Forgiveness is a good first step, it doesnt meant that what they did was ok...it doesnt mean that you have to associate with them, all it means is that you forgive them for what they have done. The Cool thing about forgivness is that once you truly do they have no power over you anymore. i had a similar experience with a step cousin that did some things to me when i was 5...i chose to forgive him when i got older. i still remember its still painful at times..i dont have a grudge or ill will toward him...but i dont have to associate with him either. neither do you .

Yes

Yes, I also agree with this. Anger and negativity ruled my life causing fear. It doesn't put things right but stops it draining you. Wish you well with this Candace. Hugs.x

It will likely be more of a process than a decision, something you will have to come back to more than once. I struggle with it still. I have a hard time with faith too, but one comfort has been that Christ on the cross asked his Father to forgive what was being done to him. He wasn't able to forgive in his own strength, but he could ask God to forgive for him. So I think he understands when we don't have the capacity ourselves to forgive.

I don't believe it can, I believe accepting the event, and understanding, the reason it occurred, or the psychology behind the motive for the occurrence for the event, is the way forward :)