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.

I am so sorry this happened, and that you’re being further victimized by what seems like a complete lack of concern for your wellbeing, and your rights. What a disgrace 🤬

NC as it's quite a personal story.

The police are rubbish. My mum was raped about 10ish years ago. They had the guys DNA, text messages apologising, and him admitting it, yet the case was thrown out because they "didnt have enough evidence"

Keep pressing, if not go to the papers. (My friend was assaulted on the tube, and again the case was thrown out as the cctv wasn't working)

I had my case "reviewed" but of course it was reviewed by police that agreed with themselves! Not much help. I made a complaint and yes I got an apology and promises on what had been "improved" since I was raped. I don't believe a word of it. Sorry you're going through this. It is truly shit.

@Ilovefluffysheep That's not true - the police make a decision as to whether to put the case to the CPS for a charging decision in the first place. They can refuse to do that (which I imagine is what happened here given the timescales).

@mynameiscalypso that isn't strictly true (unless it has changed in the 18 months I've been out, in which case apologies).

There are certain lower level crimes where a decision to prosecute doesn't have to be made by the CPS, and can instead be made by a "police decision maker". This is generally a Custody Sergeant, Detective Sergeant etc. Things like simple shoplifting, criminal damage etc with no aggravating factors, and where the suspect doesn't have a whole list of other similar offences they have been prosecuted for previously.

For anything else, it will still be reviewed by a police decision maker who may ask for certain enquiries to be completed, but will ultimately go to the CPS for a decision. And sadly, I can well believe the timescales. This isn't the thread for politics, but the police are chronically underfunded with officer numbers lower than ever carrying absolutely huge workloads, and it is the same for the CPS lawyers. Shit but true.

I have no idea if this will work, as never added an image before, but this is a flowchart of the decision making process.

Now I don’t have any links etc but I did believe that you had a right to appeal against a cps decision......

www.cps.gov.uk/legal-guidance/victims-right-review-scheme

Is this of any help op??

@Ilovefluffysheep It may have been different in the force where you worked but I can guarantee that there's a stage in rape/sexual assault allegations where the SIO reviews the evidence and decides whether it's worth sending it to the CPS. A lot of cases end up dropped at that stage (based on what the DCI told me). I've been through the process myself (as a victim) so am very well acquainted with the process.

I don't believe it has been looked at by CPS. The detective I spoke to said that his Sergeant would look at it. I'm awaiting an appointment to discuss reasoning and who made the decision. I am going with a sexual assault counsellor who has a better understanding of this. Many thanks for the advice given so far. The statistics for these kind of attacks is truly shocking.

Fingerprints on hand, footprint on leg. There were many more bruises etc.

You poor thing op :(

@Ilovefluffysheep how can a charge of assault not be made considering injuries sustained? Really struggling to understand x

I am shocked at those injuries. No advice just virtual hugs

IME the police are a waste of fucking time. Dropped my DD's case after a piss poor attempt to investigate. Appealed decision...rejected.... paid a lawyer to challenge them... rejected again...... lawyer challenged their failings again.....police then sent case to independent review...they recommended it should have gone to CPS.... CPS wouldn't touch it as rejected by police twice.

I have to say though, it will have been the CPS that have made this decision, NOT the police

Not true.

These people are trying to change things www.crowdjustice.com/case/justice-after-rape/

So sorry op. I've been there and my life was ruined

This was almost another 'it was rough sex" defence wasn't it?
Sorry op, I have no advice, but I am outraged on your behalf. Police are shit and there is no justice for women.

Insist this is reviewed by the CPS. On the face of it, that case passes the "threshold test" so the police have to send to CPS.

If they say no prosecution, the victim has a "right of review" by a senior CPS lawyer manager

Dont be fobbed off xx

Jesus Christ OP I'm so sorry for what you went through, how traumatising and utterly appalling that nothing will come of it.

I would log a formal complaint honestly as if they think bruises, missing fingernails and other INJURIES come from a 'consensual' kiss they seriously need training.

Fuckers.