[harmlessgirl]

(I was previously sexually abused as a young child, that's why I'm posting this here.)

I just learned that there is a convicted rapist living 5 doors down from me. My husband is deployed, so it's just me and my puppy at home.

Surprisingly I'm not scared, I'm just furious. Extremely angry. We have a shotgun and I've run various scenarios in my head where I've shot him. I won't ever use the gun unless I'm in danger.

I don't really know what to do. Should I be doing something? How can I keep my mind at ease? I'm not seeing a psychologist right now, but should I tell someone (maybe my psychiatrist) what I'm thinking?

[lowinmood]

yes I think you should tell your psychiatrist, in the UK with can have safeguarding protection through social services if we think we are at risk, I don't know what that entails, probably different for every situation, but I do know it means there will be staff checking up on you and seeing if you are okay.

It's worth telling someone, just for your own safety.

[starfruit504]

I think that your strong response to learning there is a rapist a few doors down is definitely something to bring up with your psychiatrist. The amount of fear you're describing is disturbing your everyday life and taking away your peace of mind. The therapist needs an opportunity to help you work on this emotionally and practically.

[TerriLynn]

It actually is very good that you are running scenarios through your mind on how you would protect yourself. If you can, do that with some specificity in your own home. My husband is a retired sheriff deputy and we run scenarios all the time, at restaurants, at home, etc. on what would you do if?

Look around your home for the best location for concealment and cover. Concealment is just something to hide behind, cover would protect you from a weapon. Keep in mind that a shotgun might be good for protection when a person is further away and you haven't practiced aim with a handgun, but in a house, in areas that are confined, they really are not the best home defense weapon. Coming around a corner with that, if someone is on the other side, they can grab it. A handgun held close to the body is easier to control and keep out of the assailants hands.

Also, consider an escape route. If these types of things are thought out and played through the mind, it isn't a stranger to your brain if something actually does occur.

Have you considered taking some self defense classes? It might make you feel more capable of defending yourself. Do you have mace or some type of alarm on the house? All of these things can help you feel a little more secure. Keep your head up and eyes open.

[TerriLynn]

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