Going to give statement about historical CSE today

[Numbness2020]

And I feel numb. I’m struggling to even function but I’m going to have to for my children.

Over the last few years I’ve realised that a “relationship” I was in from 14 with an older man was totally exploitive and I contacted the police to make a statement about historical sexual abuse.

I’m going into the station today and I’m scared. Not that I won’t be believed but because I’ll be seen as a willing participant. Well at 14 I was but I had no idea of what was normal. I’m also worried because a lot of my memory has been hidden from that time. I keep getting snippets pop into my head and it’s scary.

Sending you loads of love and support. You are doing the right thing. Keeping my fingers crossed for you.

I think I'd aim to go with no more expectations if at all possible. Hopefully you'll get someone good and they'll be able to help. If it helps I was sexually abused at 5 and have that same guilt that I was a mostly willing participant.

Oh op. You are doing a wonderful thing. I am proud of you. It’s very scary and you are being brave.
Just be yourself and be honest. They won’t expect you to remember everything.
Do you have any support from friends or a counsellor.

Thank you both.

wallywobbles I’m sorry to hear you were sexually abused and at such a young age. It. Would seem the guilt is across all ages then.

I have zero expectations of prosecution. However he’s recently sent me coercive messages on social media and I need this stopped.

He was interviewed at the time by the police about myself and another. I was never spoken to or asked.

ihatethecold

I’m the support network normally amongst my friends. I do have a good friend but I just don’t think she’s equipped to deal with the details and my awful mental health. My husband just doesn’t do talking. It’s very hard to be honest as he’s very lovely but a very black or white person.

I have been given an Independent Sexual Violence Advisor. I spoke to her yesterday.

No counselling as yet. On waiting lists I believe. I only started this at beginning of week but my mental health has struggled for last year or so. Alot is centred around this.

14 means you were under the age of consent, if he had sex ) penetrative) with you, it was statutory rape, anything else you similarly couldn't have given true consent for .. an under sixteen cant give consent.

That's what any reasonable person would think - you couldn't have freely consented or participated in an informed way. The older he was in relation to you the worse if think it was, but that's by the by.

Hopefully the person interviewing you will have an understanding of this - do you know if they're specialising in this/whaf training they've had etc.? You don't need further traumatised by someone who doesn't understand these issues.

*I'd think

You are absolutely doing the right thing, I should add.

Best of luck

Thank you. It’s a response officer. Then a ABE interview. If response officer isn’t trained I’m not sure how I’ll cope.

12/13 years older.