Listen! Six individuals' experiences to tell about the sexual abuse they have suffered in their childhood.

The aim of this qualitative study was to examine six individuals' experiences to talk about the sexual abuse that occurred in their childhood. We interviewed five women and one man, using a phenomenological approach during the work process. The theories emerged as we analyzed our results and appeared to be communication, cognitive theory, validation, trauma theory and taboo. The results showed that the respondents, whom disclosed the abuse as children, were most likely to get a negative response from both formal and informal support systems. While as adults they were confirmed to a greater extent and therefore achieved a better physical and mental wellbeing. Although it may be difficult to listen to the respondents’ experiences of sexual abuse, it is of great importance that the social surroundings dare to listen and acknowledge their stories. The result also showed the importance of confirmation and to be validated as they talked about the abuse. Our findings support earlier research stating the importance of validation, and that the reactions from their social surroundings, were most important for the outcome of the disclosure