Sexual Assault Filed a police report

[IAHC]

Hi everyone,
So my trauma occurred when I was living in another country in high school (2015-16) and I went back for the first time this summer. I decided to go to the police and press charges against the man who sexually assaulted me. There was a translator there so I didn’t have to give the report in my second language and she was really sweet. The police man was relatively sympathetic but wasn’t inappropriate or rude. Anyways, I’m posting because I went back to work two days after coming home from this whole ordeal and then classes started immediately after. I shoved my copy of the police report away and didn’t find it until I was cleaning tonight. Now I can’t stop staring at it. I guess I just didn’t process how big of a deal this was? It wasn’t a particularly negative experience and it obviously wasn’t fun so I don’t know why I feel sad when I look at it? Maybe in some ways it’s a validation that what happened to me was Real and Bad and Traumatic. It just all feels so heavy. I guess I thought it might’ve lightened the load I carry but it hasn’t and things still feel very difficult and heavy. I don’t know if any of you have had any experiences following a police report but any support is much appreciated :)

 

[ChildofGod]

I am sorry that has happened to you. I don't know if I have anything helpful to say, but hopefully someone else can help you. It's understandable that it's very upsetting to you. I hope you get the justice that you deserve.

 

[pamcoco]

I think it is great you filed. I recognize how terrifying this must have been. Hopefully the outcome will end with conviction but regardless of the outcome I trust you will ultimately feel relief that you took such positive action toward speaking the truth. Secretiveness and shame are some of the great contributors to rampant sexual violence against women and children worldwide, in my opinion.

The unrelated assaults leading to my current complicated world were by a doctor, by a "friend" and by a stranger. I filed a complaint with California medical board for the doctor and even though I lost, I am glad I did it. I did nothing legal with the "friend" but after a year had passed and I could handle it, I told his wife. Lastly with the stranger, I called police immediately and then for 9 days but they never came. On the 10th day I called internal affairs and there were cops at my door in 20 minutes. But, at the time I didn't know that some police depts do various unscrupulous things to prevent victims from filing official reports, in order to keep the crime rates down. So the cops that came told me there was no point in dusting for fingerprints, shoe impressions or to opening an official case. Basically I was bullied into submission.

Unfortunately, the only experience I have had similar to yours is when I filed with the medical board. However, It took me 6 years and a counselor holding my hand through every element of the documentation. I had nightmares, panic attacks and relived the assault daily. I also became terrified he would hunt me down and harm me more, so I became hypervigilantly hypervigilant.

Take care and be kind to yourself. You did a very good thing!