Welcome, (((tan))).
As you know, if you've been reading here, this place has all types in all stages of growth away from the man-made organization that has dominated our lives in some way. Even the ones who have never been JWs who post here are heavily influenced by it, if in no other way than through intense concern for a loved one.
What you went through as a child is horrible and tragic, but not unique to JWs. The sad reality is our culture doesn't mind admitting that such despicable things happen but stops short of wanting to acknowledge specific instances. It isn't JWs that is a pedophile paradise, it is our culture that recoils from the reality and seeks to find another explanation—any other explanation—for the facts that makes it easy for these monsters to do what they do.
My wife and I were both abused. Our parents didn't know. I was barked at by my mother for taking too long in a public shower stall (at a swimming pool). My wife survived much worse from her cousin, over a much longer period of time. In both cases, the people responsible were not JWs. In both cases, the people responsible were not reported.
This is a cultural epidemic, not a religious one—although religions that do not encourage, or worse discourage, reporting to authorities (and there are many such) are a large part of why the problem has become so prevalent. Especially since the victim is not eager to talk about their "weakest" moments, such discouragement from perceived authority figures is certain to stifle most victims.
I'm glad to know you are researching. It seems those who leave after making a thorough search of the religion rarely ever go back. Some here have compared it to learning that Santa Claus is really just your dad or uncle in a Santa suit. Do you ever go back to believing it is really Santa?
Enjoy your stay!
Respectfully,
AuldSoul
