Reporting And Help

[marley13]

Hi!

I am new to this site. I came on to seek help. I was sexually assaulted about 3 weeks ago. And am now considering reporting to the police. I know my attacker and am very scared the police will not do anything about it.. Has anyone reported their incident and can give me some advice about the process and possible outcomes?

I am expierencing a lot of emotions and fear.. And I'm not too sure what to do.

[reglois]

if OK

[MeBeMary]

Hi Marley,

Welcome to AS. I am very sorry for what has happened to you and can understand your dilemma. I cannot give advice on this, as I never filed charges...at the time I never even knew I could. There are plenty members on this site who have gone thru this, so I am sure that you will be getting responses. You will find support here, whatever you decide. I wish you well on your healing journey.

Mary

[louiseroi]

I would recommend a r*** crisis line or organisation, sometimes there are special legal advocates who specialise in supporting survivors through the system. In the UK at least it seems the counselling services and advocacy are linked but do different things. I think counselling is important to get yourself strong and able to deal with what any legal process may throw up.The most important thing is your safety.

[nicole87]

dont be scared to tell police they will help you in way they can i reported my attacker and everyone involded in my case great with me sorry im not a great speller

I hope they help you, i was told 20 years ago that the more you share your story the more it helps

[silentg]

Hi Marley,

Welcome to AS. I'm sorry for what you are going through. It is very recent, and you are probably experiencing a lot of difficult emotions. It is normal to feel the way you do under these circumstances.

I would recommend getting some advice before you talk to the police. Talk to your local R Crisis Centre if you have one. They can help prepare you for what to expect, in more specific ways for your location.

Sometimes they can accompany you to make the report. They can also provide counselling to help with what you are experiencing.

But also please keep reaching out here, there are lots of supportive people. Sometimes it helps to read about others experiences as well and know that you are not alone.

If you do some searches here, you may find more specific information about the reporting process in other threads, or in the section under legal and reporting.

take good care of yourself. I hope you have some support in friends or family as well.

[marley13]

Thank you all so much! I did decide to go to the police and report it.. It's going to be a very long and frustrating process. One officer was so great with me.. The other not so much. I felt like I was the one in the wrong and that maybe I shouldn't have went.. I hope it just goes up from here. They have to talk to my attacker and get his side of the story and I'm very worried.

[louiseroi]

Supporting you. Expect a lot of lies and counter accusations. Its classic perp behaviour, and professionals who have to deal with crimes like this a lot, recognise that. So just stick to the facts and try not to let it get to you.

[marley13]

Okay. Thank you

[sunshinee]

Hello Marley13,

Welcome to Aftersilence. I'm sorry about the events that have lead you to here!

As for reporting to the police.. I would recommend getting a support person. Even if you went to a local rape crisis center or you could call an anonymous line. If you would like I could guide you into that direction. Everyone has different experiences reporting to the police..when I did it they wanted to know every single detail...and since it happened to me when I was child I didn't remember some exact things. I'm not trying to scare you just saying you should talk to someone so you have someone to support you before, during and after the process if you choose to go ahead.

Mandy

NST