Family and Friends Forum

This is an incredibly brave post. I wanted to let you know that I see your pain and you are not alone. There is a saying that someone once told me, "hurt people hurt people".
I don't know of another forum that is specifically for releasing the pain and anger of what you have been through. I did find another forum but found it to be less active than this one and harder to navigate so much so that I don't remember the topics discussed.

I'm so sorry that you haven't been offered more support from any agencies that have been involved with your case. There is a charity called circles south east that can offer up to thirty hours of free counselling and you can self refer. Are your children receiving any counselling/therapy? If they aren't or you don't think that it's particularly helpful for them then perhaps try reaching out to all of the usual charities that are mentioned on here and do try calling the helpline.
There is support on here for everyone but I do understand why you haven't felt able to accept or access that support. All of us on here hate the crimes that have been committed, something that is reiterated quite frequently. As we are all at different stages, have different relationships to the offender and have different life experiences the things we post on here vary greatly. We're all doing what we can to move forward each day and I hope that you are able to move forward in a way that brings peace to your heart.
Take some time for you if you can, whatever you enjoy. Pour love onto yourself and your babies. Sending love and strength to you xxx

I'd like to echo all of what distressed said. You're very brave.

The compassion and wisdom of the people on this forum is the foundation of most of my optimism relating to this.



I don't know about forums specifically for victims, but I do so hope you find your safe place to express what you need



xx

Devastated

You are incredibly brave reaching out in this heartfelt post, I for one hope that you can get support this journey is incredibly hard and a lonely one,

I dont know of any other groups unfortunately but maybe speak to LFF on the phone they maybe able to give you some information or a therapist who deals with these offences that can give you support

Where ever you find the much needed support I hope you are ok x

I'd like to echo what everyone else has said here and thank you so much for posting and saying how hard you have tried to word your post for the best. In my opinion you have succedeed and I'd like to apologise to you if in my past thinking I didn't give you enough grace for being an understandably very traumatised and hurt person.

I'm glad that you didn't leave without posting and wish you well for the future, you have made me reflect on how good I am (or otherwise!) at extending a non judgmental attitude towards others who don't feel like I do. Also how important words are, for all of us to take on board, not only you, Devastated

X

Please contact 'Acts Fast'. Their website will give you much more insight into their offering, expertise and resources. From what you describe, I think they will be able to offer you the relevant and specific support. I had some trauma counselling with them early on. They are wonderful. Take care, and wishing you strength and serenity.

I don't have any advice on forums, but I do know of low-cost online counseling if that helps. Or calling the help line they're all so good. We are all on our own journeys and all entitled to our feelings. I have had lots believe me. Take care

DevestatedMum, you are not alone in being reactive and easily triggered. It wasn't until my person had been through sentencing that I felt able to join the forum. I now find it hugely supportive and helpful but in the early days of my journey my mental health and anxiety just couldn't deal with it.
It might be worth you looking into Talking Forward. They have online peer support groups several times a month.
I really hope you find what you're looking for in terms of support as I hate the thought of you struggling alone.

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Hi, I understand that Talking Forward is an offshoot of Acts Fast, and is led and managed by the same people. Acts Fast is focused on and dedicated to supporting direct victims and their families.

In my experience, Talking Forward is aimed at those impacted by someone in their lives who is an offender, rather than support for victims.

I also believe Barnado's offers specialist support to victims of these offences.

I also endorse Circles as a recommended source of guidance and support.

I don't generally have time to check due to my work but have come on just to see if you had posted. I could feel the hurt and pain you must be feeling. No judgement at all.

Genuinely here for you whatever, and hope you're getting by. Sending you loads of love and hope you find the right support for you. We all have different paths to go through in the journey and if I can ever be there for you I will be.



yoire stronger than you know, but will always sit beside you x