Victim Statement - Can I Withdraw?

[LHB1989]

I made a statement yesterday against the man who sexually abused me as a child. It's been 10 years since it stopped. I thought I was strong enough to finally stand up but it's petrified me. I've been physically sick in the 24 hours since doing an initial statement. It wasn't even the actual statement as that will be done on video. I'm terrified that if this goes to court, that yet again I won't be believed. My abuser was my sisters partner and I also worry about my families reaction.

I know it needs reporting but I can't see a way of finding the strength to do this. I didn't do it for compensation, no amount of money can take what he did away. I feel I want it to be recognized and for him to face some kind of justice and stop him. But the more and more I think about it the more I feel unable to do this.

Can I withdraw my statement before I yet again listen to people call me a liar and have to yet again live believing I was to blame?

[New Judge]

No.

You cannot "unmake" a statement once it's made. All you can do is make a second statement saying that the contents of the first were not correct (because, say, you were mistaken).

You may find that the CPS continue with a prosecution and you may be summnsed to court to give evidence. However they are not really in the business of making it difficult for alleged victims but you should be prepared for that possibility.

[rockyracoon]

Now you've had the legal answer from New Judge, could I suggest that you get yourself some councelling to help you through this difficult time. It may give you the strength to carry on with the complaint if there's a prosecution.

Good luck whatever you decide to do, but I think you'll never really get any peace until you've done all you can to get the perv convicted.

[gordiescotland1]

Congratulations for having the courage to do it in the first place I wish I had your courage it happened to me and I would love to see that person in court but I know there is no way I could have the courage to do what you did I think you need someone to walk through this with you on this journey like a friend

[LHB1989]

I've got my partner. He's been brilliant so far but he knows no real details as I've never felt able to sit down and talk to him about it other than admitting it all happened. He's also never pushed.

Is it worth speaking to my GP for help? I already take anti-depressants for PTSD. Can they help me with this?

[woofgang]

yes of course it is worth talking to your GP. As well as meds they may be able to get you a counsellor if it would help.

[Nicola1977]

I am so sorry to hear about ur abuse, maybe one day u will find the strength to get justice for urself, good luck and wish u well X

[Peter Pedant]

Sorry LHB you have had to bear this burden unsupported for so long

New Judge has risen to the challenge -
a statement is a statement

however as his second para says - they dont usually chase people if in your circumstances you basically say : I thought I could and now I know I cant

I think this is not really a question of Law but a question of seeking and securing support in a professional sense, which I hope this has persuaded you to follow

[EDDIE51]

Yes and remember his 2nd paragraph, the CPS can still proceed with the prosecution even without your cooperation . The reason behind this is that lot of these cases end up with the victim refusing to cooperate. In many cases (not saying yours is) the reason for withdrawal is that the victim has been bullied into it by the abuser, so the CPS can still proceed without the victims cooperation.