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Feeling guilty
Everything you need to know about...
You feel guilty. Guilty because you went online. Guilty because you chose to send that first nude photo. Guilty because you were in love. Guilty because at first it was fun and exciting, but then it wasn’t. Guilty because you feel like you are burdening people around you if you talk about it. Guilty because you feel like you are shaming your family if you talk about it. Guilt is stopping you from telling anyone. What can you do?
"I never dared to tell anyone around me. The guilt, shame, and fear held me back."
- Roos
Guilt can make you do everything to keep it hidden. It can prevent you from asking for help or even make you feel like you do not deserve help. The guilt can feel so strong that you are afraid of accusatory reactions from people around you.
It’s not surprising that you feel guilty. But you are not at fault, and you are not the only one who feels this way. 64% of people who experience sexual abuse are unable to talk about it because of these feelings of guilt. This guilt can also cause you to feel ashamed. Shame and guilt often go hand in hand.
What can you do if you feel guilty?
Write about it
It can feel good to write down what happened and write about your feelings. This can be a first step to disclosing the experience with people around you. You can write down your story by clicking on the button below. You can choose to keep your written story to yourself or to share it (anonymously) on our story page. Almost 300 others have gone before you.
Tell someone you trust
Talking about it with someone you trust can be a relief. By confiding you know that you don't have to do it alone.
Good to remember
Please know that it is not your fault: you did nothing wrong. You have nothing to be ashamed of. The person who shames, threatens, blackmails, or abuses you is the one at fault.
People who can help you
If you don’t have anyone in your surroundings you can or dare to talk to, you can ask questions or chat anonymously with a professional from Centrum Seksueel Geweld, Fier, and Helpwanted. Together you can figure out what your next step could be.
