Anyone here ever done a videoed police interview for rape?

[Canzi]

I have to do this shortly and I'm concerned how difficult I might find it to actually open my mouth and say the words. If you've done this, how did you find the experience?

I have been the interviewing officer on hundreds so happy to answer any questions

DH gave a video interview about historic sexual assault that happened to him at junior school.
He said the build up was the worst but once he got started he just focussed on answering the questions as accurately as possible and got through it ok.
I won't lie, it completely drained him.
He's quite emotionally tough but he really needed support afterwards. He looked like he'd spent a night with a vampire!

I will say though, despite his attacker not being found guilty, , DH says he's glad he gave the statement went on to give evidence in court.

Do you have any support around you OP? It is tough and I think you need someone there for you afterwards.

I have no advice as I'm yet to take that step myself.
But all I can say is good luck, take your time answering any questions so you can clearly and calmly say what happened and have something planned for after so you can take care of yourself because it will stir lots of memories you might've buried.

It wasn't as bad as I thought, but it can be very draining. They will be patient and understanding if you can't get the words out and let you take a break if needed.

I actually did a video interview on Tuesday, it was a little traumatic, and I had to answer some fairly graphic questions about body parts, but this was so that they were in no doubt that the rape had occurred. The police officer conducting the interview was very patient and kind, and had specialist training in the sexual abuse/assault field. I cried afterwards, but mostly with relief at finally getting my story across. Whether or not the case gets to court I felt that I was believed, and I'm pleased that I did it! Good luck with yours!

The best thing to do is go in with the knowledge that you haven't done anything wrong, so you have nothing to be ashamed of- I say this because victims of rape or abuse often feel guilt and shame, especially when having to talk about their experiences.

Answer the questions as fully as you are able to, and if you have any questions about the process please ask them; the person conducting the interview is there to help you. You might feel embarrassed at some of the questions asked but the clearer you are and the more information you can give the better. And they won't be shocked, they have heard it all before.

It's emotionally draining but worth it. Good luck, and be kind to yourself in the days before and after

Yes sort of.

Well for rape and sexual assault / coercion.

I was petrified before but once settled in the room (which was very homely / non clinical) I managed it.

It's not easy and you may need a few breaks. Don't beat yourself up if you get emotional and take plenty of sips of water.

I second being kind to yourself and stopping for a break if you need to. You may also want/need to cry. The police officers are really well trained now and used to anything. Just remember how brave you are being to do this.

I had to do it in January, it wasn't pleasant but the lady who did it was wonderful. Some of the questions they ask will make you feel as if it was your fault (that's how I felt at times).
You don't have to give a video interview it can be a detailed written interview but they prefer video if it does go to court.

I felt a huge relief once it was over. My case didn't get to court due to lack of evidence.

I didn't find it too bad. I think it important you know that police do not ask you leading questions. Therefore do volunteer as much info as you can, even if you think it's irrelevant, they can edit the video if you waffle. This video may be used in court rather than you have to go thru the whole thing again in the witness box, although the defence will still cross examine you. Don't worry if you cry or get emotional - it's normal and actually strengthen your testimony. They will play the tape back to you - when I saw mine I realised I had left out a detail that I had put in my earlier written statement. The police officer said: "don't worry, if you had got every detail correct, we'd have found that strange".
If you know your attacker then tell them every negative thing you know about him - drug use, crimes, misconduct at work etc. When he sees your tape and realises this will be made public, he may plead guilty.

Not done it personally OP but accompanied a child to very similar. The officer conducting it was absolutely lovely and by all accounts it apparently wasn't absolutely awful at all. We only met two people, the person doing the interview and the person recording/watching to make sure the recording went ok (I think that's what they said they did). So it was quiet and didn't feel like 50 people were watching and knew what we were there for.

As an outsider, I have to say what I found terribly upsetting was that the room looked exactly like you see on the news. Small, a table, few chairs and cameras on the walls. Very much freaked me out because somehow I wasn't expecting it. I might be the only one who's had that reaction but would bear it in mind. Hope it goes well for you

I never got to see my tape. Not sure I could actually cope with watching it anyway...

op - officers are trained for these video interviews. its actually easier than giving a written statement. its just a conversation - on video. try not to worry.
pm me if you want. i think someone else up thread said they were experienced.
but if your worried pm me. ill talk you through it.

I can't actually give much help, but I've never spoken about this before and I would like to.

I had to go on tape to report something when I was 7. I've never seen the tape, nor can I remember it. Apparently I was mature for my age, and due to said age, they checked I 'knew right from wrong' and was able to tell the truth. It was determined that I could. Nothing came of my report.

The best possible advice I can give is take your time.

There is no rush or hurry to get it over with - none. You are IN NO WAY imposing upon anybody, so remember that. This is their #1 priority, so don't worry about the time, how long its taken, or anything else at all. Take all the time you need, and try not to even think about it.

This may be a difficult one: try, if you can, to trust your interviewers.

They will be professionals who are well trained to handle this situation with empathy, care, patience, and kindness. They will believe you. They are there for you. They know that this is a very difficult thing to do, and they will be understanding. And they CARE. They really do care.

And if there is anything you are nervous or uncomfortable about, do mention it. At least ask - there is no harm done. It may not always be possible to accommodate your request, but then again it may. And if the interviewers know that you're uncomfortable but cannot meet your exact request, there may be something they can do to at least ease your discomfort.

Go to the toilet before you go in, because you can't tell how long you'll be in. And do try to eat a little something before you leave for the station, so that you're not hungry, but not uncomfortably full, during the interview.

Take your time. Think about your answers if you need to.
If you need to cry, go ahead and take a moment.
If you need a break, don't hesitate to ask for a break.
Don't worry about anybody but yourself in there.
Be as honest as you can. If you don't know or aren't sure, just say so. If you think it could be either this or that, just say so.
Ask them questions, too. Ask anything you want to before it begins to get your bearings, but also ask questions during the interview if you need to, as well. Ask ANY questions.
Try not to be embarrassed or leave out details for the sake of others in the room. They'll have heard it all already anyway.
Remember, you are strong. You may not feel it, but you ARE. You're here, aren't you? You've come this far! You can do this.

Hope you're ok Canzi. I'm thinking of you and hoping it won't be too tough.

I'm in the same boat. I reported a historic (10yrs) this weekend. The police have been out and were lovely. I've got a video interview later this week. I'm a tad scared, more of the unknown I think.
Have has anyone been in touch from from a rape advocacy place yet?

No, it’s very unlikely they will ask you about after the incident.
You will be asked about what happened before the incident, your relationship with the offender (if you had one).
I was asked ‘what I was wearing’ and my behaviour leading up to the incident.

The only reason they would ask you about after the incident is if you took a while to report it?

Hi op yes I have for historical rape my mums 2 bfs she allowed to abuse me when I was 13 I'm 42 now I did my interview 8 years ago and I'm sorry to say I found it very difficult it didn't help that the police officer didn't give a naff I hope you have a better experience good luck