Has anyone ever done a video statement to the police for sexual assault? What's it like?

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I reported a historic rape to the police over the weekend.

They were very good and said someone will be in touch this week to arrange making a video statement about it.

I feel ok-ish, but the longer I wait for the call the more I'm wondering what it will be like.

The DC said it would probably take about 2 hours. Has anyone done one? Will I be allowed breaks, do you know? Or will I just have to talk it through for two hours straight?

I keep thinking they are going to interrogate me and I'll mess up.

All I can do is tell the truth, I know, but what if they pick holes in me and what I say? I have some memory gaps and things and I don't want to get this wrong.

Hi, sorry you're going through this.

I did a video statement aged 14 after I was assaulted by my friends dad.

This was back in 2004, and obviously I was a child so it may be different for yourself.

In my experience I was in a small room with just a single police officer, he asked me questions during the interview about what happened. The main difficult I had was describing his Penis as they asked, but I managed and this helped the investigation

A lot of the questions were what happened etc but I found it very comfortable and was put at ease. I couldn't see the video, it was placed above and I was advised to just look at the officer and answer questions.

Not sure if it helps but hope you're ok op

Thanks so much Cockmagic, that's really reassuring.

I'm sorry to hear about what happened to you. I was sexually assaulted in childhood as well, but it's more complicated and I'm not ready to report that yet.

This one feels like an easier one to start with.

I'm glad it just feels like a chat...I'd slept with him before so I don't know if they'll want me to describe his body in detail. I probably could, though..

I think you'll find it different to what you're expecting, hopefully more reassuring .

Can I ask is it taking place in court or elsewhere?

I had mine at a victims unit it was much more calming.

I made a video statement about a month ago. It took forever to arrange, about 2 months of hell, just waiting. I expect the police will probably file it under general.
Mine took about 90 minutes. I wasn't really asked anything, just about what my life with my husband was like, and afterwards, that's just it.
I felt pretty shit later, about all the things I didn't say, and it has been reeling about in my head since which has been horrible.
Womens' Aid are hopefully going to help me get support.
They won't pick holes in anything you say. It's just an opportunity for you to speak. They're not interrogating you. You'll be ok, and don't worry about the memory gaps.

It will be at special unit. It should be done with a great deal of sensitivity. If it makes you feel better, go through the chronology in your head before you get there. The more detail you remember the better for any court case.

Thank you, they said it should be at the police station this week.

So sorry to hear of your experience, tiger.

I'm suprised how much detail I can remember of it. It does reassure me that I've got so much of it recalled.

I don't know, I'm just sweating over it a bit I think now.

I remember weird things - like bumping into one of his friends that night and what they were wearing.

I remember what I was wearing, but not what he was.

I remember other bits and pieces.

It was 13 years ago. It's odd how some bits stay in your memory and others are gone.