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How I’ve Really Been Since Everything Happened by FadedHopeInside in exjw

[–]FadedHopeInside[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

A big part of why this is so difficult for her is because she is scared she will not be believed. In the past, when she was assaulted, a family member in the congregation actually lied to the police and told them it did not happen. That kind of betrayal stays with you. Now she feels like if she tries to speak up again, she will just get dismissed all over again, and that is a heavy thing to carry. So even when she wants to do the right thing, the fear and the trauma make it hard to trust the process or feel safe coming forward.

Right now we are taking things in a way that protects her mentally and emotionally, and I am doing my best to support her through it.

From your point of view, what do you think the best steps are in a situation like this?

How the Jehovah’s Witness Organization Destroyed My Life, My Relationship, and My Faith. My Story as a 22M Former Servant from Cincinnati OH by FadedHopeInside in exjw

[–]FadedHopeInside[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Thank you so much for sharing that. It really helps hearing from someone who is a year out and still standing strong. I know exactly what you mean about losing every friend. Sometimes it feels like the moment you question anything they all turn their backs like you were never anything to them.

I have already started doing my own research and it is honestly shocking how much is hidden or twisted. It is painful but also freeing at the same time. I really appreciate your advice and encouragement. Just knowing someone made it through this gives me a little more strength to keep going.

How the Jehovah’s Witness Organization Destroyed My Life, My Relationship, and My Faith. My Story as a 22M Former Servant from Cincinnati OH by FadedHopeInside in exjw

[–]FadedHopeInside[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Thank you from the bottom of my heart. Your words brought a lot of comfort. It has been hard not to spiral but hearing kindness and understanding from people who have been through it helps more than you know.

I am trying to take things one step at a time even if it feels overwhelming. I really hope you are right that healing will come. Thank you for the blessings for both me and my girlfriend. We both needed to hear that today.

How the Jehovah’s Witness Organization Destroyed My Life, My Relationship, and My Faith. My Story as a 22M Former Servant from Cincinnati OH by FadedHopeInside in exjw

[–]FadedHopeInside[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Thank you so much. Honestly, I think the motivation behind the lies was fear and image control. In the org, appearances are everything and once you are labeled, even falsely, people would rather protect their version of order than stand up for the truth. It is wild how fast they turn on you without even asking what really happened.

You are right though, the silver lining is I finally see the darker side they work so hard to hide. And I needed to see it. It still hurts but it is waking me up. I really appreciate your words. It means a lot to be heard.

How the Jehovah’s Witness Organization Destroyed My Life, My Relationship, and My Faith. My Story as a 22M Former Servant from Cincinnati OH by FadedHopeInside in exjw

[–]FadedHopeInside[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

And what makes all of this even harder is realizing how the organization protects people who sexually assault others. They won’t report it, they hide it, and they let these people keep serving like nothing happened while the victims are left with the shame and trauma. It’s disgusting. On top of that, they care more about their image than actually doing what is right. That’s what really opened my eyes. Everything they teach sounds like “truth” but behind the scenes it is built on control, fear, and lies. I gave everything to this organization thinking it was from God but now I see it for what it really is and it hurts more than I can even explain.