Thanks for the kind words.
I think what made the whole situation even worse is one of the elders was one of the few adults I had trusted in the congregation. It's amazing how they can be there for you...when they want to be, but as soon as it is a choice between us or "The Society" then we get ditched.
It wasn't until later that I found out that same elder's daughter was disassociated (she wasn't baptized yet) because she had been raped. It kills me to recall how sad she was at the meetings and how we had to ignore her at the bookstudy (in her own house). So many times I wanted to talk to her, even smile, but if I even tried, her dad always found a way to pull me aside (he had the strongest grip that would leave bruises on my shoulders). Sadly, to this day she is one of them and even when my sister and I tried to bring to her attention many things, especially how they continuously changed their opinions on rape, she still defends the Borg. Mind control at it's worse, I guess.
I had to deal with my situation and had a tough time. I can't even imagine how difficult it must be for those who have been abused by someone within the congregation and are forced to be within their company.
Alicia