I understand that rape victims suffer from some of the same emotional issues that combat veterans do. I can understand a little how you are feeling because of that connection, but honestly i think rape is worse than anything I've ever experienced. I can only give you the advice that someone once gave me. Take it one day at a time, understand that it was not your fault, and do the best you can. Hang in there.

Sadly, no. I guess you just learn to cope live with it somehow. I have been through tons of therapy and soul searching yet it'll still hit me when I least expect it. Hang in there. (I was violated at 15 and 14 years later I am still haunted)

It never gets out of your head. If i were you i would see if there are any post traumatic stress disorder groups around were you live. they are hard to attend but in the long run they really help. i can honestly say i am pretty ok with life except this one time when i saw him at a store. This happened when i was 12 and i am now 20 but after have gone through 2 PTSD groups i am ok (unless i see him)

If it has been more than a year, seek counseling so you can have a life.

i wish cuz it eats away at me and i dont know how to make it better. so i would say no

Honestly, no you will always remember it. That is not a negative thing. Just an unfortunate fact. Although the memory is permanent, the pain does not have to be disabling. Time will help, but don't hesitate to seek counseling. if you find yourself crippled by these thoughts. *hug*

A traumatic experience like this will always be with you. Just remember that you survived. He only had power over you at the time, and that was physical. You can't change what happened, but you move on and put it behind you as you go through life. No the memory will never go away, but neither will the good memories! I used to imagine all kinds of things I wanted to do to my abuser, and everytime I hear on the news about some other child being abused it makes me fantasize again. I can't understand why these types of crimes are so prevailant in societ When he died I was relieved.

No, but I will pray that you can find it easier to handle.

Unfortunately, you will never forget the experience. But you can move on in your life, and stop letting its effects control you. You may still feel the pain from it for a very, very long time, but you have to keep going. You may want to get some counseling to help you through this. I did initially to help with the PTSD, and it worked somewhat, but it wasn't 100% effective. When I went into counseling I got a bit better, and then stopped making any progress. After a while I just decided that yes, I'd been through something terrible, but I couldn't let that stop me from living and being happy. It's hard, and it takes a considerable amount of courage. For a long time I felt completely lost, and very alone because I had nobody to talk to about it. It is an extremely painful situation, and I am very sorry to hear that you had to go through this. If you ever feel like you need someone to talk to, you can feel free to email me: evanssl at colorado.edu - don't be shy. I check my email at least once a day. And it is terrible to try to recover from this thing alone, without some kind of support.

It's never forgotten, but gets easier. I really suggest counseling. It's a tough thing to come to terms with, and you may never, but it will get easier to live your life without identifying every instance with it.

This is something that may leave a scar forever, but its something that you have to let go and forgive that person. Even if they didn't ask for forgiveness you must let it go and not let it eat at you. As long as you feel bad about it, you are giving them power over you. Do not give in to the power. To grow into a positive human being is the biggest punishment and the most appropriate response to this NEGATIVITY. The past can't be undone and should not be dwelt upon. Improve your health. Reseachers have released studies that give the effects of forgiving. When you forgive you lower your blood pressure, reduce stress, decrease your heart rate, lessen the risks of depression, have healthier relationships and improve your overall well-being. When you feel uncomfortable and angry, do not run away from the feeling. Let yourself wallow in it for a brief time.Acknowledge your feelings. Take a moment to allow those feelings to sink in during a private moment. Start with a half hour, then work your way down to a passing thought now and then. Take a deep breath. Continue on with life as normal. The overwhelming feelings will diminish over time. Distract yourself. Movies, sightseeing, outdoor activities, games and a good book are all possibilities. Take up a new hobby or enroll in some classes. Seek help, either in a friend or a professional, the experience was so life-changing that you need someone to help you put it into perspective.

Im afraid not, but please know you have support! Do not go through this alone.

Probably not, but it may get easier to deal with. From what I understand, the best thing to do is to confront the feelings that arise from the memory (or snatches of it) and try to deal with them, though it may be difficult and painful -- I know I still can't do it. There's a book I've read that was fairly helpful -- "The Courage to Heal", and also there are many sites online on PTSD and aftereffects of sexual abuse (ex: http://www.pandys.org/escapinghades/ptsd.html) that may help you.

Good lord hon.... I certainly hope so.

Thanks a lot..........

No, I seriously doubt you will ever forget it, but with time you will probably be more able to deal with it. Do not let it control you or your life, seek counseling if necessary.

Never.....the villain can forget, not the victim!!!!

No. Unless you are hypnotized, it is in your memory banks and will stay there. However, if that horrible experience affects your current life and prevents you from having any peace, you need professional help. You don't need to live the rest of your life in terror. Happy Tuesday! :)