I WILL NOT TALK ABOUT MY RAPE

 As I sit here quietly and try to figure out what I need to write.....I look back to January 2022 and am sad but awed at the inner strength of a woman.

I was interviewing an ageing woman [About 65 years old] for a story.....she had a successful career and I have always admired her....The interview started on a good note about her academic journey....etc....

The next question I asked was about her challenges - at 40 years old she was raped by her husband's best friend in their home.....She has never shared this trauma to anyone and has hidden this trauma from her husband, family and friends. She has managed to hide and carry this burden with her until now. The recollection of the trauma surfaced when she smelt a cologne and she is suffering from insomnia etc....She is now seeing a counsellor.....but the horrible memory will remain.

Today her rapist has children and grand children and a lovely wife. My friend refuses to let the wife know as she does not want to break up the family. Therefore she will carry the burden until death.

How many of us women are in this situation? What more can be done? What should she do?