My abuser was not violent. There was no physical record of my abuse. I am also not any less of a man because my abuser was another male. Abuse not only has nothing to do with sex and it also has nothing whatsoever to do with sexual orientation. One other thing that I would mention before I stop writing.
Sexual abuse is a cycle.
Too often those who have had power taken from them as children as adults perpetuate the robbery of power from others. Recognizing that abuse occurred and working towards a resolution of its associated pain and shame can stop this cycle. I assure anyone afraid of beginning the process of recovery that pain is not an infinite ocean but a finite reservoir, and once the waters are drained from the reservoir it need never be refilled. Today I have regained my power by confronting my abuse, acknowledging it, and sharing my experience of recovery from its effects with others. I pray that anyone who has been through abuse gain the courage to speak out.