Pressing charges for rape

[JustThinking]

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Must have been pretty bad JustThinking

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Do you have a close friend to help accompany you to report, if not please consider talking to a helpline or drop in centre as they can help if you feel unable to discuss with friends and don't want to go immediately to the police although they are not as bad as you may imagine

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Just because a condom was used doesn't mean there will be no DNA, especially if you were injured. Did your GP ask about it? It may be worth going to the Police, etc just to give information, even if you don't decide to go any further with the matter at present. It may help another case if this person is a prolific offender (they often are), or its something that can be kept open in case you decide to press charges int he future.

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Also, just because you were 'silly' and 'put yourself at risk' doesn't mean this was your fault or an excuse for this to happen. No means no, or if informed consent wasn't given (i.e. you were drunk, using drugs or whatever), then it was rape. The police will recognise that too.

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Recent changes in the law (Sexual Offences Bill reforms) have been very good in that sense. This is something i feel very strongly about.

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Put the unwashed clothing into a bag and put it somewhere safe for whenever you make up your mind what to do.

Ok, have spoken to DP, who is a police officer. He says there is no time limit on when you can report it. It can be years and years. They may well speak to friends. I am that if you have been left in that state the GP didn't question it, but at the same time he/she would be an excellent witness for you in court, and such damage would really 'prove' your point for want of a better way of putting it. You really need to talk to your local police to try and do something about this, they will also be able to refer you to specialist counsellor who will be able to help you in the long term, because after such an ordeal as this, you will need help, if not now, than probably worse, later. Sorry for sounding so crass, but it really is something you need to address. I am so sorry for you and I hope that you are as Ok as you can be.

Don't have any advice for you but I wanted to say I'm so sorry this happened to you. It wasn't your fault.

Please don't worry over whether you were drunk or drugged or otherwise it's still an offence and you are not to blame - try and report if you can

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i have to go to bed now but i will check this in the morning and please CAT me if you need my help in any way.

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no real advice, just wanted to show support.

Doesn't matter if you were drunk - there is no excuse and it's absolutely not your fault regardless of the circumstances.

Doesn't matter if you had had 1 drink, 20 drinks or no drinks... no one had the right to take advantage of you in this situation. I would advise you to go to a specialist clinic if you can as they will probably be more helpful in dealing with the situation (and your injuries) in light of the fact that it was a sexual assualt. Your GP may not know the best way to deal with a sexual assualt and it is a shame to keep having to have examinations when only 1 is necessary if it is carried out by a professional who (unfortunately) deals with this sort of thing all the time. They will still be able to refer you for surgery / further gynae assessment if you need it and will know the right questions to ask in terms of gathering evidence, etc.

What area roughly of the country are you in JT? I know you want to stay annonymous but if you could just give me some idea I might be more help!

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Of course you're scared hon, I would be too, but there are so many people who can help you and make the best out of a terrible situation. CAT me and I'll get back to you ASAP.

Yes.