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The Darkest Secret
So that was it. They took my statement and they flew away. I had no idea what to expect next, but what I got was a phone call. I wouldn't have to appear in court. No one would ever hear my story because the judge and my uncle's lawyer had read my statement, and the corroborating evidence was enough to make him plead guilty in October 2002 (not to me, but to Sarah's case). He got 14 years. He's old. I hope it's his final resting place.
For me, this opportunity, this turning point, gave me a chance to face a very old but still raging fear. I can't say that a victim of abuse is ever completely healed. But this experience allowed me the space to feel validated, vindicated and, frankly, not crazy. It was not my fault. If this has happened to you, you may want to contact the Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network at www.rainn.org. I wish you strength and love, and a journey that leads to your own realization that you are lovable, worthy and deserve good things. If it hasn't happened to you, count your blessings and do something in your community to make sure it doesn't happen to anyone you know.
© 2007
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Member Comments
Posted By: greenangel @ 11/28/2007 5:21:27 PM
Comment: I too was abused as a little girl by my fathers best friend .I actually told on him and noone believed me. This story makes me fearful for the lives of others he may have destroyed or still is destroying .And makes me wonder if I shouldn't have done something later in life (I was 5 when it happened) Teri you are a brave woman ....thank you !!!!!
Posted By: benjamina @ 11/05/2007 4:38:54 PM
Comment: She mentions that she wants to "convey to each and every damaged girl or woman" that it is not their fault...what about the young boys? Are they to be overlooked because they are not female?
Posted By: bizzle @ 10/27/2007 2:05:53 PM
Comment: Teri Hatcher is a successful, stunningly beautiful woman. To outsiders I think she seems to have the perfect type of life - riches, beauty, success, acclaim. However, this article shows she is and has been very vulnerable and hurting even whilst enjoying worldwide fame and celebrity. It is clear to me that it would have been much easier in that Hollywood circus world she is successful in to just keep quiet. I think the courage she has shown with this article now makes her a role model to many women, young and old and from all backgrounds, who have had similar shattering experiences, to come forward however late on in life and accuse these monsters and to never give up seeking healing. As a mother, it has also helped me to be aware of how much my small daughter really needs my protection. So for that, thankyou Teri Hatcher. Any tabloids making a sensationalist meal of this should be shamed and denounced in very high circles.