I don't know how to talk about it

[Marvel1999]

i'm really not sure how to talk about it

[Nicole]

Hi Marvel1999, welcome to the boards. I want to let you know that we are here to listen and provide resources whenever you are ready to share your experiences. I don't want to get into asking any questions about your situation as I don't want to overstep any boundaries or sensitivities that you might have. I do want to ask, are you unsure of how to talk about abuse or assault to us? Family? Friends? A medical professional? Authorities? If you need any guidance on specific terminology, emotions, or circumstances that might help you explain your situation to us or anyone else, I will link an article here that could help you out: Blinders Off: Getting a Good Look at Abuse and Assault. Please let me know if this helps, we are here for you!

[Marvel1999]

I don't know how to talk to anyone about it, I get scared. I have autism and I have verbal communication deficits because of that, I can speak but I have a very hard time doing so I am also an AAC user, it can be super hard to communicate all and it's even harder when its about abuse

[Nicole]

I am so sorry that you are experiencing this. I reached out to our other staff members as they might have more experience with your situation. I understand what it is like to be neurodivergent and having difficulties speaking up, but I am not an AAC user. This situation seems incredibly frustrating. With that being said, I am going to try my best to find a staff member that can work on this with you.

[Marvel1999]

thank you

[Heather]

Hey there, Marvel.

The good news about this place is that you get to take as long as you want in conversations here, and also write in whatever size chunks work best for you, without any need for verbal communication at all. We aren't in any hurry, and can even stretch conversations here over weeks or months (and sometimes have for years with some users!). We'll do our best to have this conversation in whatever way works best for you. So, how about you start here with us in the boards?

If that sounds good to you, is there something you'd like to start with?

[Marvel1999]

are you sure people will believe me? a lot of people don't take me seriously when I try to communicate, I get treated like a child a lot, and people treat me like I'm stupid because I don't always communicate in the same ways as they do

[Heather]

We are very much a survivor-first organization and service. We're founded and led by an abuse survivor (that's me), if that helps to know, too. We are also founded and led by someone with disabilities, and what abilities someone does or doesn't have, and how a person communicates aren't things that influence if we take someone seriously or treat them with respect.

If there's anything else you need in order to feel safe talking with us, I'm happy to work that out with you first.

[Marvel1999]

I really want to talk about it, just scary

[Heather]

I understand. Maybe you can try just writing a little of what you want to talk about in a post draft first. If you decide you don't feel safe enough here, or yet, you are under no obligation to hit post. <3

[Marvel1999]

i can do that, will the chat be open today?

[Heather]

It will, at 2 PST.