I am a psychiatrist, 45 years old, specialized in treating traumatized persons having a good reputation in treating female rape victims.

I want to tell one case now. A case, that changed my whole life. I know almost everything about victims and perpetrators you can read in journals and books but when I started to understand this case I found out that the parts were not distributed as you could think. But let me start at the very beginning.

Last summer a mother arrived with her twelve year old daughter which had been sexually abused for a long time by a neighbour. He had been arrested and sentenced to 10 years.

Sharon was a rather tall girl for her age. Her copper red hair was tamed in a ponytail. She had an oval face with a pert nose, covered with freckles and pouting red lips. Her green eyes were deep and lost. On her chest I remarked the swelling of her budding breast. She was wearing a green Tshirt and jeans. She was a picture of innocent beauty and deep grief. It would be my job to make her happy again.

Her mother explained the case and Sharon said nothing. From time to time she nodded or shook her head when I asked her something.

When it came to the therapy she spoke for the first time: "Are you discreet?"

"Yes Sharon, that's my job. If you don't want it, I'll talk to nobody."

"Not even to my parents?"

"No."

"Are you impartial?"

"Yes, Sharon. I always want to understand. You cannot understand if you judge. I want to know the truth, I must know the truth to be a good therapist!"

She nodded and her eyes lighted up for a moment: "I want to come here alone!"

"But, darling, aren't you afraid to be alone with this man?"

"No."

"And if he ... if he... asks you details?"

"I wanna be alone. I trust him!"

I was impressed by her firmness and flatted that she trusted me after only half an hour. Okay, it's my business to be a reliable person but kids usually want to have their parents around. I suggested: "Maybe your mom or your dad could come the first or second time?"

"No!"

"You know, I am a doctor and... I have the duty to examine you, not only your soul but also your body. Don't you want to have your parents around?"

A little hesitation, then : "No!"

I asked her mother: "Well then, how often should she come?"

"What do you think, doctor?"

"Well, for the beginning let's say twice a week and after a month we will reconsider the ongoing."

We fixed a next date and they disappeared. This time, when Sharon said goodbye, she smiled at me. Trust is the best therapy......(cont)