Aibu to expect police to do their job? Trigger... Attempted rape.

[Almostalive]

So, long story short, I was attacked in January. Police have decided there is no case. I understand proving attempted rape is difficult but I fought. I fought for my life. Lumps, bumps, bruises, missing fingernails. Does anybody have any advice going forward? Obviously I am going to appeal this decision. Thanks if you got this far.

No advice but I’m so sorry you went through this.
Hopefully you did some damage to your attacker when you fought back - what a disgusting human being. Hugs

I’m sorry you went through that OP.

I found this link:

northyorkshire.police.uk/news/victims-now-have-the-right-to-appeal-against-a-police-no-further-action-decision/

Jessica Eaton does a lot of research into women’s issues and treatment of rape by the police. I don’t know if she’s published anything on this specifically but it might be worth looking.

Thanks x I read the article relating to Yorkshire but I am in Cheshire. 5 months on and I have still not been put in touch with Victim Support, nor do I have a counsellor. It was only when I made a complaint 2 weeks after reporting I was assigned a CID officer. I believe my rights have not been taken into account and more worryingly he is free to attack anyone now.

It’s hard to advise you without knowing more about why the police have come to this decision, OP.

No advice OP, but I am so sorry that you have experienced something so horrific.

I hope others can help.

So sorry, OP, both for what you went through and for the disappointing decision.

Is it the police or the CPS who made the decision not to prosecute? I believe the CPS still operate a policy of not prosecuting unless they consider that there is a better than 50% chance of a guilty verdict.

I think this should be changed, given the appallingly low conviction rates for sex offences. These animals will keep offending if they don't have to face the risk of a guilty verdict and imo this policy puts all women at risk.

It's a bloody disgrace.

I have no advice to offer, just commiserations. DS1's girlfriend was raped a couple of years ago. The police were very clear that they believed her but eventually we learned that the CPS had decided to drop it. It's total shit. And I'd be interested if anyone turns up on this thread with advice on what you can doz though I assume it's too late in son's girlfriend's case.

I'm not sure where in England you're based but if possible you should attempt to contact an ISVA in your local area - they would be best placed to advise re. the criminal justice process. You should also be able to self refer to your local victim support service. If you check on the Gov.uk site under victims and witnesses you'll get a full break down of your rights as a victim of crime.
I am so sorry this has happened to you

cheshiresarc.org.uk/
Just saw you're in Cheshire.

Apparently the decision was made because 'he is a big guy'. Awaiting appointment to see if decision was made by police or CPS. I want to do this face to face so I'm awaiting an appointment. 2nd class citizen as a woman I guess. 😔

I'm so sorry, OP.

Have you contacted your MP? There should be a contact email here.

Apparently the decision was made because 'he is a big guy'

Sorry, I really don’t understand.

I wish you the best of luck in your challenge to this decision.

No idea how you'd take the forward but I'm posting to keep this thread bumped for you, and I wish you all the very best - I'm so sorry this has happened to you x

Although not quite the same, I have a feeling of exasperation as my daughter was raped 16 months ago (reported 12 months ago). The police have not closed the case, but we just get an email every six weeks to say that there has been no significant development. He knows where we live, and I don’t sleep easily at night because of this.

Sorry, long time lurker. I'm not sure how to tag people and respond. My assailant says that there was consensual kissing and he hurt me in the process because he is a big guy. Apparently this seems feasible to the police. FWIW I have been with my fiancé for 10 years, engaged and there is not one single night out with the girls that I have strayed or even come close! So sorry for other people's experiences of a truly fucked up system. 💐

My assailant says that there was consensual kissing and he hurt me in the process because he is a big guy.

The police think it’s feasible that you lost fingernails through kissing?

You don’t have to share this but did it happen in public? No witnesses?

You have a right to review no matter where you are in the country (police detective here, former rape/sex assault specialist). When you find out who made the decision ask for the process of how to request it.

Oh and in terms of support they should have put you in touch with an ISVA. You can self refer to a SARC - I think Cheshire is covered by the Saint Mary’s Centre in Manchester.

My neighbour is going through something similar, I can't post any details, but I can tell you that counselling is no longer offered because 'you are not supposed to discuss the case'. Also, the details will be given to the prosecution and used during the trial. This is completely unacceptable, and its a recent change.

Unfortunately it’s not about ‘feasible’, it’s about proof. There are set criteria that need to be met for a charge to be supported by CPS. If those ‘Points To Prove’ aren’t met it is often charge refused by CPS, not the police officer. Any elements of doubt will be classed as ‘possible defences’ which the offender/his barrister would use in court. A jury cannot give a guilty decision unless it’s ‘beyond reasonable doubt.’ The lack of victim care is shocking, did they not even supply you any leaflets/info how to contact the appropriate authorities for victims.

Speaking as someone in the police, and as a victim of attempt rape in the past.

Sorry, OP, it’s shit, I would definitely recommend contacting Rape Crisis etc and ask your GP for counselling. I didn’t deal with mine for over 20 years, and regret it.

This did not happen in public. As a 40+year old woman I naively thought I was safe. There were 2 males involved. One attacked me whilst the other sat in the next room listening to my screams. Basically it's 2 against one. The only reason he stopped is because I said/screamed I was on my period. I wasn't.

Jesus @Almostalive

Definitely speak to Rape Crisis

OP, I’m sorry to hear about your experience. I’m pleased to hear you are challenging the decision. Do find out as soon as possible what the time limit is on any review of the decision? I know of someone who complained about a CPS decision not to prosecute a man for DV, and the outcome was that her complaint was upheld- they agreed he should have been prosecuted, but it was more than 6 months ago so there was nothing they could do.

The police are a joke in recent years. I called them about being attacked by someone - they didn't come out or attempt any investigation. I also called them after seeing a man with a gun in the street - they didn't come out or do any investigation.

I'm so sorry for what you went through.

I have to say though, it will have been the CPS that have made this decision, NOT the police. I think it is so unfair that the police get slated about things like this when it isn't them that have made the decision, due to a general lack of understanding of the system. I don't mean that personally op, please don't take it that way, but I wish that the way decisions to prosecute were made was more open and people understood it.

I'm sure people will come on here knocking the police and the way they investigate things, and have personal experiences of those things, and by all means, people should complain about that to the police.

As an ex police officer myself, one of the hardest things to do is to phone or speak to a victim of crime to tell that that the CPS have made a decision not to prosecute, even when you don't agree with that decision. I wish the CPS had to do it directly and get some kind of idea on how it impacts people.