My intention is not to bring back bad memories in anybody by asking this sensitive question and I apologize in case someone thinks my post is inappropriate. The reason why I'm bringing this up is because a drunken man assaulted me last night and even though I got out of it with mere bruises and scratches, I'm still all shaken up. I know that I should report this to the police so that this person could never hurt anybody else, but I'm so darn scared for some reason. It's a terrible feeling to realize that you're in no way capable of defending yourself in a violence situation. I'm seriously considering jujitsu-class now.

So my question to you my friends: Have you ever been a victim of violence? My case was a clear example of physical violence, but I think that emotional violence can be as damaging. If you have experienced violence then how did you get over it? Did you report about it to the police and did they catch the offender? I know this is a sensitive subject to talk about, but I'm just feeling really lonely with having to deal with this alone.

I will admit that this has happened to me a couple of times. Once, back during ,y freshman year of high school, it wasn't the actual attack that hurt me, it was where the attack took place that bothered me. It was just a couple blocks from my house in a neighborhood that I have lived in for 6 years. In my life, I must have been the victim of violence maybe 3 or 4 times. Never bothered to call the cops because I had no idea who the people were and there was no way for the police to find out any info about what happened.

I haven't really been a victim of violence. I have been named called but I usually ignore them.

I have been a victim of violence, although I was idiotic enough to put myself in the situation. I can't say what kind of violence, as it isn't exactly appropriate, but I will say that it left me quite sore for days.  I wasn't bruised or marked, but the pain was extremely emotional as well.

Like you, I didn't go to the police... but that's because I feel most of it was my fault.  Don't follow my path.  Tell the police.  If the man was getting violent because he was drunk, chances are it's not a one time event.

I don't really have any real life friends to discuss the event with.  There are times when it sneaks up into my mind and haunts me, tearing me down.  For me though... writing about it really helped.  I don't even have to share the words with anyone... just writing down what happened relieved some major stress on my part.   I don't know if this will work for you, as I simply connect strongly through the written word.  I'd at LEAST tell one friend.... you'll be surprised at what a difference it can make.

 sillysoul: you should tak eup jiu jitsu it's very good for self defense, take that and also boxing. As for me I have been cheap shotted from behind back in high school by a group of undesirables but I took care of that pretty quick and good enough so it didnt bother me for too long.

Thank you all for your support. I told my father and he even got a good look of him... The bast*** game banging at my front door yesterday, but luckily I was with dad in the opposite house. I'm terrified of this person, but my father's reply was that I've got nothing to be scared of a sweatpants clown like him. My family's small but it's good to know that at least my dad's got my back.  I even looked up some classes and found capoeira free off charge in my area. It's always a crime to attack your assaulter so at least I want to be stronger in order to block possible attacks coming at me. After all the confusion and terror I'm more mad than scared now. I know this person is sick in the head and it's definitely not the first and last time he's hurt people. My only wish is that he takes up a fight with the wrong person and learns his lesson. And that is definitely coming to him sooner or later.

Singelli : I do not know what happened but I really don't want you to blame yourself. If it is what I think it is, I've gone through the same and blamed myself for it for a long time. It haunts me every once in a while but there's nothing I can do about it. Now I know that I'm not the one who should be blamed. When it comes to violence, be it physical or emotional, the one being hurt is not to be blamed for it! Awful things happen to good people and you are not an idiot for getting caught in the situation! But know this, if you ever want to talk about the event or anything else, I'm here. I would be happy to listen.

sillysoul :  Don't worry. I understand victims tend to blame themselves when they are not at fault.  I can say, with full confidence, that I am not being one of those people. I was most certainly a large part of the blame.  I do thank you for your concerns and offer, though.