A monster is a monster, no matter what. I honestly cringe at realizing or acknowledging  this, but it’s true. I need to constantly remind myself this. Sometimes monsters hide, even in plain sight. We also have preconceived notions of what one is, what it looks like, and our precepctions predetermined.

Abuse comes in different shapes and  forms…mental, physical, and emotional.  Abusers do as well. Everyone thinks it is always a creepy guy who acts inappropriately. But it can be anyone. Anyone can be a monster.  Just because they don’t fit the mold or stereotype doesn’t exclude them.

Double standards are also a thing. It’s said that about 90 percent of this inappropriate behavior is committed by males. But what about the females and other family members? A monster is a monster.

In my case, no one really batted an eye or questioned the age gap. Were they scared? Were they just oblivious because it was a female? Regardless,  it happened.  And here I  am in a whirlwind of realization, healing,  and growth.

People need to be held accountable…whoever it is. We, as victims, need to recognize that it doesn’t matter who it is. Someone who loves you isn’t going to hurt you. Let’s all heal and break out of our cocoon.