So, I'll try to keep this succinct and not too long. And please, before
you read on, this could be triggering or confronting.Many years ago I
was engaged to a man who is a predator. I say 'is' a predator, because
he is still, to some degree, acting u...
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So, I'll try to keep this succinct and not too long. And please, before
you read on, this could be triggering or confronting.Many years ago I
was engaged to a man who is a predator. I say 'is' a predator, because
he is still, to some degree, acting up. And very recently he has been
legally banned from attending certain functions and venues due to his
behavior. As in, it has been to court and people have successfully
banned him from having access to those who may be vulnerable to his
behavior.And I am feeling both elated like I want to laugh, and for some
reason, like I also want to cry. It could be tears of relief? Like as
though finally people actually BELIEVE he is not safe and are acting
accordingly?All I know is that when we were engaged and he was
originally charged with what he did, it did IMMENSE and IMMEASURABLE
damage to my mental health and I spent YEARS in therapy as a result. He
did 12 months jail at the time while I did about three years in 'trauma'
and deep distress and lots and lots of therapy. See, I too, was preyed
upon when I was little, and when he and I were together he had used
every bit of that information about me and what had happened to me, for
his own sick desires. He used it so that he could abuse people.Anyway,
back to now and I am 'celebrating' because finally there are at least a
couple of places I can now go without having to worry about him being
there. I am also aware that this is something that will never really
leave my mind or my life. There is no 'getting over' it. There is only
'getting on with it' and accepting what happened then .... and living
true to the promise I made myself back then; to never ever keep quiet
when something needs to be said. I will do whatever I can to protect
others and to stop it from happening again, so help me God. No longer is
abuse a 'taboo' subject.And yeah, I think that's what it is: it's both a
relief for the current actions, and a little bit of sadness for the
younger me who had to endure that experience.Anyway, that's all I got
for now. Thanks for reading this far if you did. Take care out there. xo
PTSD for Medical and First Responders
