolating themselves for the sake of staying with an abusive partner. That says nothing about who you are or how feminist you are.

So glad you got away and have both a supportive partner and a good therapist. Wishing you the best in your healing journey. So glad you found AS! You are definitely not alone!

:aswelcomesu::candle::flowers:

Link to post

Hi AFireAtSeaparks

welcome to After Silence, we are glad to have you here with us. My name is Paula, one of the newbie support team here, if you need any help with the board, please let me know and I will do my best to help.. I hope you find AS to be a safe, healing place to be,

take care, Paula

Link to post
  • 2 weeks later...

Hi there.

Welcome to AS.

I hope you are finding your way around the boards ok.

Found

Link to post

I hope you are doing well.

Link to post

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
×
×
  • Create New...