To press charges for rape/violence against Ex partner?

[thenshewasgone]

Name changed.
I have a date to give video statement with the police against my ex partner for rape, sexual assault and violence.

I just wondered if anyone had any idea what evidence they will want or will take?

I have been in two refuges, I have a written detailed log of every time he raped or assaulted me. Text messages from him admitting to abusing me. Plus an audio recording of him talking about when he has sexually abused me.
I do not have doctors or medical evidence, I could not visit a professional at the time even if I had wanted to, I was locked inside the house, my phone was checked constantly, I was never allowed anywhere on my own.

AIBU to think this is worth trying for a conviction or it is just putting myself through more emotional hell for nothing?

Any advice or anyone’s experience would be really appreciated.

At the end of the day, it is the CPS who decide what charges and IF to press charges. Although without your evidence in chief then it will not go anywhere anyway. Honestly, I’d give the statement as once you’ve done that, the hard bit is over. There is a huge wait for court right now, so things will be delayed.

No idea on what evidence is needed, but the decision as to whether to prosecute or not will be based on the evidence you provide.

Do it! Mine for prosecuted for violence, photos, my statement and his which was an admission. Once the provide your statements etc, you just wait on CPS . They charged him on a lower charge of assault than the police wanted but still a charge, he was bailed on court bail which he actually took seriously. One hearing for plea, one for sentencing, the plea one was good, the sentencing harder emotionally. Overall I felt like my voice was heard and some justice was done!

I did exactly this several years ago. It wasn’t easy and I know some people have awful experiences but I found it ok. The police were amazing. The hardest thing was waiting long periods of time between anything happening.

He got 6 years with a minimum term of 4 years. There is also a life restraining order meaning he can’t contact me or my child.

Thank you @Namechange224578 and @BPSCSS can I ask if the evidence I said I have in my original post will be enough do you think? As I am certain he will plead not guilty. I think googling about rape convictions has made me even more panicked he will get off with no charges

@thenshewasgone I had no evidence at all and he was still convicted. It sounds like you have lots of evidence and so will be in a much stronger position.

@Namechange224578 thank you. I hope so. It’s terrifying and I’m dreading what his reaction will be if they call him in for questioning. I believe they do that before it even gets submitted to CPS?

Well ultimately CPS will decide on that but your evidence sounds strong. The police and CPS do all the work so its not the emotional hell you think! Also because he will be keen to get the 1/3 reduction in sentence for pleading guilty, he may be less full of himself when faced with a possible prison sentence and may pleadd guility.

They will question him before it goes to the CPS.

One thing to know is don’t be surprised if you get no indication from the police about how your case might go. I honestly couldn’t tell if they thought there was a strong case at all despite asking them many times. It was only afterwards that they told me they knew he’d be convicted because he caught himself up in lies during the interview. I think they don’t want to get your hopes up.

The police tend to also give you the worst case scenario so don't panic. I found victim support a bit airy but others might find them useful, when it came to getting through to the court, they had a secret number!

@Namechange224578 and @BPSCSS thanks so much. Did you both give video evidence? The police officer told me I will be questioned in giving evidence as if they don’t believe me/in a style his solicitor may. Was it awful? It’s the thought of not being believed that’s the worst thing. I feel physically sick that a jury could find him not guilty after everything he has put myself and my two children through. He could say I’m making it all up and the photos of injuries to myself and the children weren’t from him for example. I’m terrified of him.

The video interview really wasn’t as bad as I expected. Some of the questions were tough but in many ways it was a relief to tell someone. It was the first time I’d really divulged it to anyone.

Mine pleaded guilty, so I didn't have to give evidence. I had the option of reading out my victim impact statement but the defence team could have then questioned me on it. As his defence team was really good, I wasn't taking that risk.