what rights does one have when they were raped? (Michigan)?

Question

I am a married man whose wife was raped one evening. I have tracked down and located the individual and even spoke to him on the phone. of course he denies any sexual contact but his friend has a different story. What rights do we have? The police department said that if a trial is called and the perpetrator is found innocent, my wife could then be convicted of false testimony and become imprisoned for several years. I pray to God that the guy is telling the truth and the baby is mine. Please if anybody has any good legal advice, let me know, Thanks

Answer 1

Did she go to the police after it happened at all? When I was engaged, I was raped by another man. I ended up pregnant out of it, and had to come clean on the rape. I never did report it. I was told that it would be hard to prove rape seeing that I didn't go to the police/hospital right away, and it would just be my word against his. If he has a criminal record, or anything that could link him to sexual misconduct, it could help her case. If she wants to pursue this, get a lawyer.

And don't focus all your attention on this. I know it's hard, but it's not healthy for either of you or the baby. When I found out I was pregnant, I dispised (SP?) my daughter. It was hard for me to be happy, (I knew for sure the baby wasn't my fiance's). I was confused on my feelings. Should I be happy I was bringing this baby into the world - a baby that belonged to another man outside of the one I loved? Or should I be mad? Should I keep her? Adoption? I look at her today, and I wouldn't change a thing. I was scared before I had her that everytime I would look at her I'd remember him - the one who caused the hurt and pain. But I don't. I see my daughter. I see a little girl that has me.

My fiance and I split when I got pregnant with his son... go figure... but I was able to make it though my first pregnancy (from the rape) with him by my side. He constantly assured me that he would be there for me, and her. That he wouldn't look at her as anything different than his own. You need to do the same. Whether this baby is paternally yours or his, you are the daddy. Any man can be a sperm donar/biological father - but it takes a REAL man to be a daddy. Remember that. And remember to tell your wife everyday that you are there for her, you love her, and you love your baby... no matter what.
God bless, and for peace of mind, I hope the baby is yours... but don't let that be a big part of your life. If you or her ever need to talk, feel free to email me - [e-mail] . I know what your going through - remember also, there is always a mountain peak at the end of every valley...

PS - to answer some of the questions on why wouldn't she go to the police or hospital - embarrassment - it's hard to admit you couldn't defend yourself - and it's hard to face the truth that it really happened. Some of us feel that if we don't admit it, it didn't happen - but for every action there is a consequense right?

Answer 2

It's really important to get this man behind bars. Not only has he done this awful thing to your wife, but also maybe to other women or children, and could do so again if he is free.
If you have faith in your wife then make sure she knows that you are with her on this and will support her all the way. This will make her more confident about her testimony, and less likely to be overpowered by the rapist's lawyer in court.
I'd advise her to contact a rape crisis centre. They will be able to give her support as well as recommending the right course of action, and maybe a good lawyer.
All the best to your wife. The most important thing is for her to be ok, and get over this the best she can.

Answer 3

If your wife was raped why didn't she call the police and go to the hospital? They would have done a rape kit. She also should have filed a police report. Without either your wife would have a hard time winning her case. I have heard of rape victims losing their case because of lack of evidence but I have never heard of the victim going to prison. For that to happen someone would have to prove that the person lied on the stand and filed a false police report.

Answer 4

Well if a paternity test is ordered then therefore it sounds like there is a question of paternity. But as human being listening to this question, I think you wife is lying!! I think she cheated on you and now she knows that the majority of the percentage is favoring the "rapist" for paternity. I think she willfully had sex with this individual and now she's trying to hurt him since he's trying to hurt her family. But I seriously think your wife cheeated and is now trying to call it a rape case. How did you find out who this person was and how did you get the number? Snoop around I promise you will find more leads that is supportive of my theory.

P.S.

I hope the baby's yours too.

Answer 5

First of all that's bull crap. If your wife is telling the truth then it doesn't matter she will not go to jail.

You need to get a lawyer. Getting legal advice from Yahoo answers is irresponsible.

Answer 6

Hmm....... well I'm not good with law but if your wife is telling the truth and the baby isn't yours and that guys friend is telling the truth then you have nothing to worry about.

Answer 7

Straight up- Do Not Trust the Police.

Just drop him, or throw has name up here.
Just give up on fight, or go smart and let Huna do that dod's trick.

Oh and Do not trust Police services

Answer 8

bullshi*t your wife is not telling you the whole story file report if true your wife has nothing to worry convenient for you to find the perpetrator ah

Answer 9

get lawyer and ask yourself this why would your wife lie to you about something like that if she is lying she is very sick

Answer 10

Probably none, thanks to the ACLU and like organizations, the criminals have all the rights. The victims are out in the cold.