Emotional abuse and neglect

[peachmint]

Sorry to start yet another thread but I didn't want to hijack the others. I was neglected and emotionally abused in childhood. (I suspect other stuff but lack clear memories.)

I spoke to a solicitor who said that, for a civil case of this kind that's out of time, they would need a police conviction. I spoke to the NSPCC and told them everything I do remember, and the advisor said: "You need to tell the police about this. It was abuse."

I have anxiety and PTSD, so am affected in the present. What I'm wondering is: what would happen if I reported this to police? What if some of it is my word against theirs? I have a sibling who is older and unlikely to help me with this.

What would be the likelihood of a criminal case? Would it be made public - would people know they'd been arrested and what for, and my name made public? The thought of that freaks me out.

I keep ringing helplines and being told to report it but I don't know if I can. What would happen? Would they want to go through all my stuff to check I was telling the truth? I know it sounds ridiculous but I have no idea what to expect.

I don't know what to do. I wish someone else would report it for me so the choice would be out of my hands.

I think you should call the non emergency number and talk to them about it.

They will be able to advise next steps, and should put you in contact with a Victim Liaison Officer of some sort.

I'm sorry for your experience.

Once you have reported, a specialist child protection DC would be in touch (cpt deal with historic as well as current cases). They will come and see you and then go over your first free recall account. Then you would have a cognitive interview with an expert officer who is trained in probing to obtain information.
Then an investigation would take place, there are multiple potential results depending on what evidence they have and how you feel

I currently have a familial sexual abuse case which took place in the 70s. The only evidence in that case is statements from the victim and her friends/family but it will still go to trial and has a good chance of being found guilty. So it can and does happen

And they will work from the tenet that you are telling the truth. Any going through of your stuff would be to get evidence to support the case, not to try and prove you are lying.

Thank you for your replies. I'm not sure I can face it yet but it helps to have more understanding of the process, thank you.