DEAR DEIDRE: I WAS raped while I was serving a prison sentence and even though it happened many years ago I feel as though my head is going to explode.

I was jailed as a teenage lad for dealing drugs.

I have never said anything to anyone about the rape as I was ashamed. I was meant to be this hard man who could stand up to anything.

I have carried this with me for so long, I don’t know what to do.

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I am 51 now. It has cost me my marriage and our lovely home.

My wife was the only woman I ever loved and trusted but I have pushed her and everyone else away. I can’t cope much longer.

DEIDRE SAYS: I’m sorry you are still suffering. Any rape or sexual assault leaves deep lasting emotional scars.

It is natural that your self-defence reaction kicked in to avoid the risk of getting hurt in intimate relationships, but it has cost you.

Specialised support could make a difference. My support pack Male Rape Victims explains and SurvivorsUK may also help (survivorsuk.org).

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