CPS won't prosecute my rape because..

[ahundredacre]

I am not traumatised enough.

I have just got an email from my solicitor with the response from my victims right to review appeal. This was the key line. I haven't read the attached CPS letter yet because I'm on public transport trying not to cry. Apparently in text messages after the event I do not sound traumatised enough.

[Tenshidarkangel]

Also had similar happen. I'm so sorry OP.
The only comfort I can offer is that it will still be against his name if it ever happens again. It's the only consolation I had with mine. It's a shit consolation but something.
Fucking pisses me off. This is why women don't report this shit.

[LornaMumsnet]

Hi ahundredacre

We're really pleased you got our email.
You're so welcome to send a reply, it's completely up to you.

[plotmissinginaction]

I am so, so, sorry. This is appalling. Get in touch with Women Against Rape - they can advise you further:

Women Against Rape
email: war*@womenagainstrape*.net

Crossroads Women's Centre
25 Wolsey Mews
London NW5 2DX

Tel: 020 7482 2496 (Monday-Friday 1.30-4pm)

[summerbreezer]

OP, I am really sorry for that. I can see why you are so frustrated and angry. As has been stated upthread, there are legal options in the form of a Judicial Review or civil claim, but I imagine your solicitor is advising you in respect of these.


SummerBreezer, thanks for that info. I'm a little appalled that debunking rape myths doesn't haporn far sooner during a trial, though! An equivalent Judge's "oprning statement" or owt, for instance.

They do, in certain cases. The judge, if they think it is appropriate, can give the direction prior to the complainant giving their evidence. It is a fine balance though - the last thing you want is for the jury to think that the judge is "on the prosecution's side" before any evidence is given - it will make life even harder for the complainant. It is not perfect, but the court process itself is changing to take account of these things.

The essential problem we have is this (and this is not in relation to you or your case, OP - just a general comment).

The cornerstone of our justice system is that someone is innocent until the jury are sure of guilt - nothing less than being sure will do

The very nature of sexual offences is that they often occur behind closed doors, and very often within a relationship that was sexual - either before or after the offence was committed.

The CPS must decide if there is a "real prospect" of conviction, they cannot, and indeed should not, bring every complaint to court. Their job is not to believe the complainant - it is to weigh up all the evidence to see if there is a real prospect of a jury being sure of guilt.

On the other side of that, you have a victim who knows what happened because they experienced it. It is a difficult difficult area, and I do not envy the CPS their job in this regard. They are onto a loser whichever way they look at it.

That is not to say that complainants are not treated poorly by the CPS and police - and I am sad to see the stories in this thread and it is dreadful that such things go on. I wish you all the best in the future

[ahundredacre]

Thank you for the support mn I'm wasn't sure if I could reply directly to the email - but I will check out the We believe you campaign now.

[LornaMumsnet]

Hello

Thank you for supporting the OP and for bringing this to our attention.

We're going to get in touch with you shortly, OP.

[ahundredacre]

And I am sorry that so many of you have also experienced this.

[ahundredacre]

Maybe the CPS could issue a leaflet telling rape victims exactly the correct way to respond to having their body violated.

This, exactly this.

[ahundredacre]

kitten - Feel free to link to this post. I may take you up on the offer re: media - but I need to ask my solicitor first to make sure it won't impact on what she is trying to achieve for me legally.

jewel - I haven't heard of judicial review before, more info would be wonderful, thank you.

summerbreezer - I have had two VRRs and have been offered a meeting with whoever it was who did the first one. I am just blown away because they seem to have investigated me more than my rapist, and tried to undermine me more than establish facts - for example their latest letter details his account - that I stayed the night and met his mother in the morning and she says I was fine. Except that I didn't stay over - I left and rushed to get the morning after pill from where I lived about 1.5 hrs drive away (bank statement verifies the transaction), and was in work doing a 12 hour shift starting at 7.30am the next morning during which I was supposed to have met his mother at his house miles away - my working hours having been verified by a statement from my manager. Yet they believe his unsupported account? Apparently because I have "memory problems" I am an unreliable witness - but they fail to mention that the only memory problems I have are that I cannot remember what happens during seizures - I have epilepsy. If I was having a seizure I couldn't consent anyway, and if I wasn't having a seizure there is no problem with my memory.

It just makes me want to scream with frustration. How can they fail to put the pieces together and realise he is lying?!

[Fortheloveofdog]

Totally agree Engineer. Closing the stable door a little late, telling them at the end...

[PreemptiveSalvageEngineer]

SummerBreezer, thanks for that info. I'm a little appalled that debunking rape myths doesn't haporn far sooner during a trial, though! An equivalent Judge's "oprning statement" or owt, for instance. Im just picturing the typical jury sitting there for the duration if a trial with rape myths colouring everythung they hrar, and i dont think a summing up is going to undo that!

[jewelsandbinoculars]

Op decisions not to prosecute may be challengable by judicial review. It's not easy, and I don't know if that's even an option for you, but could probably advise/put you in touch with someone who could. PM me if you want to explore the idea. I'm really sorry, either way.

[PacificDogwod]

I am so sorry

Do appeal if you can face it.

Jesus wept

[Angryangryyoungwoman]

I am so sorry. I have been raped and I have had other issues with the police of a similar nature to yours that I am still dealing with. I am finally getting somewhere but it has taken a long time and a lot of effort and emotion. Which is the last thing you need after a traumatic experience. If you have the energy, fight. Keep fighting. Research. Appeal. Seek advocates as other people have suggested. It's not you, it's the rapist and the system. I'm thinking of you and everyone else on this thread who has shared their experiences. Hugs to you all.

[Beegu5]

I'm so sorry

[mylittlephoney]

Absolutely outrageous OP. I'm sorry these bastards arnt taking it seriously enough. You unfortunately are not alone. I was told it was impossible and probably "for the best". He died before I could make some noise as I got stronger. Good luck. We beleive you. Stay strong

[Kittencatkins123]

unborn definitely!

(It's v in its infancy and kind of mostly just me getting angry about things but I'm also going to use it for fundraising for Rape Crisis and find positive ways to hopefully attempt to address these issues)

[Lagirafe]

I'm so sorry.

Justice seems pretty scarce these days

I believe you x

[UnbornMortificado]

Kitten if the links not allowed could you pm me it?

I've luckily never suffered sexual assault or rape but the fact women are still going through shit like this is completely shocking. I have two DD and I worry for their futures.

[Kittencatkins123]

to everyone

[Kittencatkins123]

I was sexually assaulted last year - no cctv, no DNA evidence so it got nowhere. Probably part of why I set up the group.

Happy to help in any way I can (if I can)

[theansweris42]

I'm posting to say I am sorry and offer support

[Kittencatkins123]

Im so sorry OP.

I'm a journalist and I also run a kind of women's activism group on FB around these kind of issues - not sure how you'd feel about me linking the thread to it? Otherwise I can just talk about the topic generally (if you don't mind)

Also if you wanted I could try to help pitch your story or put you in touch with established writers at broadsheets/magazines etc. They will (should) respect anonymity if they are a good quality publication.

PM me if you like.

And

[ChampagneTastes]

I am so fucking sorry OP. And to the other posters who have been through this.