Facing Perpetrators In Court

[Fawn]

In two and a half weeks, I have to face the two people who abused me in court. Honestly, I’m very scared of facing them. Over the last few weeks I’ve barely slept, had many more panic attacks and flashbacks than normal, and I’ve had a lot of anxiety. I am very fortunate to have people who believe me and support me, but even the idea of facing those two people makes me sick. I'm not sure how I'm going to handle this...

Who else has faced their perpetrator in court? How did you get through it? Any suggestions to deal with really bad anxiety while in court?

 

[LisawithPTSD]

My trauma's have been different. Some perpetrators were members of my family so I have to see them but I have become numb to them by practice over the years. I can't imagine what you are going through. I would have to be heavily medicated.

 

[Venator]

I never have but..

It is my biggest regret that I never pressed charges and now I never can.

 

[BloomInWinter]

I testified in federal court against a teacher who abused me when I was in Junior High.

She won, and all of us were ordered back into her classroom with no supervision. It was rough and I bear many scars from that, but I am glad I went through with it.

Some tips I'd suggest are to take a comforting item with you in your pocket as some kind of talisman. Imagine all of us sitting there on your side of the courtroom cheering you on. Have something special to look forward to once you're done, such as a nice dinner out or a massage. Don't bother looking at them.

Meditate before bed every night, then before you are called. Perhaps most importantly, make a creative visualization of yourself walking triumphantly out of that courtroom, with a huge smile on your face and secure in the knowledge that those people will never have any bearing on your life ever again.

 

[Fawn]

Thank you, BloomInWinter.

 

[Abstract]

I haven't but I truly wish you well Fawn. You can do this.

 

[BloomInWinter]

I'd also suggest a desensitization visualization where you imagine them sitting there, feeling scared and wondering what prison is going to feel like...and crying like babies.