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.

[MuchAdoAboutItAll]

Not seeming distressed enough is not a valid reason for no prosecution. It is normal for some individuals to play down what has happened to them as this is a self-protective mechanism to prevent them from becoming more vulnerable. You must have been in shock. It's mindblowingly callous of them. What were they expecting???

If you had ranted about what had happened then no doubt you would be cast as aggressive or attention seeking, so do not take their comment personally. You did what you needed to do to communicate at the time. You are extremely brave to even consider taking this further.

I sincerely hope that you can get justice, but if you find it is not possible to go down that route I can wholeheartedly recommend writing a letter, saying in as much or as little detail as you see fit, how all this has made you feel and sending it to all and sundry who where party to making the decision not to prosecute, while adding a good dozen high profile names on a cc list at the end, and actually post it to all of them.

Do not let them make you feel you did something wrong. You didn't. You deserve better and this was never your fault. Big hugs x

[user1475253854]

The police's actions were unbelievably shit, I'm sorry OP.

At the worst moments of my life I have looked like I was absolutely fine, because I hate appearing vulnerable and am a really private person. God forbid I should be sexually assaulted/raped because I would "appear" fine and therefore not affected

[ThirdThoughts]

So you can't appear too distressed otherwise you are mentally unstable, but it you shut down emotionally (a rather typical trauma reaction I'd have thought) then you aren't traumatized enough.

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

Is everyone who is burgalled assessed for their emotional reaction to the crime before it is prosecuted too? With those dealing with it in a practical unemotional manner having their cases dropped because clearly they didn't mind being broken into and robbed?

FFS. I'm so sorry you were raped, and let down badly by the system.

[Butterfly2020]

I had the same OP...

Instead the detective told me over the phone. Apparently I didn't "sound" like someone who had been raped. Don't know how they sleep at night really. So sorry...

[AristotlesTrousers]

I remember your previous thread and I'm furious on your behalf, OP.

Fucking disgraceful!

What next?

[CouldntMakeThisShitUp]

i'm so sorry OP xxxx

this doesn't mean he gets away with it scot free though.
If it happened to me....I'd be very tempted to let my mates and brothers bump into him down a dark alleyway....

scrap that. i wouldn't be tempted.

i'd be frikking raging....and i'd do it!

[summerbreezer]

OP, I am a criminal barrister who has prosecuted and defended in many rape cases. I am sorry this has happened to you.

I would perhaps suggest meeting with the CPS. At least you can then ask your questions and get some answers and context to their decision. The prosecution of sexual offences is a very hot topic at the CPS at the moment and the staff in the Victims' Right to Review section are usually very experienced.

That is not to say they have made the correct decision in your case - far from it. But it may be easier for you to explore that in a face to face meeting than via a sterile letter.

Isn't it about time something was finally done about this? What about taking jury members through a ten minute 'rape myths' presentation before a case starts?

Juries in rape cases are specifically directed on rape myths in the judge's summing up. See 20-1 of the Crown Court guidance for judges:

hwww.judiciary.gov.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/crown-court-compendium-part-i-jury-and-trial-management-and-summing-up.pdf

It is impossible to know if juries follow this, as of course they do not give reasons.

[SpeakNoWords]

I've just read your OP and I'm shocked and sickened by the response you've had. I'm so sorry you've been let down by the system. It's horrific.

[PurpleToeNails]

Is it okay to ask if you're getting emotional or advocacy support through Rape Crisis. Depending on the local service I think they can be really useful in all sorts of ways.
This is so unfair on you, and you don't deserve that. We all respond to situations in different ways, and CPS should realise this...

[mynameiscalypso]

I'm so sorry OP. In my experience, the CPS does nothing to change the public perception around rape or challenge rape myths. I was told that they wouldn't prosecute my rapist because he might have been confused as to whether I consented or not when he crept into my room and started having sex with me when I was asleep. I'm planning to complain via my MP most likely. Somehow the system has to change.

[iogo]

I'm so sorry

[user1475253854]

to all those who have had horrific experiences with police/CPS, never mind the attack itself.

I mean, calypso WTF??? You couldn't make that shit up.

[UnbornMortificado]

ahundred I'm sorry for you and other posters who have gone through similar

I don't get how your supposed to act traumatised

I ended up with PTSD albeit under different circumstances. No one had a clue till I od'd and ended up in a coma.

Just because I was acting ok didn't mean I was. I'm angry for you I really am.

[ChampagneTastes]

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

[ChampagneTastes]

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

[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

[theansweris42]

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

[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)

[Kittencatkins123]

to everyone

[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.

[Lagirafe]

I'm so sorry.

Justice seems pretty scarce these days

I believe you x

[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)

[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

[Beegu5]

I'm so sorry

[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.