Reporting historic abuse (TW)

[WildflowerWildfire]

I was groomed and sexually abused by my driving instructor when I was 17. I’m 31 now and I have absolutely no evidence to show to the police. I regret so much not reporting it at the time but I believed it was my fault, and I didn’t think they’d ever believe me.

Is there any point reporting this now or should I let it go?

Contact your local Sexual Assault Referral Centre and have a chat with them. There are options other than reporting to the police, but ime the police won't tell you about them.

What sort of options do you mean?

I would report to the police. You never know, there might be a pattern of behaviour, other girls might not have been believed. The more evidence the better.
It was never your fault. He is a predator. There was a thread recently where the OPs daughter was assaulted by her driving instructor and lots of people said the same thing happened to them, it’s so horrifically common, I can’t find the thread though.

Report to the police. Even if you've no evidence beyond your word, if other victims come forward with their own evidence the police can build a case. Pieces of a jigsaw.

I think driving instructors only recently came under the grooming/position of authority with children under 18 thing. I can't think of the right words for it atm but the rules that apply to teachers etc.-- so if he groomed you/abused his position but was never "forceful" about it then I don't think it would even be countable as a crime as it wasn't illegal at the time. It's shit.

@DdraigGoch

Report to the police. Even if you've no evidence beyond your word, if other victims come forward with their own evidence the police can build a case. Pieces of a jigsaw.

Do this OP.

If nothing else you will be helping others which may give you comfort.

You were totally innocent in this.

What a creep.

I did. I called 101 late at night and spent an hour on the phone to a special officer. The next morning the Sergent of CP called me and assigned an officer to my case. He was highly trained and I felt safe. He investigated and found the person had several reports and offered me some options. Eventually I decided to allow my statement to be kept on file along with the others in the event any further allegations were made. A friend at the time also gave a statement and the whole experience was incredibly healing. I know how stretched at the moment but they never showed it, I was given as much time as needed. I am so eternally grateful to all the people I spoke to. The main thing I can tell you is that initially reporting it won't force you into anything, you can withdraw at any time.

Just to add I live 3500 miles away from my home town and this was all done via teams.

Feel free to ask me anything, this has literally just happened. X

Mine was from 1985.

Report it right away, don’t let them get away with what they did to you, & what they will continue to do to other people. You can contact Women’s Aid if you don’t want to talk to the Police, they’re very supportive.