I am writing to express my horror and outrage at the Newcastle judge's ruling of a suspended sentence for a paedophile who was convicted of offences.

To say, as the judge did, this man has suffered enough at the hands of the media is a gross insult to the victims of abuse by an adult in childhood.

I, as a survivor of childhood sexual abuse, and many other women I've met and know, are all suffering long-term traumatic stress to the degree it affects every aspect of our lives.

"Survivor" is a very apt word because most of our energies go into staying alive and surviving the horrendous experiences we had and continue to relive. There can be no comparison between suffering from media exposure and the suffering of childhood sexual abuse.

Any sense of innocence is shattered and so is trust in the world or in relationships. There's also deep pain, disgust, rage and suicidal feelings to cope with, along with isolation and loneliness. Most survivors suffer in silence and deep shame.

When is this country going to face up to this problem and give it the attention and action it so desperately needs?

When are survivors and non survivors going to be acknowledged for the ordeals we've had to suffer and still suffer without any real support network to help?

-Maura Ryan, address supplied