Why bring up your abuse after all these years?

This question is always a slap in the face to abuse survivors.  "Why bring it up after all these years"?  "Can't you let by-gones by by-gones"?  Oh, if it were only that simple!  The truth is that the devastation of the abuse has continued to haunt the victim and has affected every area of her life.  The shame and fear has kept her silent.  At the point she finally has the courage to speak out, she is met with these stupid comments from people who don't have a clue.  While the abuser has continued on his merry way, life has stopped for the victim.  It is so important for them to speak out about their abuse.  It is the first step in their recovery.  As long as they are silent, their abusers has power over them.  No matter how many years it took for them to speak out, they should be met with compassion and love.  The last thing they need is to be re-victimized by careless and insensitive comments.