I was wondering if anyone knows about the legal process after being raped?

Question

I was raped about 2 weeks ago. The investagator called me on Monday to tell me that he found the guy that raped me and he spoke to him. Is story was the same as mine up until the assualt took place. He said it was consentual but it wasn't. I told the officer that I still wanted to proscute but this is where I am not sure what happens next and what I have to do. I would appreciate any help that I can get. Thanks in advance.

Answer 1

You have nothing to do, now it's the police the one in charge of doing their job. They will get the evidence (rape kit, DNA, photos, statements) and take it to the prosecutor he will decide if there is enough evidence to take him to trial, then you will be called as a witness.

It will be hard to wait but give the investigators time to prepare, they need to make sure about all the facts, talk to witnesses and some tests like DNA take some time; you can call the detective in charge to get the up-dates, but you already did your part by reporting the crime.

You can check if there is a suppor group for rape victims in your area. They can help you to know your rights, and how to deal with the stress of the tiral, and how to deal with the pain of being a rape victim. Good luck.

Answer 2

You should go to a victims rights group for help, there are some like those for victims of domestic violence, there are also ones that help women who have been through this.
I have been through this too - so I know it is not going to be easy - but for your own self it is VERY important you see it through. Once you are done with it all - it will help you feel better and more empowered. It's been 7 years since I went through that and life is 1000 times better now.
You may ( and probably should !) want to see a counselor to help you through this - you can get ones free through the groups I have mentioned. Some church organizations etc also have ones that are free or cheap such as Catholic Charities or Jewish Family services etc. You can put any expenses ytou have with all of this into the charges against him and he may have to pay restitution. You can also get free legal advice. This is through the crime victims rights board.
You will have to write a victim impact statement too.
You are going to have to talk with a counselor of social worker or have someone go with you for moral support when you get interviewed by the DA ( district attorney ) You will have to appear in court and tell the judge and DA what happened. You may have to appear before a grand jury. I did and this part was hard because some of the people may ask you hurtful questions as if you were somehow responsible. It will be ok, the judge will probably know that some of the questions are out of line.
The court and DA's office will tell you what to expect along the way and what you have to do so just listen to them and take notes in case you might be nervous and forget something.
Just stay strong ! Build as much support around yourself as you can. These things can take months to get done.
Good luck and God bless!

Answer 3

First off- Im sorry that happened. Ive been in a similar situation. Glad to hear you called the police on it. Now that you've said you wanted to prosecute they will begin court proceedings. You may have to testify in court (as you should do so, this scumbag needs to pay). I believe there would be a trial. Most judges do not do well with sexual assault and I high;ly believe you will win your case. You may not be in court right away, but you can always call the officer that took your report (he should have given you a card with your case number on it as well as his contact info) and ask how the process is going and if the guy has been bailed out (if bail was posted at a preliminary trial). It is your word against his. In court always stick to your facts and no matter how horrifying the experience they will ask you to re-tell. Be brave and do it. The court needs to hear all of it to make the judgment. Sometimes the assailant doesnt get as much time as youd like. If this bothers you, you can get a restraining order after his release. Good luck dear.

Answer 4

i was raped too in college! I give you great respect for wanted to do something about it! I too had the courage to report it to the police! Now ask your lawyer if there was any evidence and how much! This will determine the next step! Make sure you write down everything in a pad! If you remember anything write it down with your other notes! Also if you didn't wash your clothes get them and put them in a bag! Did you go to the hospital yet? If so then they might have evidence from the rape kit!! Good luck and keep your chin up! If nothing happens to the guy always remember what comes around goes around! !!

Answer 5

It is going to be rather difficult, but don't give up. You will be saving other women from going through the trauma that you went and are going through now.

You will have to testify. The DNA test on the semen will prove that he was the perpetrator. The Defense attorney will try to discredit your testimony. Don't let the process intimidate you. You are probably not his first victim. Hopefully the can find other women to come forward too.

Good Luck, I hope the SOB gets the maximum sentence!! Be sure to get some therapy to help you through this. Remember that you are the victim. You did ot do anything to cause this rape. He is the one at fault!

Answer 6

Go to your local police station and ask for a different investigator.
No means NO. Not all police officers think this is a crime, simply because it is 'just sex'.
If you were raped, and you are brave enough, take it as far as you can....if you don't stop him, he WILL do it again.....stop him now... make him stop, or at least warn others about him...

Date rape is still rape no matter what the 'investigator' says....keep trying til you get someone who believes in your case.

I'm, here if you wanna talk...

Answer 7

I am not knowledgeable in this field but I would definitely get myself a good lawyer. Secondly, I want you to know that I am praying for you. May God bless you and help you in your court case.

Answer 8

try "victim witness"...they are there for victims.

or go to the police station and follow up.

but i think you should try victim witness first. a rape crisis line could also guide you in the right direction.

Answer 9

idk...but i was raped when i was 13.......and the guy only had a month of jail time...and he did drugs consistently.....my town just wants a good name for its self


you can try testifying against.....i tried to forget my memories....so it's vague now....
but i'm terribly sorry.


tell me, is that fair?

Answer 10

It's going to be your word against his unless you have scars or bruises,something to show there was force used.It would be hard to prove,i'm thinking.