Rape, triggering..ch4 prog tonight

[IBelieveYou123]

Watching the programme on ch 4 , called Rape:who's on trial?

I just wanted to tell you my experience of this very police force.

From the moment my then 15 year old daughter told me she had been raped by a 30 year old man (a month after the event), she was adamant she did not want to go to the police. She said they would say it was her fault, that was if they believed her.

Myself and her adult older sister persuaded her she needed to. Then took her to the police station.

They were fantastic from the beginning. They accepted and believed her. Not for one moment did they make her feel bad, or disbelieved.

She went to a special house for video interview.

She was told she would be protected in court, but agreed she would stand up and tell them what happened ("I'm telling the truth, why wouldn't I?")

Then he pleaded guilty.

We were treated like royalty in court at his sentencing. The support and help we got as a family through the whole process was fantastic.

I cannot fault them.

Anyone who has been through this.... I believe you.

For those interested, here is their report of the case, it's pretty accurate,including our quotes.

www.avonandsomerset.police.uk/news/2021/07/bridgwater-man-jailed-for-child-sex-offences/

Glad of the outcome for your dd and your family. That's great hopefully she can now rebuild bafyer the trauma. Unfortunately yours is not the experience that a lot/majority have with the judicial system. It's a real problem and allows rapists to walk free.

Best wishes to you and your daughter. My own case has been dealt with by Kent police and have been treated with the utmost respect all the way.

Brett, I'm glad your experience was the same as ours.

Cheeeeislifenow, I'm sorry if you have had an experience different to this, but this is about trying to encourage ppl to come forward, even though it's hard.

I just wanted to give our experience, against the backdrop of the programme, which was far more negative.

Did he get a long enough sentence? No, of course not, how long would have been long enough?

Still, he was guilty. He is on the sex offenders register when he gets out. His DDs are protected. He cannot contact my DD.

My case is just about to be sent off to the CPS and involves my (now ex-) husband. I was interested in the stats that 60% of cases that go to trial get a conviction. Gives me hope that the stress of living in limbo for the last 2 years might not have been in vain.

Oh Brett, I'm hoping so too.

2 years is far too long to wait.