Reporting historical abuse. Warning, poss triggering.

[NameoftheRose]

My OH has decided to report his father's abuse of him and his siblings, to the police, tomorrow. This won't be the first time his father's truly appalling, evil actions have been brought to the attention of the police but hopefully, with the different climate out there, something will be done this time.

Last time police were involved was about 15 years ago. FIL was reported to police by then-stepMIL for inappropriately touching their young teenage daughter. OH gave 5 hour statement to police, SIL who lives abroad gave statement to police, as well as OH's teenage sister. However one brother chose not to believe any of this and tried to protect and defend FIL.

When the report went to the CPS they didn't prosecute "because the family was divided", believe it or not. Also, and probably crucially, youngest sister refused to press charges. Naturally after that the family was even more divided.

Within 3 months of this youngest sister and FIL were staying at brother's house and he found them in bed together. Still nothing was done.

FIL is a truly evil man and we are talking extreme abuse here, rape of toddlers, beatings of children and pregnant wife serious enough to cause hospitalisation and miscarriages, boasting of rapes of young girls, much more,I'm feeling sick just typing this.

I've never met the man and never want to. OH has been estranged from him for many years. But he doesn't see why the old bastard should get away with ruining people's lives. FIL also now has plenty of contact with his little grand daughters by other family members, and they should have been protected. We have no influence over this as we have nothing at all to do with these family members and no credibility.

I'm prepared to support OH through this. What I'm wondering is, what to expect? Is he going to be let down by the authorities AGAIN? As he was all through his childhood - SS were repeatedly made aware of the brutality going on in the home and NEVER EVER did anything to protect the children and wife. He was let down again 15 years ago. Are things really different post-Saville or will this evil, child-raping and battering man be laughing at the police again?

Anyone have any idea or experiences? Please...

I'm sorry I have no idea how this will work just wanted you to know that I am listening and will be following. Good luck to you both

Thanks wallypops, support appreciated.

I sincerely hope he will get the outcome he needs, and I do agree with you on the timings.

I came across some obscene material on a laptop of someone a few years ago. I reported it anonymously as it was a really difficult situation. Nothing was done, this is a person in quite high authority.

I have never been able to get those images out of my head, they will haunt me forever. I call every so often and will keep trying I don't really know what else I can do.

I hope it goes ok for him. Surely his brother would have changed his defence now too?

Good on him for not giving up, stay strong and I sincerely hope something comes of it this time.

How extremely brave your oh is. You must be really proud of him. No idea if it will be taken seriously but he's doing the right thing and that's all he can do. I hope he gets some closure and that the children at risk are protected.

it is amazing what is allowed to go unchallenged. I am not even slightly surprised that Ian Watkins offences were ignored for so long, despite being repeatedly reported to the police.

Yes OH is being brave, I remember the toll it took on him last time the police were involved. He thought it would be worth it because his father would face justice.

I doubt he will have much family back up.

Oh my god this is just awful. Your DH is so, so brave going back go the police. best of luck to him.