Who do I go to? Historical crime

[littleredberries]

I'm living abroad in Europe now but finally thinking about reporting a historical case of childhood sexual assault. I have no idea who to turn to on this matter because I live abroad. The crime happened 18 years ago in Wales. Any help appreciated. No idea where to start...

Do you know where the perpetrator lives now or even if they're still alive?

Go to your local police first, they should know the protocol.

The police local to where the crime took place I would have thought. Is the perpetrator still alive?

You can phone the police station near to where it was and tell them that you want to make the report. Or have a look for the website of the police force - for example South Wales allow you to report a crime online. www.south-wales.police.uk/ro/report/ocr/af/how-to-report-a-crime/

Good luck

No idea if he's still alive, no.

I told a parent it happened but they didn't go to the police. If I report will I be dropping them in it? Something I don't think I want to do.

I doubt they'll be dropped in it (though they should be, tbh.) It shouldn't stop you from making a report, though.

@littleredberries what is it you want to get out of making the report? I only say this as a friend did a similar thing recently and their already fragile mental health took a real battering at having to recall lots of details etc for the whole thing to go absolutely no where. Just make sure you know what you are hoping to achieve and what you may realistically achieve.

Your own health is the most important thing here. Do only what would help you the most.

Phone the police for advice- and they WILL take you seriously.

A few years ago (I'm going to try and be careful here with keeping details unidentifiable) somebody near us reported childhood abuse from around 25 years ago. It was credible, and supported. The police were amazing and got a conviction. BUT, in the process another victim from a similar time period came forward. They have also just got a conviction. Word on the grapevine is that now several more victims have come forward.

It's a very big deal for all those people- but, my understanding is that the biggest thing is suddenly being able to find that they're not alone, and there are other people who understand.

Good luck, OP- and I'm sorry it happened to you. In the case I'm talking about, I don't think any of the parents would have done anything if their children has said anything. Which is partly why the perpetrator chose them. But he also swore them to secrecy and manipulated them into them believing they needed to do that.

I've recently reported a historical assault from a locum GP when I was 18. Like you I had no idea who or where he was as years had passed nor who to contact to report. I managed to find something online where you could report historical abuse from GPs and provided as much evidence as possible. I spent hours on it and it took me years to actually pluck up the courage to do anything. After a few weeks I got a response back saying sorry they can't do anything to help! No explanation of why just sorry we can't help you. I was appalled. Good luck because this take courage to do and people need to listen and act.

I'll also add it made me feel utterly stupid, like what I'd reported was insignificant. This GP became aroused whilst examining me and pressed his erection into my outer thigh and gently cupped my breast asking if it hurt. I regret not acting on it at the time. It haunts me to this day. I'm sorry for what your going through:-(