IMHO, whether a Dom/sub or vanilla, if you have been in any type of abusive relationship, it has to be faced and dealt with in order to heal and grow.

To make someone who has something so painful in their past feel shunned, avoided, and/or ashamed because of their history, can only contribute to the pain that has been already endured. To me, that would be one of the ultimate forms of abuse.

P.S. TeddyBear... Thank you so much for sharing your story. You are truly an amazing person. To edure such a horrific act and to become a better person from it shows great strength. I hope others are able to find hope in your words. *big hugs*