Sexual Assault Advice on prosecution, pressing charges for abuse

[roaringrachel]

I've decided to go back to the state's attorney's office 7 years after my initial reporting and demand that they prosecute my abuser. The first they did not do it because they did not think I could handle the trial, so I wouldn't be a good witness. They also said that it was "my word against hers," but I feel that maybe things might be different now?

Basically, my question is what tips do you have for getting the states attorney to prosecute? What tips do you have for maintaining sanity through the trial? I'm open and willing to listen to any tips.

 

[grit]

I am really sorry you have to go through this again. Trials are gut-wrenching and I simply cannot imagine being in your shoes.

My only advise to you is keep an open mind because ultimately they will have to decide to pursue this or not with your help and depending on who your prosecutor is at any given time, makes a huge difference.
Hope you have a lot of support. It is blood sport these days.

 

[roaringrachel]

I am really sorry you have to go through this again. Trials are gut-wrenching and I simply cannot imagine being in your shoes.

My only advise to you is keep an open mind because ultimately they will have to decide to pursue this or not with your help and depending on who your prosecutor is at any given time, makes a huge difference.
Hope you have a lot of support. It is blood sport these days.

Thank you!! It is going to be awful, I know it. But, I just can't imagine letting her get away with this. It's just not freaking fair.

 

[EveHarrington]

Have you checked to see if there is a statute of limitations?

 

[roaringrachel]

Have you checked to see if there is a statute of limitations?

Yes, thankfully there is no statute on sexual abuse charges in my state.

 

[Justmehere]

I strongly suggest working with a victim’s advocate with RAINN.org, or your local sexual assault prevention center.

 

[roaringrachel]

I strongly suggest working with a victim’s advocate with RAINN.org, or your local sexual assault prevention center.

thank you!! this is a great idea.

 

[Lucycat]

demand that they prosecute my abuser

Just wondering - is this still in the planning stage or have you put it into action?

 

[roaringrachel]

Just wondering - is this still in the planning stage or have you put it into action?

Kinda happening sort of. I have a meeting with the head of sex crimes and I’m going to talk to him and talk about this

 

[blackemerald1]

What sort of support (at home) and to accompany you to Court - if it gets to the point where you have to attend - have you begun arranging?