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female
,
*ngel ron
writes: Hey guys I would like to bring the man who raped and abused me 11 years ago to justice.This is the problem I found out through counselling that I was abused as a child after careful thought I have decided to bring my rapist to justice is that i am afraid he may not be found guilty and might get away with it and he might threathen to sue me if I cam e forward and went to the police what should I do Should I let this guy get away with it and do it to some one else what should I do help me please Reply to this Question
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female
reader, eyeswideopen  +, writes (13 August 2006):
 You go girl! Even if the case is dismissed at least he'll have it on his record and the next time he gets charged (and ther WILL BE a next time)it won't go so nicely for him. You did nothing wrong so there is no shame on your part and you will be helping any future victims. The best of luck.
A
female
reader, bonym  +, writes (12 August 2006):
 I do believe this man should be punished for what he has done to you, if you feel that you are able to cope with it, that is court cases etc etc but my friend, believe me, he will NEVER get away with what he has done. NEVER. Even if you dont get to bring him to justice for what he did to you, he will pay for what he has done. Good luck. xXx
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female
reader, Astrid  +, writes (12 August 2006):
 I think that if you feel strong enough to go through this you must do it as you may prevent other possible victims to suffer the same thing, I suffered an attempt of sexual harrasment and I repent not telling as I sometimes think that maybe a person has suffered because of my fault too and it's dificult for me to have a relationship ans trust any guy
good luck
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reader, anonymous, writes (12 August 2006): Agreed with Psych. Only do this if it is what you want, and if you can accept that it probably won't lead to a conviction - and it could get messy - ie - its made to seem that you are making it all up. So, make sure your family and friends are close-by.
Yesterday I met up with an old friend who had just got out of court, he had given evidence against his dad who abused him as a child. It turns out he had abused quite a few people but by talking to my friend I could definately see that to some degree at least he has managed to close a chapter in his life, he was glad that he finally stood up to him and done it.
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A
male
reader, maxsteel86 +, writes (12 August 2006):
 I think you should report him even if there is not enough evidence for a conviction. Like Dr Psych said (excellent words from here as usual!) atleast the cops will know another possible sex offender in case he does anything again.
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female
reader, DrPsych +, writes (12 August 2006):
 I have worked with many young people in the same sort of situation as yourself, and I have also worked with the police as they investigate and attempt prosecution of perpetrators of child abuse/ domestic violence. You are not in an uncommon situation as many adults approach the police many years after the incident took place. If you are in the UK, the police will take a statement from you and then decide if there is an enough evidence to pursue a criminal prosecution - ultimately the crown prosecution service will decide. If you decide to proceed you should get in touch with Victim Support (or a similar agency if you live in another country) for some help and advice. I can understand that you are scared about this - that is a natural reaction - but I am a strong believer that you should take a stand against your abuser for therapeutic reasons as much as justice reasons. Even if a prosecution is not possible, this guy will be subsequently known to the police so if there are similar crimes they can consider him. Abusers are often repeat offenders and you maybe one in a long line of people that the police have linked to him. It is not easy to achieve a prosecution against abusers in the UK in many cases but the police have specialists in child abuse and family violence issues who can guide you through the whole process. As for him bringing legal action against you - you have to remember the same balance of law applies to him too i.e. 'beyond a reasonable doubt'. By that I mean he would be under the scrutiny of the court in terms of his character and conduct if he brought defamation charges against you. Most people cannot afford to bring such legal charges and many abusers would not wish to be placed in the 'public eye' of a court case so try not to worry.
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male
reader, David Lewis +, writes (12 August 2006):
 If he abused you, then there is a chance that you were not alone.
I think you should bring him to justice, if he is not already serving a sentence that is.
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