in court tomorrow. No McKenzie friend. Help

[sleepysloth65]

Just had a bit of a panic and am dreading facing my ex tomorrow regarding an injunction I have against him. I am due in court and haven't seen him for weeks. He's abusive and nasty, I spoke to NCDV this morning and they tried their best to find me a McKenzie friend but they don't have any available for where I am in the country.

I just don't want to go. I'm scared of him and desperate not to see him.

Please help. Words of wisdom. Advice. Anything. I feel physically unwell.

Tea with sugar can help. Thinking of you.

Have you called yet, OP? You can do this.

Thinking of you, OP.

I'm so sorry OP, I hope you're doing okay. You should find the Witness Service at the court to support you, they are volunteers who will sit with you, listen to you and help you through the process. You can ask the member of the service you meet to sit in the public gallery if you give evidence, for additional comfort. This service is available across the UK. They will also be able to refer you to local organizations to help you, as well as claim back any costs you've incurred going to court.

Good luck, and best wishes.

Sat in the waiting room. They've given me a separate room to wait in. I feel so so sick. Still got an hour and a half to to

We are all with you in spirit sleepy. Have you had something to eat and drink? A book to distract you? Phone games?

Thinking of you OP - hope it all goes ok. Stay calm, breathe & just get through it one step at a time.

You can do this op.

Have you asked for screens? It may be possible even at this late stage?

Take your strength in there with you. Visualise the most powerful woman you can think of, yes, and now you are her. Shoulders back, chin up and you walk in and you own the court, this is your moment to turn things around.

Do not look at your ex dp, do not speak or look in his direction. He is completely and utterly invisible to you. Do not respond to him in any way whatsoever. He can not scare you if you stone wall his existence. Be very strong about this op. If he shouts or says anything please ignore it.

You can do this. We are all right behind you.

Have you made the courts aware of how you are feeling?
Please tell them. They are there to support you as much as anything else.

I am so proud of you, you have already come this far. By this evening you and your child will be at home and this will all be over, you can do this hun

oh lovely. hang on in there. you are nearly there.

Thinking of you OP

When you're speaking, look at the judge, not your ex. Speak as clearly as you can. If you are asked a question, answer honestly. If you don't understand the question, say so. It's okay to be nervous. The judge will understand that, especially given the nature of the court proceedings

Waiting around is the worst bit. Once you get started, it may not be as bad as you fear. There might be a separate exit you could leave, when you leave the building

Thinking of you OP.
Hope you're ok.

How are you?meeting a stranger is daunting but I am happy to help if you are near Ipswich as know the court quite well xx

Thanks everyone. I'm ok. I don't think I'll need to meet anyone from here just yet but I will keep you all in mind just in case. It's incredibly kind and you are all amazing.

I'm tired. Stressed. It went really well. The judge was incredibly kind. Very warm and wasn't impressed when my ex asked for my address... went as well as I could've hoped. I think he's going to contest it but hey ho.

He revealed that there's a hearing for a CAO in 3 weeks that I had no idea about!

I'm so glad you're okay, and proud you got through it successfully - I'm glad the judge didn't . For the hearing in three weeks, you can get in touch with victim support via the number for your local area here (www.victimsupport.org.uk/help-and-support/get-help/support-near-you/east-england) who will be able to provide a support worker to attend with you and keep you calm as well as help you work through the rest of the process. I'm so shocked the police haven't been helping you access these resources properly, and it's clear the communication you've received has been more than inadequate.

Well done - you are amazing and strong, and you will get through this.

Well done 💐

Well done lovely! You got this xxx

You can attend with a MF & they can register by filling out a form on arrival at court. I was also in court today & my MF did this.

Well done!! You did it!! 💐💐💐

Good for you OP.
And every day, you build yourself a better, stronger layer.