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Why now? ****TRIGGER WARNING - Rape***

12 replies

Wondering11 · 03/03/2020 03:46

Not really sure why I am writing this or what I hope to achieve by doing so. Maybe I hope to speak with people who have experienced similar or just understand. Maybe I like that I can be open anonymously? Who knows!

13 years ago I was raped by someone I knew. I went to the police but withdrew from reporting as in my opinion, they treated me horrifically during the exam , I went to the police the same night, I was drunk during the event so it was almost like I was automatically tarred with a brush. My mum put in a complaint at the time.

This spiralled really, and it felt like noone really believed me. Does ‘no’ not mean no if you’ve had alcohol? Does telling someone to get off or hysterically crying not indicate to stop when drunk??

I can honestly say that feeling like noone believed me was worse then the event itself. That feeling of people thinking you made this whole thing up. I was forced to see my rapist because I didn’t go through with the charge untill finally they were forced out of the environment on an unrelated issue. (Don’t want to give to much away)

I pushed the whole thing down, I never wanted to think or speak about it again. I was relieved I did not have to see him again and felt it was a fresh start. Until now, It never really surfaced.

For some reason, it’s been on my mind of recent. I don’t know what’s triggered it but I couldn’t sleep. I booked the doctors to ask for some sleeping medication and I broke down. Told him everything. I think it was actually the first time since the night it happened I said the words ‘I was raped’ He was so nice. He listened, he believed! Offered me counciling sessions and what to do etc which I am considering. On reflection I think the event has caused me some issues with myself I hadn’t quite linked together before.

Anyway, here is my biggest issue. I feel like speaking with the doctor almost opened a flood gate as at the weekend, after a few drinks, I was having a deep conversation with my DPs friend’s GF and told her. This really isnt like me. I then also had to have the conversation with my partner about it all as I was in fear he’d hear it from her or her DP.

She was lovely about it, and has text me unrelated since but i’m filled with fear she may not think it was true. Thinking why the hell did i tell her? I am thinking myself why and want to go back. I didn’t want attention .

My partner has also been lovely but I just feel so anxious now. Will people wonder why I have suddenly brought it up? And why have I now? Why can’t it just go away again. Has anyone been through this?

OP posts:
Chocolatethief · 03/03/2020 03:52

I want to start of with I believe you, when I went through stuff i kept it quiet for years and didnt think about it but then it suddenly was all I could think about when awake and have nightmares about when asleep I still struggle with it now. I was scared I wouldn't be believed and still have thoughts like that. I think you should take the help the doctor offered and see of you have any charities near you that can offer support as well.

Chocolatethief · 03/03/2020 03:52

It is not your fault, it doesnt matter that you were drunk it is never ok.

Wondering11 · 03/03/2020 04:01

Thank you so much
I think I am in fear of people wondering if it’s true, why am I randomly bringing it up now?

I am going to take the councilling.

On reflection I think alot of my worry and anxiety comes from the event. I hate being spontaneous and struggle when plans change and I have no control over it, I really can’t cope well.

OP posts:
AllTheWhoresOfMalta · 03/03/2020 04:15

I believe you Wondering11

I was abused as a teenager and also went to the police 13yrs ago. I was treated very badly, all by Male officers, sneered at and told that it was illegal and bad etc (although not in a tone that told me they believed that!) but would just by my word against his in court, so no point pursuing it.... I’ve been told by several people now that if I reported it now, it would be dealt with much differently. I never would though because of how it was handled the first time. I felt like a liar and that I was being sneered at by a boys club who couldn’t have cared less about me.

As for why it surfaces.... I can’t tell you that. I’ve actually had some of my worse flashbacks during the happiest times of my life. I’ve realised most of my triggers now, but only with extensive therapy and work on myself as a person.

Good luck with everything OP. And once again: I believe you.

Chocolatethief · 03/03/2020 04:20

That's my biggest fear as well. Well done for taking the counselling and that's understandable it can be hard to understand how it can happen.

Toomanygerbils · 03/03/2020 04:20

You have nothing to be ashamed of or feel bad for, like others have said you have done absolutely nothing wrong and I also believe you 100%

You talked about something very significant to you and that is a major thing when you’ve kept it a secret for so long. It’s great you’re taking the counselling and I wish you the best with that. You’ve probably not been ready until now, but you are now are you will get through this!

Wondering11 · 03/03/2020 04:50

This has made me feel so much better. I am booking my appointment to make the councilling plan today.

I have since moved countries so I don’t think I could go back an report it now, I don’t think I would want to either. But i want to work on coping mechanisms for myself an work on the knock on effects in my anxiety I think it’s had.

I am lucky my partner has been really nice . He was upset . But i think we need a bigger conversation too.

OP posts:
Wondering11 · 03/03/2020 09:16

Thanks again all

OP posts:
ittakes2 · 03/03/2020 10:28

I am very sorry you have been through this. After trying to push something away / bury it for almost 40 years my advice to you is to please deal with this so you can process it and have some sort of closure or it might always be lingering in the background. My experience in particular resurfaced when I was pregnant and at different times in my children's lives, but I now have closure and I am so pleased I have. I hope you have the counselling. Most importantly please be kind to yourself - it is OK you told this woman as I think you needed to get it out and its your mind trying to tell you this.

user1423578854468 · 03/03/2020 10:38

I believe you and I'm sorry this happened to you. I know how destructive it is to not be believed. It's not your fault it's affected you and it wasn't your fault it happened to you in the first place.

I'm glad you've got a plan for your next steps. It's common for trauma to rear up many years later when it's finally safe enough for us to start processing and healing. So in a really crappy way it's a positive thing that it's come to the surface now. It means you can move from just surviving by pushing it down to really healing.

Be kind to yourself if you can. Flowers

Kmx123 · 03/03/2020 19:54

I know this sounds bad but i wish there was like a chat forum specifically for this i was raped at 14 multiple times i was a virgin at the time and i feel like it has ruined my entire adult life ive made self destructive decisions lost all my self worth was in a abusive relationship for years i fee like damages goods i feel dirty i went through a faze of being promiscuous i am completely de sensitised during sex and with my emotions i have never come to terms with it and dont think i ever will i feel unworthy of being loved or happy

BraveGoldie · 04/03/2020 10:37

I just wanted to say to all of you who have experienced such horrible injustice and harm how sorry I am.

With no experience of anything similar, it would be wrong for me to offer any advice. But I do want to say I believe you. I am sorry for your pain and all the other awful fallouts of what happened. I am incredibly angry on your behalf. And I hope to the depths of my heart that you can finally find healing, peace and happiness.

DaffodilDaffodil

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