Does any one have an experience of reporting childhood abuse *triggers*

[Bubblegumandsoda]

I don’t really want to put too much incase I don’t know, it’s one of the threads the press copies or something.

Does anyone have any experience and can tell me the procedure of reporting childhood sexual abuse including rape. I feel I’ve reached the time I need this to stop bothering me and the man who has a young child now needs reporting so he can’t hurt anyone else.

However I would rather rather have some idea of what’s done.

I have no idea but didn't want to read and run.

What about telephoning The Rape Crisis Centre or NSPCC to discuss it. They should know what the process involves.

Yes, I have direct experience of this. It was simultaneously the most harrowing and rewarding thing I've ever done in my life (the perpetrator was sent to prison for 7 years and wasn't allowed any further contact with his young stepchildren). I reported some years ago, but the procedure in my case went a bit like this:

My mum called the police when I disclosed (was only 18), they came round the next day and interviewed me. I gave further evidence at a safe house a few weeks later, and had to go round in an unmarked police van to point out relevant locations to them. He was arrested shortly after, and statements were taken from anyone I had disclosed to in the past (friends, school, church leaders).

After the evidence had been gathered, the CPS examined the case and determined that there was enough evidence to go forward to trial at the crown court. He had several initial hearings that I didn't attend, and was in custody because he broke his bail conditions.

About 15 months after I first disclosed, the case went to trial. I gave evidence via video link due to my age/poor mental health. The other witnesses and the perpetrator gave evidence in court. I spent most of my time in a special waiting room for victims run by Victim Support. The trial lasted about 8 days, and my evidence made up about 1.5 of those days. I didn't go into court to hear the verdict, but I did about 4 weeks later to hear the sentencing.

The police were very much on my side and did all they could to secure a conviction, but the process was still very difficult and left me with further health issues. I don't regret it though. If you have any further questions, please send me a message and I'll try and help you x

I would strongly suggest you contact your local SARC (Sexual Assault Referral Centre) and have a chat with them about your options and the process.

I went straight to the police and felt pushed into following a path that wasn't necessarily what I wanted at that time. Don't get me wrong, they were lovely, but had a certain view on how things should be done. I ended up not going ahead.

The police did refer me to the SARC and I spoke to a counsellor there and I really wish I'd gone there first as I found there was a third choice between doing nothing and going to the police, and I could have made a statement that could be passed to the police anonymously. I probably would have taken that option, if I'd known of it sooner.

Wow, never knew about the SARC and the option of giving a statement anonymously @havingabadhairday it's always useful to talk it out, whatever you decide to do OP.

Thanks for your help. I am starting by calling 101 as I am pretty sure that under safeguarding the anonymous option is not open to me. I suspect from what I have heard he has a youngish child and works with a vulnerable cohort which will be covered by safeguarding legislation if this is indeed true. Therefore because of the nature of the disclosure it would have to come out anyway under safeguarding laws.

Thankfully I made a disclosure at the time to family and have evidence so to speak. However it’s not really about that, it’s so he can’t do it to anyone else whilst his enablers protect him.