This is difficult to respond to, but I feel compelled. I personally wish that you would be able to shed any trauma from that dark period in your life because as a fellow human being — I wish you well. If that were to occur, then this great outpouring, this sharing to the community, this tiny voice of awareness — would it happen? And, *this makes me feel sick*, the perpetrator might be able to justify his actions and state that “no harm was done” — but as you illustrate in your story — much harm has been done and continues to this day.

The concept of ‘good outcome for the individual’ (you being able to shed all trauma from your life) verses the ‘good outcome for the community’ (you using that trauma to do good in the world) is something I struggle with — because I personally want both to be true. Can both be true ?