First of all, thank you MiddlePath for sharing your story. I’m so sorry you had to go through that experience and I apologize on behalf of everyone for not stepping up to the plate and treating you with the dignity and respect you so deserve.
Happiest-your posting made me sign up here. I am so sorry you had to go through that. Unfortunately, I had to too. As I’m writing this, I can’t believe it really does happen-to normal people. My experience happened a long time ago and I subconsciously forgot awhile until I was ready to begin the shidduch process. I knew I needed to speak to someone about it. For a while, I was totally not myself as all the memories were coming back. Luckily and B”H I have one family member that I’m very comfortable with and was able to open up to. I’ve been seeing a therapist who has really been helpful. She noticed that I blamed myself a lot for what happened, and for a while I thought if only…if only I would’ve stopped it…if only I would have told someone immediately etc things would have been different. She’s been training me to realize that I was NOT in control and it is NOT my fault-I was the victim. I’m trying so hard to internalize this.
Happiest-I’m not sure if this helps you in any way but please know that you are not alone.