2006-10-25 08:54:42 · 12 answers · asked by *~Love is Dead~* 2 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
It was someone in my family that did it to me...and he did it to more than just me.
2006-10-25 09:28:58 · update #1
Report him and get the ball rolling.
2006-10-25 09:02:37 · answer #1 · answered by damdawg 4 · 3⤊ 3⤋
First, you don't press charges, the State does. I would encourage you to report the crime to your local law enforcement. They will investigate it and consult with the district attorney. From there the district attorney will decide if the case can be prosecuted and may take it to the grand jury for indictment. If indicted, the case will proceed through preliminary hearing and discovery and then to plea or trial. This can be a lengthy process. The process varies slightly from jurisdiction to jurisdiction so you will want to ask law enforcement about what to expect when you make the report. You may also have remedies in civil court and may want to contact a private attorney to discuss those options.
2006-10-25 22:45:01 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
First, I would like to say that I am truly sorry for what happened to you. There are people out there that can help you through this. Please contact your local victim services/rape crisis center and request to speak to an advocate. They can offer you needed services like counseling or support group, and can advocate for you throughout the process.
Now that you have pressed charges, law enforcement will investigate the crime. If you have not done so yet, you should go to the emergency room and request that they treat you and conduct a rape kit. This will do two things. First, it will treat you for any injuries you have incurred as a result of the assault. It will also test and treat you for any STDs and test you for pregnancy. Also, the kit will collect any forensic evidence that can later be used to prosecute your perpetrator. This should be done as soon as possible after the assault. If you believe there is a possibility that you may be pregnant you can insist on the morning after pill. If there is a chance that the perpetrator was HIV positive, you can insist on being given HIV propalactics. A victim advocate can accompany you through the entire process, offering support and answering any questions you may have. They can also help you fill out a victim claim form, to cover any costs that you may have or may continue to incur as a result of the crime. This can even cover therapy for life.
What you need to know about the investigation is that it will be long and it won't be easy. Investigators will probably have a lot of questions for you and you may need to come to the station several time. You can insist that an advocate be present. They may have some uncomfortable questions for you. Just be honest. At this point, if you don't have an order of protection against the perp, ask law the investigator to request one for you from a judge.
After law enforcement investigates, if they believe there is enough evidence to convict, they will hold for grand jury. Grand jury will decide if there is enough evidence to go to trial. At that point, expect to be in contact with the DAs office (usually another victim advocate who will act as the go-between between you and the DA). Most cases are settled outside of trial. So, you may never have to face your perp in court. But, you may be asked to write a victim impact statement to the judge. An advocate can also help you with this.
Finally, surround yourself with people who are supportive and caring and allow them to nurture you. Don't be afraid to tell people what you need...and be good to yourself. Time and therapy help!
I wish you the best
2006-10-25 16:17:08 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Good for you. You may go through a traumatic experience with the legal proceedings but these sickos need stopped. Hats off to you for you brave act. So sorry for your situation, but glad you are doing the right thing for the right reason. You should get proper counsel and they will guide you through the process and tell you what to expect. You will make the world a better place for doing this!
2006-10-25 15:58:02 · answer #4 · answered by Shayna 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
A few things will happen. You'll label the man as an abuser forever. Watch the women's reaction to your question. He's automatically guilty. You'll be thought of as someone to stand clear of. These days so many false charges are brought against people that men wont trust you. The police will question you. Maybe they wont file charges but at least they'll have a file on him in case he does it again. He'll have the best attorney money can buy, he's defending his life. You might have to pay for his attorney if you lose. I don't know for sure. But you better ask. Am I scaring you? Listen up. If the man truly assaulted you. Then you should file charges. He's a dangerous man to woman and if he gets away with it he'll do it again. Maybe even to you because he knows you wont turn him in. But think it over very carefully. Can you prove it?
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Ok Mike's chick, you've changed the situation on us. You now have proof. He's done it to others. You might want to talk about this with your family members first. Make sure they'll back you in your statements.
2006-10-25 16:07:56 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 3⤋
Depends on who you go through. If its at work, then go to Legal Authorities. I had a case of sexual harrassment back in May 2006, and I went to my bosses to report it. It took them over a month to do anything. And when they did something he still had his job, and I still had to interact with him everyday since he was a "trainer" for the department I was in. All I did everyday was dread going into work. I finally was let go based on my perfomance going downhill because of it. But I would suggest going to the Legal Authorities. Going to your bosses at work might not get you anywhere. Depending if anyone heard it, and if so was it his/her friends. Like I said that is what happened to me. The guy made the comment his friends overheard it and laughed and i reported it and his friends denied it.
2006-10-25 16:19:03 · answer #6 · answered by yweller25 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Speak with an attorney. Or, walk into a police station and speak with someone informally about this and listen to their advice. Also, speak with your spiritual guide.
2006-10-27 09:13:03 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
You would have to give more information about what you want to know, without revealing your personal information, and I may be able to answer the question.
2006-10-25 18:30:44 · answer #8 · answered by dropkicksiu 1 · 0⤊ 2⤋
If u have proof of the crime then u got a good case. They will go to jail. Rap is a hate crime.
2006-10-25 16:00:50 · answer #9 · answered by Valencia G 1 · 0⤊ 3⤋
You have made a good decision!
2006-10-25 15:58:30 · answer #10 · answered by Cutie 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋