[burkeev]

I don't know if this is the right forum for this thread, but I really need some support and don't know where to start. I was raped by a stranger recently and am dealing with a lot of different emotions and fears. But my biggest fear right now is having to go to court. I am so stressed out about the whole process. I don't know what goes on in a rape trial or what I'll need to do. At this point I wish I hadn't reported it because I don't care what happens from here on, as long as I don't need to deal with it anymore.

[Hatter08]

And all of these fears and emotions are completely normal. My sister went to her rape trial when we were both much younger. I'm not trying to scare you but it will be pretty tough. She had to testify against him with him there and because she was too scared, he got out after only two months in prison. Just by testifying, you can put him away for much longer and you won't have to worry about him anymore. You can make sure he never hurts you or anyone else ever again. If you have any specific questions, feel free to ask.

[JLarissaDragon]

Rape is a crime of power. The rapist needs to be punished and getting that is not always so easy. I am so sorry that you had to go through this, there is no way in the world you deserved this. I know the legal system can sometimes seem to punish the victim and it is not fair. It is important for you to be strong here and find as much support as you can.

I was raped at age 14 by a 21 year old man that I knew. I received no support and was told by my father and my brother that I probably deserved it. It was never resolved and many years later it still haunts me a lot. The one thing that going to trial will do is perhaps bring you some justice and resolution. In the case of rape it can be pretty important in terms of your self esteem later.

[Sannah]

Yes, get all the support that you can to get through this. Does the court have a victim's advocate? Do you have a therapist? Any supportive family or friends? We can support you here.

[nicoleflynn]

Originally Posted by JLarissaDragon

Rape is a crime of power. The rapist needs to be punished and getting that is not always so easy. I am so sorry that you had to go through this, there is no way in the world you deserved this. I know the legal system can sometimes seem to punish the victim and it is not fair. It is important for you to be strong here and find as much support as you can.

I was raped at age 14 by a 21 year old man that I knew. I received no support and was told by my father and my brother that I probably deserved it. It was never resolved and many years later it still haunts me a lot. The one thing that going to trial will do is perhaps bring you some justice and resolution. In the case of rape it can be pretty important in terms of your self esteem later.

I am so sorry! You might want to write a letter of "Restorative Justice"--Restorative Justice says; THis is what you did; this is how it made me feel. It isn't for the criminal, but for YOU to say what you need to.

xoxo, Nicole

[Harley47]

Hi Burkeev. I hope I can be of some help.

Please let me start by saying that I am sorry this ever happened to you...this is something that no one who draws breath deserves to ever go through.

I know that the trial is not something you're looking forward to, and I'm not going to lie and say that it'll be easy...but you deserve justice for this, and he deserves whatever punishment that the jury hands down. You owe it to yourself to see this man locked away for as long as he can be, and by doing so begin to gain some closure in this. I know it is going to be a hard thing to do, but I think it will benefit you more in the long run to know that this man is being punished for what he did, and that he can't do this to anyone else again.

Please know you're in my thoughts and prayers. If I can be of any help, consider my PM box open. I wish you my very best.

Hugs,
Harley