Please help, my mind (and stomach) churning.

[Elfina]

I'll try and keep it short. I was going to NC but I sort of know I have nothing to be ashamed of. When I was 12, I was abuses by a teacher at school. This lasted for a year, and got pretty bad. A year or so after it ended (he left the school), I spoke about it and he was arrested. I'm not entirely clear what happened next, but I was very unwell with an eating disorder, anxiety and depression. I made a couple of suicide attempts because I was so scared of going to court and seeing him. I think the CPS decided not to pursue the case as I was too vulnerable.

Fast forward 18 years. I don't know what possessed me, but I just googled him, and up he pops. He's the head teacher of a primary school and fucking head of child protection. I don't know what to do. I need to do something. I feel so sick.

I don't know what to say to you. Look after yourself, first and foremost.

If you want to do something (which you might well do), then I really suggest phoning the police as a minimum.

Are you OK?

He shouldn't be working with children. I'd also suggest phoning the police, surely this man should be on the sex offenders register?

If you're not entirely clear what happened next could you talk to someone who was around at the time and fill in the gaps? Your parents, for example? If it never got to court but the evidence you gave at the time is still on file then the case will still be open. As recent high-profile cases of historic sexual abuse are demonstrating, there is no time-limit on prosecution. People like yourself who felt too anxious or intimidated to take it further at the time are finally getting justice as adults.

When you say you need to do something, what would you like to happen to this man?

Who would I contact? I'm in London now, but I grew up in a different city? I'm no longer in contact with my mum (for reasons indirectly related to this).

I want him to be away from children. It looks as if he now has two of his own, too.

I feel terrified that not only is he head if school, but he's the CP officer. It's like a nightmare.

I'd start with the police in the area where he currently lives. Probably the 101 non-emergency number. I'd start by saying you want to reopen a case of serious sexual abuse and take it from there. It really is horrific to think that such a person is responsible for children and has children of his own. I can tell you're nervous but, if it means anything to you, you have my sincere admiration for wanting to do something positive.

Something similar happened to me OP and mine is still teaching. I've never had the courage to do anything about it. I understand what you're going through. Feel free to PM me if you want some support. Above all else take care of yourself.

You're quite right JustTheRightBullets. Original investigating force would be better.

So sorry OP, this sounds awful for you.

Please do report this, there is no way he should be in a position of authority over children.
Places you can contact -
Social services in his area stating you urgently need to discuss a child protection issue.
The police in his area is another option as others have said.
The local education authority he is under if it's a state school.

Sending strength to you

If it's a state school then you should contact the 'LADO' which is the local authority designated officer for child protection. He will follow up with police and would have any records of any other complaints made against him. You should also contact the police. He must not do this again.

Thank you all. Stupid question, but how do I contact the local force? Any idea who I should ask to speak to? I don't want to tell everything to a receptionist

Try the police website for contact details. 101 is the general non emergency number. Say that you want to report an offence and make a statement. Good luck

Phone 101, tell them yku wish to report a case of historic sexual abuse. Usually they will the send round a uniformed officer to take an initial statement from you in which you must detail the previousreport and dealings with the police and your vunderability at the time. It will be a very basic statement. This will then be passed onto the team ehich deal withthese cases only/CID, who will arrange for you to have an interview with a specalitst interviewer on video record. This is particularly useful as it can be shown in court as your evidennce in chief. The previous files will berequested from the force initially dealing with it and you will be put in touch with witness care for support. From there on in he will be arrested and alot more investigation will go on for a case to be prepared for the cos to look at in relation to possible conviction and any evidence that is missing etc.

I hope this helps.

Thank you. I think I will call in the morning from work.

Thank you, that helps a lot. So, could I just go to my local police station do you think?

Also pleasetry to make sure you have support in RL as this will be a painfuland laborious process at which times you just need extra comfort.

You could go toyourlocal one but it may be more comfortable to do this in your own home where you feel more comfortable, not just and interview room.

I don't think I want to 'pollute' my house with it...

I haven't told DH...

Is there any reason why you have not told DH? it woukd be a pertinent question because this will drag uo more overwhelming emotion and he would be a support would he not? There is no easy way for telling somebody but it may help you emotionally. X

If you have any questions feel free to pm me. Sorry about the typos, crap with the tablet when typing fast!