Jan. 6-8 I'll be in Pennsylvania testifying against the man who raped me two years ago. It's not my case, I'm simply a character witness against him for another girl. I keep trying to not think about it and how close it is. I'm ashamed to say that I'm honestly scared of seeing him again...

dont be ashamed - being scared - not wanting to see him -thats a natural responce - he hurt you - i think you are very brave to go and do this for the other girl and for yourself - maybe even though it will be tough it will help with the healing?

he never used physical force, but threatened my life and those of people I love.
words can be just as powerful as physical force, I am so sorry this happened to you.

The girl who's trial against him this is, is mentally retarded. He had to physically force her. He couldn't scare her into it. I know this sounds bad, but I feel like I'm the retarded one...because he fed me all of this crap and I believed it, afraid, and she had enough dignity and courage to fight back...unlike me. I'm trying to not cry, I've got to keep myself together until after the 8th.

I think you had dignity and courage, you thought about your loved ones and that this person would harm them - and thats why you didnt struggle and fight back - I have had people threaten the ones i loved and you do what you have to to stop that from happeneing - you did what you could at the time.

I'm really really sorry if I triggered bad memories for anyone. Just trying to state how I feel. My husband and I are bringing our son with us to the trial, we can't find anyone to babysit for three days that we trust. I feel guilty for bringing our baby into the courtroom with us, but where else can he be?
Im not sure how this works? do they maybe have a place for kids to stay ? a creche? dont know if i spelt that right - a place where they have babysitters -

That pervert had 11 other cases against him that were dropped, some of them little kids. I don't want him fantasizing about my son....just the thought of that makes me so angry.

I would think he would be too busy with the trial to do that - he would want to be sitting there looking like mr clean too so would probably not make eye contact with the people not being questioned - can your husband and you? sit further back or out of his line of sight? worht a try.

Does anyone have any help or advice? I'm really sorry about this post. and thanks.