Can I successfully report a rape without physical proof?

Question

Almost 2 years ago, when I was 19 years old, I was drugged, raped, and forced to remain in hotel room (naked) for 3 days. The man who raped me turned out to be an ex-con who spent 14 years in prison for attempted murder and has a very long criminal record, NOT consisting of other rapes...that I know of. I live in Washington State, where the rape was committed. The man who raped me removed all DNA evidence from me, or at least that is what I thought at the time. I was a virgin at the time that this occured (and still consider myself one) and became pregnant due to the rape. I had a miscarraige at 7 weeks along. I am very serious about this, and would appreciate SERIOUS help only! I want justice, but understand that it may be impossible. Is there ANYTHING that I can do? I am afraid that he will come after me and kill me...

Answer 1

You should most definitely report it. You should also be prepared for a long road ahead because without and evidence and any physical proof it is going to be hard to believe your story. You should do it only because, if there is a very tiny chance to get the bastard, then it will have been worth it. You should do it for protect your own self-esteem.

I would start with the local police first and see where that takes you.

Answer 2

I know there is a statute of limitations for rape but, I believe it is 7 years in most states!
YES, you should report the rape to your local law enforcement! Before time runs out, or anymore time passes!
This was a very serious violation! Given the facts and the nature of the crime + his record, you at least have a chance of being taken seriously!
Just have all of your facts straight and speak with your law enforcement agency.
I believe you may have to testify against him if you go to court. If you do sincerely want justice then, do the right thing.
It is not likely that the man will go looking for trouble, after his sentance is served. There are ways that the police will protect you!
And know ~ that you may be able to prevent this from happening to anyone else!
I understand where you are coming from, as I was raped and violated at the age of 13! Thank God my situation was not as severe as your account, none the less ~ I never did tell anyone until I was 25! I wish I had done something about it. I hope it never happens to anyone else!
I hope you can find the courage to endure and stand up against this evil and demented monster!
Much luck to you!

Answer 3

Well, here is some serious help. You need to get serious and do something about this NOW.

Do not wait any longer. You asked this same question 3 months ago pretending it was your friend who was involved. You got some really good answers then and still haven't acted on the advice.

As painful as this may be, you must begin to take the appropriate type of action, even if you never get to the point of prosecution (evidence may be too weak to prove the case, perp may not be located, etc. ). I feel fairly confident that you have never dealt with this issue appropriately and you need counseling and the proper type of support to deal with this emotionally, even if you never get the justice that you feel you need.

This event has affected you for almost 2 years and will continue to affect you for the rest of your life. However, with the proper support, you can minimize future damage and problems by dealing with this, and the sooner the better.

By addressing this problem as yours instead of your friend's problem is a step in the right direction. Stay strong and take the next step.
Good luck.

Answer 4

If you had of reported it immediately after the rape, possibly. Just because you thought there was no physical evidence, doesn't mean there wasn't any. In fact, there probably was. The problem is that 2 years later, that physical evidence is gone. You could still report it, but it would essentially be your word against his. It would be hard to find any witnesses that could provide anything useful, and unless in the course of the investigation he confesses, I wouldn't expect much. By the way, you are coming up on the expiration for the state's statute of limitation.
Note:
If a first or second degree rape is not reported within one year, the rape may not be prosecuted: (A) More than three years after its commission if the violation was committed against a victim fourteen years of age or older

Answer 5

First off get your name off of anything public, ie the internet, phone books, address, anything you can think of. Use only an unlisted number and a po box. Next call the police or DA of the place of either where the rape occurred or where the man is held. Next go to a victims rights group and have an advocate help you get a lawyer for free. They can also help you get an order of protection or restraining order ( they are the same thing basically, but are called by different names in different places ) Go to your local police and tell them so they will have your address in their records if he does come after you or any vandalism of your place occurs they will know who did it.

Very importantly get counseling on a regular basis.
You may have a form of post traumatic stress disorder - this happens to crime victims and soldiers who have been through seeing a lot of violence - they used to call it shell shock - but it's the same type of thing - where you have memories, nightmares and fears of it happening again.
You can go to a victim rights group, but you also will need ongoing personal counseling probably you will want a woman counselor to get through all this. This is also available free through Catholic Charitites, Jewish Family services and some other religious and secular groups or counseling services.
I have been through a rape myself - please take care of yourself - once you get through all this and report it and work it all out mentally and emotionally things will get 100% better, believe me - a few years down the road you will be much stronger.
I work with kids who are locked up both victims and perps.

Answer 6

Sorry about your experience, and this is going to sound harsh.

You will not be taken seriously by law enforcement unless you have some proof to offer. If you have nothing for the police to build a case on, they can't do much to bring the guy to justice. However, the chances are good if you can identify the man, it might solve some other rapes that the police are investigating.

Seek counseling from your local YWCA or rape-recovery center. They will be the ones who can help guide you the best.

Answer 7

If you have not reported this you should. Even if nothing comes of it, you will at least be on the record if something else happens.

I am so sorry this happened to you. I am a conservative older man and if there is one thing I find lower than low, it is a rapist. He deserves death.

You are a brave an impressive woman. I wish you nothing but happiness for the rest of your life. Such evil could easily destroy a lesser person. You are strong and powerful. Do not live in fear. He may have had his filthy hands on your body but he did not touch your spirit.

I agree you still are a virgin. What he took was physical you gave him nothing of real value. Damn, you are terriffic.

God bless you.

Answer 8

You need to talk to a rape crisis center. There is no need to continue to be the victim, your a survivor. There is no physical evidence, but it still needs to be reported

Answer 9

Yes, you can, after that it is in the hands of the district attorney

Answer 10

i really dont know, but im sorry for what you went through.