Comments on: Is it worth the emotional trauma to file rape charges against someone?

By: Wednezday03

Wednezday03 — Sun, 21 Feb 2010 03:20:59 +0000

A friend and I were raped around the same time ( by different people). She filed charges and I did not. I was so proud of her strength for filing charges because she was able to send him to jail and prevent him from possibly reoffending or at least having to notify everyone of his past. Because most sexual offenders do reoffend I wish now that I would have filed charges. Going through her trial with her was difficult but she was able to come to terms with what happened to her through the trial, if just a bit. Definatly therapy either way.
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By: mischiefsw

mischiefsw — Sun, 21 Feb 2010 02:54:59 +0000

The only person that can decide is you. Basically, the question you need to ask yourself is why would you want to pursue charges? Is it for revenge? Is it to protect other’s from being harmed by him? Is it to prove that you did not consent? Is it to protect your family’s honour?

All of these questions are valid and there are indeed many more to answer. Personally, for me, if I were the victim, the only reason I would follow through with charges would be to protect other’s from him doing this to them. I have a very strong sense of "doing the right thing" but that would be the right thing for ME and not necessarily for others. But, that is just me. Some people get some vindication necessary for their healing. It just all depends on the victim and what is best for them–IMO.
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Clinical Social Worker, MSW, RSW.

By: Lucifer In Tears

Lucifer In Tears — Sun, 21 Feb 2010 02:36:59 +0000

Its worth putting the person behind bars so that he/she wont hurt another human, so in that sense yes. I think you should prepare yourself to live through the trauma again and testify in court.

Then again, if this happened like 5yrs ago then just about all evidence has deteriorated and the chances of the perpetrator being locked up is small.

It also depends on where the crime occurred. Thats important because here in Los Angeles, due to the budget cuts and under staffing, the rape kits are piling up; there are still backlogs unopened of rape kits committed like 3-4 years ago!

Take all these into consideration…
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Volunteer at the Los Angeles Police Department

By: Scott

Scott — Sun, 21 Feb 2010 02:22:59 +0000

The question you might try asking yourself is, "Is it worth the emotional trauma to let him/her get away with it and not have that closure?"

Though your thoughts are to move on with your life (good for you), will you be able to continue in good conscience knowing that the matter is unresolved and that they are free to continue doing this to other people?

Whatever the case, good luck!
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By: Jag

Jag — Sun, 21 Feb 2010 01:52:59 +0000

I have no experience in this, but I think you should see a therapist about it. Ask your therapist if it is a good idea to press charges. Sorry if this is no help to you. I hope you can get better answers
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By: Flyingfrogs

Flyingfrogs — Sun, 21 Feb 2010 01:38:59 +0000

Yes, I think it's best to file rape charges. What if the person then goes on and rapes another person? You want to put this person away. But you should also get therapy to help with the trauma.
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By: ShaunaS

ShaunaS — Sun, 21 Feb 2010 00:52:59 +0000

First and foremost,I am sorry this has happened to you!! I was raped three years ago and did not press charges. I wish I would have now that I look back. I hope you would press charges because he could hurt someone else. I would also suggest therapy to teach you how to cope w/ the mental anguish you struggle with. I hope everything works out for you. Good luck and God bless.
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