Turning there abuser in.

[CRAZY_CAT_WOMAN]

Anyone keep there abuse secret,Never telling Family members, or anyone.I want to tell a therapist,But by law they have to turn it in.I fear the whole world will see it on the news.At best it only happened to her sons and me.At worse there's other victims and worse.I'm also worried about my family and there reaction when they find out.The reactions of any of the victims and there families involved.I'm also worried the victims don't want this to be turned in.It's knot like her sons turned it in.I know I need to turn it in,But I'm really fearing the worse.Any advise.

 

[nowhereville]

I don't think they have to turn it in if you are an adult and the abuse is not actively going on. I have had many therapists who were aware that never turned it in. I think they are required to report active abuse but not necessarily abuse that is no longer happening? You should read up on the law about this.

 

[bubblefish]

I think nowhereville is right. As far as I know, in most places they are only required to make a report if you are in immediate danger or if it is child abuse. I would try to look up some information online if possible, or call a legal hotline if you can find the number. They can generally be anonymous and should be able to give you the information

As for actually making a report, that has to be your decision *hug* I really suggest if possible talking to a therapist, or even someone over an abuse hotline first. (I can send you numbers and links if you want them). They can talk to you about your different options - and even just talking about what happened, even though hard, can help.

Good luck with it all *hug* And please, feel free to PM me anytime if you want the hotline/website information or ever just want to talk.

Blessings,
Katie

 

[CRAZY_CAT_WOMAN]

I don't think they have to turn it in if you are an adult and the abuse is not actively going on. I have had many therapists who were aware that never turned it in. I think they are required to report active abuse but not necessarily abuse that is no longer happening? You should read up on the law about this.

Thanks!I'll read more about it.

As for actually making a report,

I was just going to report it to a therapist,I figured when I do report it to a therapist,They'll have no choose but to turn it in.

I can send you numbers and links if you want them). They can talk to you about your different options - and even just talking about what happened, even though hard, can help.

Thanks!

 

[LammyPammy]

Hi there.

Just saw your post. I really understand how scary this can be for you. I'm praying. You are likely very safe telling a therapist about past abuse. In fact it may remain something that is between just you and the therapist. Two common keys are: Is there current actual danger to a child, is anyone's actual life in danger now.

In the case of either of those you would want to get help anyway. You want to help stop child abuse. Secrets steal our power and keep us in a prison of fear and confusion. Telling our secrets opens us up to the healing of our pain, especially if in the process we find that we save/protect/empower another victim!

It is part of your path. It takes courage and time but the Lord is there with you now. I think that you posting here, this information, is a sign that your courage is growing and you are becoming ready to tell. Like I said I am praying. I put your CF name on my white board in the kitchen and I am committed to praying for you more than daily.

What you can look up on-line is "mandated reporting California" this will give you the specific guidelines, that you can apply to your specific situation, and get a pretty good idea of what exactly can happen with your information.

Please update us.

May the Lord bless you with His peace and courage as you heal.

Lammy