DEAR DEIDRE: WHEN my brother told me that our dad had sexually abused him when he was little, I was so shocked that it sent me reeling.
I’d always loved my dad and thought of him as a good man – even though he left us when I was six.
I’m now 48 and my brother is 50. Our dad is 80.
My brother couldn’t remember how old he was when the abuse happened – he only had vague memories – and wasn’t sure if he’d report it.
I felt so confused and torn. I wanted to help him but, at the same time, didn’t want to believe my dad could have done this.
And I worried how Mum would react.
[authenticated-scripts src=”%3Cscript%20type%3D%22text%2Fjavascript%22%20src%3D%22https%3A%2F%2Fthesun.formstack.com%2Fforms%2Fjs.php%2Fdear_deidre_problem%22%3E%3C%2Fscript%3E%3Cnoscript%3E%3Ca%20href%3D%22https%3A%2F%2Fthesun.formstack.com%2Fforms%2Fdear_deidre_problem%22%20title%3D%22Online%20Form%22%3EOnline%20Form%20-%20Dear%20Deidre%3C%2Fa%3E%3C%2Fnoscript%3E%0A” type=”embedded” width=”100″ /]You were so sympathetic and advised me to talk to a counsellor, sending me your How Counselling Can Help and Abused As A Child support packs.
I realised I was struggling so went to see my GP, who arranged for me to have CBT.
My brother is also getting help from a counsellor. We’re both supporting our mum.
Thank you so much Deidre, both for your understanding, and for checking up on me.
[read-more title=”MORE FROM DEAR DEIDRE” article_ids=”33100548,33018012″ shortcode_id=”fc94af73-571c-4d7d-9db9-a911d4a4aa45″ /]DEIDRE SAYS: It will take time for you all to deal with and heal from this. I’m glad you’re getting professional help.