Hi!

[Tiger]

This is one of the most frightening steps I have ever taken!! I don't really know how to introduce myself, but im a 34 year old female from UK! I hope that's ok for now, as I learn to trust, I will tell you more about myself!
I feel overwhelmed right now!!

 

[rainbow1]

Hi tiger and welcome to the forum.

I remember that feeling when I first joined I was terrified after hitting the post button for the first time. It is a huge step joining up and saying hello, so well done! It does get easier one you've had a look around the site and got an idea what people are like.

Take your time, you don't need to say anything until your ready to. Everyone is really friendly here and have been very supportive to me, I hope you find the same.

I need to go to work just now but just wanted to say a quick hello!

Rainbow. :wave:

 

[Lucycat]

Hi @tiger and welcome to the forum. You've done the scary bit. Well done!:wave:

 

[cherryblossom]

@tiger - welcome to the forum :wave: There's nothing to be scared of here. Take as much time as you need.

 

[Tiger]

I hope I don't offend anyone by asking this, but I am so petrified of repercussions, I have to ask that it is totally safe to discuss some very personal issues that I have struggled with ever since I confided in an appropriate adult all those years ago about what was happening to me!! When my life was blown apart!

Again I apologise for asking, I just need some reassurance! Please??

 

[digger]

Totally safe in what respect?

 

[digger]

Oh and Hi :)

 

[Tiger]

Hello!! I'm sorry to ask! I am so scared of getting myself into trouble by talking about my stuff. I totally understand that it is not happening to me anymore, I have lost so much from speaking out about it when I was 15 years old and I just need to get it all off my chest now, without the fear that it's not going to cause me to lose even more? I can't really explain it very well, I just don't want to get into more trouble by talking about it!! I need to, but I'm frightened!

 

[digger]

Who do you think you could get in trouble with? What sort of trouble?

 

[Tiger]

I guess I'm paranoid that the people involved in my stuff might recognise me by my conversations on here!! It's probably irrational!

 

[digger]

Ah okay, that's what I was trying to work out. In that case, then I'm sorry to say that nowhere is totally safe on the internet. Think for a second how easy it was for you to become a member of this site and read other people's stories here? Did you have to prove anything? Do you know who I am? Have I any way of really knowing who you are?

I'm not saying this to alarm you, it's just common sense really. Anyone can join this site. Some areas of the site are publically visible. The sad truth is that forums like this don't only attract the people they are set up for.

If you have any concerns that you could be identified by something you say, then avoid saying things you could be identified by. Ask yourself how likely is it that the people you are concerned about would be googling and checking out sexual abuse sites. If the likelihood is high then think carefully about the specific details that you post. You can still receive plenty of support by using more general discussion points.

 

[cherryblossom]

The www is what it is. Whilst I don't want to put you off posting here, I think I need to be realistic in saying once something is posted on the web, it can't be unposted.

We do our utmost to keep this forum as safe as possible, but even so, there are limits with what we can do.

Like I say, I don't want to put you off posting, but just have to be realistic about things.

However, even if someone really has the forethought to go searching the net for something you might post, what can they realistically do about it?