Telling someone is equally unthinkable to the child. Often, to tell someone would mean to betray a loved family member or the destruction of the family. Since many victimized children feel helpless to stop the abuse most simply find a way to accommodate it. They pretend it isn't happening. They shut down all their feelings.
Some survivors bury the experience.
As a result, some abuse survivors have no memory at all of what has happened to them. Often, it isn't until child abuse survivors reach adulthood, when they are out on their own such as away at college or working to support themselves, that they begin to recall the sexual abuse. In many instances, by the time the abuse is recalled the statute of limitations has expired. Judge Ward, again please note that Xxxx Xxxx previously escaped prosecution. My wife, Barbara Rhoades is Mr. Xxxx's daughter from his first marriage.