What To Tell The Police...

[Sideways]

AAARGH!

So I sent off the report that I'd decided I was comfortable with.

Then someone tells me that there is no longer a statute of limitations on reporting child sex abuse anymore...Australia wide.... wtf???

Had a freak out, because that would mean that the cops will potentially investigate. And in my happy garden of denial, I'd assumed that meh! That'll never happen!

Only, it might happen...

Police... in my life... That would make it all pretty friggin real...

Then I consulted Teddy. He told me not to worry about it today.

 

[BlueOrange]

You're most welcome. Having dealt with these kinds of things before, I didn't have to spend a lot of effort. You've supported me in the past.

You have a right to silence. And I know a guy who has a relevant lawyer, so if you want a recommendation, I'm happy to make enquiries.

 

[talon]

So I'd like to report my abuse to the police. I feel like it's something I need to do - I need...

Only the truth works because the truth has memory and experience . A watered down version is saying abuse is not that serious and i don't matter. If you are able to write down everything and time and dates if possible as this gives more weight. But you must tell it as it is respect yourself . A watered down version will have holes blown in it . To protect others you must do the right thing

 

[Missycat]

@Ragdoll Circus , having read all the responses on the thread , there isnt much that i can add apart from that i think what you are doing is such a brave thing to do. Good for you in wanting to take action. I wish you all the best on this journey.

 

[Deleted member 8714]

I would give a victim the advice to collect all of the evidence... hire a private detective....

I wish I could do this myself. My abuse occurred in the 1950s and 1960s and is based on memories that I've had. I don't have the money to hire a private detective.

The police requested my anecdotal story. I found this most helpful to me as I had gathered my own memories, written everything down, and then wrote out a detailed story for them. Though I've never heard back from them.

Ragdoll Circus:
I found it scary for me because my abuser was my father, and he's a serial killer. My father forced me to watch him do his evil deeds. After I wrote and sent the anecdotal story, I had nightmares about him coming to kidnap me. He used to kidnap his victims from or near homeless encampments. For a short time in 1990, I was homeless and freaked out on the inside that someone was coming to get me. At the time I had no memory of my father and his criminal acts.

I just sent another addendum to my anecdotal story to the state police and I've got the same creepy feeling; fear of being kidnapped.

It's not easy telling your story to the authorities.

In my case since the abuse involved murders, there is no statute of limitations. It's considered a cold case. That alone scared the crap out of me.

 

[Sideways]

@Incongruous - it takes an incredible amount of courage to do what you've done. My hope for you is that soon, the panic that you're feeling is replaced by pride. You've done an incredible thing. Know that you're safe now, and know that you are so incredibly courageous.

 

[Powder]

I also find this reporting thing so challenging and scary, even to think about it, which is what paralyzes me.

Since I've had better experiences with a private lawyer when it comes to personal injury, and since a lawyer in a town I lived in worked so hard to win a class action lawsuit on behalf of native tribal children (now adults) who were sexually abused at a forced Boarding school by the school staff, and was able to prosecute in civil and then criminal courts those individuals, pro bono, I feel that there are some good lawyers out there or those who wish to do some good in their day.

It is worth trying to contact any who are just hitting their stride and don't need lots of $ to see if they will take you on. Worth a try.

Not sure. But just an idea that I would personally feel a bit more comfort with than police. Also any advocate agencies, nonprofits, might be a good place to start to prepare yourself rather than just blasting into uncertainty. They may, like the lawyer, be more sensitive to you as a client and advocate and talk you through all your rights, safeties and options.

I like that idea best. :) I wish for you to put yourself and your happiness first, and this second. They took so much of your life and you are deserving and worthy of something left over for you to have and do good for you.