I heard you,PL, say that 19% of females that have been sexually abused as children, end up in clinical depression, which extends into suicide attempts. And the program host, interviewer didn't know the percentage was that high. I believe there are many women out there who were abused in childhood, but refuse to talk about it. And it eats away at them. Generations before us thought it taboo to speak of such issues. But those of us that vent not only are helping ourselves heal, we're showing others they're not in that painful boat alone. I'd like to say to others on this forum, who've experienced any type of abuse, many of us know the flashbacks and the hurt. And we understand fully, the torn emotions, which result from those awful experiences. And you're in our prayers!
Blessings...

P.S. I agree with the Divine Ms. M; abusers use all types of excuses for their behavior. But it's about power and meanness and selfishness. And believe me, some of them are not mentally ill. One of my abusers was a well-educated,
pillar of the community, professional! The other was my adoptive family's trusted friend. Both of those men were
intelligent, conmen.