Survivor of Childhood Sexual Abuse Encourages Others to Seek Help After Legal Battle

Kumi, whose name has been changed for privacy, recalls the disturbing memories of sexual abuse that began in her early childhood at the hands of her father. The trauma lingered into her adult years, leading her to shame herself with self-hating thoughts. Decades after the abuse began, she decided to take legal action, but ultimately lost her civil suit; however, she maintains that her fight was meaningful and encourages fellow survivors to pursue help.

Kumi’s experience with abuse escalated as she grew older. Initially, it began with inappropriate touching while seated on her father’s lap, but it soon progressed to more severe acts, including forced intercourse. This continued throughout her early adolescence, leaving Kumi feeling trapped and unable to refuse her father’s advances. After distancing herself from him post-high school, she faced lasting emotional scars that manifested in PTSD, anger, and a deep-seated resentment towards men.

In an effort to confront her trauma, Kumi reached out for counseling in 2018. Her initial conversation was marked by a deep sense of despair rather than courage, but the support she received helped her realize that she was the victim, not the perpetrator of the abuse. Motivated by her desire to protect others, Kumi filed a civil lawsuit against her father, seeking compensation for her suffering. However, her case was hindered by the statute of limitations, resulting in a ruling that dismissed her claim.

Despite the setbacks in court, including a final defeat in April 2025, the psychological impact of her experiences became clearer to Kumi through the process. She was able to articulate her trauma and recognize the patterns in her life that were influenced by the abuse. Although she has severed ties with her father and family, she finds solace in the support of professionals who stood by her during the lawsuit.

Reflecting on her journey, Kumi expressed feelings of abandonment due to the court’s decision, yet she remains hopeful for others in similar situations. She passionately urges fellow survivors to seek help from counselors or support groups and emphasizes the importance of sharing their stories. Kumi believes there are listeners willing to help process their feelings, and she wants to foster a community of support among those affected by sexual abuse. Her message is one of encouragement, reminding others that they are not alone and that healing is possible.