I was raped in a hospital 5 months ago!!?

Question

We are still waiting for the DNA test to come back. The person who raped me is still working in that hospital and works in an isolated room alone with the patients. Now, I haven't been able to get much help or information.

Today, I contacted my State Representative and she is contacting the states attorneys office. Is this something that should have been done in the beginning of the investigation?? How can they help and what will they do to help me?? Will they help to get him out of the hospital and away from patients?? Any extra info. you can give is appreciated?

Yes, I identified him. I contacted the police. He is a cop!! I also contacted dept. of health and the CEO of the hospital!

Answer 1

First of all, let me say that I'm very sorry that happened to you. I can imagine how helpless you feel right now, but there are people who know how to help you, and who want to help you and get this guy away from any situation where he can do it again.

Yes, contact a lawyer. Personal injury lawyers who specialize in rape and sexual abuse cases know how to handle these issues. It would be better if you had an attorney to handle this for you, because obviously -- and for good reason -- you will probably be very upset.

I would ask your attorney to contact the hospital administration, first. Even without conclusive DNA proof, they can still put this guy where he has limited or even no access to patients, and if they have a valid claim that he raped you, it would be in their best interests to move him or fire him.

Second, make sure there is a restraining order against him, keeping him from contacting you in any way. The police can handle that.

Third, get some counseling. It helps to start talking about it with a professional as soon as possible, trust me, and the attorney you hire will be able to refer you to someone.

(If you need help finding a good lawyer, please IM or email me. I used to work for attorneys who handles sex abuse victims and I can help you find someone who will work hard for you. I just don't know your area of the country.)

Answer 2

Several questions here, but one thing you don't indicate is if you know who the person is who raped you.

If you know the person who raped you and reported them at the time of the rape, they should have been suspended or reassigned.

As to your State Representative -- can she do anything? Unless she is an attorney (and many do have a law degree) she can't legally do much -- BUT as a State Representative, she has the ability to put pressure on the State's Attorney's Office.

As to the State's Attorney's Office -- they can't do much until they have "proof" and that is what the DNA test is for. If you knew your attacker, and pointed him/her out, it may very well be that once the test is back, they will be arrested.

This process can take a while, as the attacker has a right to Due Process -- there are some false rape claims that are reported, and unfortunately this means that just pointing a finger doesn't automatically prove anything.

Good luck on your case.

Answer 3

Your first two respondents both gave good answers. The part that bothers me most is that you said the perp is a cop. Even if the DNA comes back positively identifying the perp, he will argue that it was consensual. The courts have a bad habit of believing the police officer. They don't seem to think that cops would ever lie. I know better. I have caught police in lies and even prosecutors and judges in lies. They wouldn't admit it but I knew and my client knew because we were both there when the lie was made. The police will also tend to support their own kind and may harass you when you finger this guy as the perp. Going to the State Attorney General is a good idea because then you don't have to worry about a local attorney being intimidated by the local police. Yes, that does happen.
Best wishes.