Rape and Incest bring so much shame to the victim that they cannot even bring themselves to say the words. They stumble, hide behind their hair, eat the words, wring their hands…and talking to them about it brings so much pain and fear that they feel their oppressor right inside the room with them.
There are so much hatred and self-blame, so many questions that shroud their minds. For those who bear children from the crime, there is self-judgment for hating the child and hating being forced into being parents with its accompanying responsibilities when they did not make active decisions in this life-changing event.
The way out is through unconditional positive regard for them and the decisions, feelings, and beliefs they may have as they unload their stories and make sense of their new lives.