Is there any point in even trying *trigger warning, rape*

[Barbaryellen]

When I was a young teenager I was particularly vulnerable due to my upbringing and unfortunately (but sadly predictably) was targeted by men and raped by at least three. I didn’t see it for what it was at the time but now I’m in my 40s I can see it very clearly and am working through the trauma in counselling. My question is, (and I’m not sure this is even what I would choose to do) is there any chance of a conviction happening if I were to go to the police now? I know the full name of two of them and the first (fairly unusual) name of one, plus the place where they lived at the time. Like I said, I would have to weigh up very carefully whether it’s something I would even pursue, but I have no idea what the realistic chances are of anything happening as a result if I did, so there’s not much point me deliberating if not. Is there anyone who has gone through this themselves or knows the system who could advise me please? If it’s the case that I just have to work through it without ever reporting it then that’s what I’ll do.

trigger warning

I reported a historic rape case 4 years ago. I can tell my "story" and hope it answers some questions. It was a bit different to yours as I was only 7 and it was more than once by a friend of my much older brothers. I wrestled over whether or not to report for many many years, my main reason for reporting was the feeling that he could be doing it to other children.

When I first reported it the police were very kind and helpful, I had to make a statement and then also make a video statement on the same day as reporting (I was unprepared for this) all I could remember about the guy was his name and what school he went to and when. The police found him of this information.

To cut a long story short, it was sent to the CPS who decided I had a case, i had to wait two years for it to go to court. I had no contact until about 3 months before it went to court from anyone and when I finally did it was a case of if they could have fucked it up they did, it was an absolute joke.

He was found not guilty by the jury, I feel in part due to the many fuck ups. BUT I got to walk away knowing I had done all I could, I got to sit in court and make sure he knew exactly what he'd done. Before I reported it I literally thought about it every single day, it ruined my life but reporting it allowed me to.move on and be free of the guilt and the wondering.

Ultimately it is your desicion whether to report or not and there is no right or wrong answer. I can answer more questions if you have them.

Thank you @Digitalash, I really appreciate you posting and I’m so sorry that happened. I will have a think about what you’ve said