Our country needs to start having a conversation about the plight of incest victims and survivors. It is my opinion that these people suffer more deeply and profoundly than victims and survivors of other forms of abuse. Their self-hatred, self-loathing, and self-blame are so severe and extreme that some of them constantly smile even when it is not appropriate to do so.
Experienced counselors and therapists will tell you that they do this as a way to hide and cover up how dirty, disgusting and miserable they feel deep within themselves. They will also tell you that very few of them ever have a healthy, “functional” and happy romantic relationship. Incest victims also suffer from very high rates of suicide, anorexia nervosa and bulimia.
Our society needs to take the next step and try to eradicate this problem from existence.
Stewart B. Epstein
Rochester, NY