Thank you so much for sharing this. It must have been difficult to write. I feel that you have given the rest of us the courage to come out and speak up about this. No one has the right to use and abuse us.

My first encounter was with my father when I was about four. I started to tell my mom and he shut me up by punching me in the face and breaking my nose. It was never treated and my mother told me to stop crying because she would be next in line for a punch.

My second time was when I was about 7 or 8, with a priest in a confessional booth. That's why I can't go to church. Any church. In my mind, they are all the same.

The next time was when I was about 14 with my brother. I guess it runs in the family. Who could I tell and besides who believes "homely" kid?

The next time was with a teacher in about 7th grade. Another authority figure. No wonder I didn't like school.

Another time I was attacked on the beach by a "blind date". The other couple we were with had taken off and left me to fend for myself.

These assaults could have brought me down, but I learned to stand up for myself. I was fortunate to meet a wonderful and understanding man who stood up for me against my father and brother.

My children were raised to respect all human beings, especially women. Never to take advantage and to fight when things aren't right.

Thank you, @michelle.gent for giving the courage to write about these things after a very long silence.