AboutChristine Taylor Expertise I can answer questions specifically relating to child abuse, paticularly where this relates to retrospective activities.
I can also answer questions on 'How extended families cope with the result of abuse'.
Questions on the legal aspects of abuse are beyond my scope here and I can offer signposting only.
Experience I was abused as a child by my grandfather. The first time it took place I was just 5 years old, and his abuse continued for 6 years. I was forced into believing that what he was doing was ok, and that it was our secret. As a small child I respected what he told me, and did not tell anyone. He would touch me, bath me and sometimes make me touch him. The memories are clear, but since moving on with my life the attached feeling and emotion has faded. My grandfather was sentenced for his crime, but not before I had to go through a medical and police interview. Shortly after the sentencing I was given support from Victim Support, and later that year received counselling from a clinical child psychologist. Once I was discharged I carried on with my life and tried to put the past behind me. However, after the birth of my son many emotions about the abuse came back, as did the memories. I tried to get counselling but the waiting lists were long. I approached support groups, but unfortunately they were not running programmes in my area. I decided to help myself. I carried out a number tasks which included writting out my memories, and my feelings. It also included going back to the places I was abused. I began to feel strong inside, the memories no longer made me cry, my smile was genuine. My final task was to return to the spot where it all began when I was just 5 years old. Once I had done this I walked away and felt no saddness. I knew then that I had come through the abuse and was finally free to live my life. I have left the negatives of my abuse behind and now I hold onto the positives of this experience. I have learnt how to be strong, and how to restore my confidence. I no longer wish to change the past, its just not possible, so I look forward to a future without the burden of my past.
Education/Credentials Firstly I have first hand life experience within this field. I also achieved A'levels in science, but also in Christian Theology. Although this does not directly relate to this subject it helped me to use my mind to think outside the box. I was able to see things from other perspectives, and it taught me to appreciate other peoples thoughts and opinions. I also have completed the counselling concepts course and passed at Level 3 and from this I went on and completed a mentor training programme. I am now working towards a psychology diploma, and level 4 in child psychology.
Question QUESTION: if a child was raped at 5 bye a 30 year old man would there be scars from the rape on her privates after 12 and so on years
ANSWER: Kassandra,
I dont think there would be any physical evidence after 12 years. If the 5 year old hadn't had sex with anyone else it would be apparent that she was no longer a virgin. Despite there being a lack of evidence, that does not mean charges can not be brought. Many rape and molestation charges are brought by adults who were raped/abused in childhood and many of those achieve a successful guilty charge.
Kind regards,
Christine
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QUESTION: the girls father did stuff to them when they where babys my uncle was with them and rasied for a long time and well they acused him of doing it to could they rember what there father did and put his faces in there memories one of the girls was still a virgin but they dident find anything wrong with her my uncles doing life for something he dident do there father did it so how can i help his appel when it comes up there storys where not all together and they lied on the stand but they still found him guilty no evidence no stright story and they use to come over to his house after he lefted there mother if he did that to them wouldent they be scared and not go to his house and hugg him and hang out when no one else was there to
Answer Kassandra,
I am very sorry but I really can not offer up any advice to help your uncle. The accusations by the girls remain on their conscience. It is possible they have misplaced memories, maybe their father told them it was your uncle and so they have grown up to believe it. Your uncles solicitor could try and have a psychological review of the girls to see if they can trigger the accurate memories.
I am not familiar with the law and the appeal process. I would suggest a lengthy discussion with the solicitor to see what he recommends and advices.
