Dear Abby: If I had known that my wife was sexually abused as a teenager, I would not have married her

DEAR THROWN: Consent laws can be confusing and change over time, and a lot can depend on the age of each partner. However, rape is rape. When your wife was 15 and 16, an ADULT may also have broken the law by having sex with her, even consensually. Having said all this, she might have benefited from counseling (if it was offered).
Maybe your wife didn’t talk about it before because she was afraid your reaction would be as exaggerated as before. Before you decide to divorce her because she was a victim as a teenager, I strongly recommend that you consult a licensed therapist, either alone or with her. Doing this will give you a better perspective.

TO MY READERS: Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, begins at sunset. During this 24-hour period, observant Jewish people fast, pray and reflect, and formally repent of any sin they may have committed in the previous Hebrew year. To all who observe: May your fast be a meaningful one. — LOVE, ABBY

Dear Abby was written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and created by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Contact Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or PO Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.