Reporting a crime to the police

[Slipperyfish]

Hi everyone. On Friday I made the decision to go to the police station a report a crime (assault) from Jan 2019. The day was long. I was there 6 hours. But now I’m stressed and anxious and really not coping. I thought reporting would make me feel better but it’s honestly made it worse. There are now so many steps that need to happen and there might not even be an arrest at the end. My boss from work also came with me to make the statement. I was feeling stressed that she wanted to come but it was nice having support. But now I suppose I’m panicking about going back to work tomorrow. She knows so much now and I feel like she will never look at me the same again. Ah it’s just all so overwhelming. On top of that I reckon I’ve only slept about 3 hours each night since last Tuesday and I’m not eating. But honestly I don’t feel hungry and the thought of food makes me want to vomit. Anyway. That’s where I’m at. I think I’ll call the police tomorrow and double check all my options. I want him to be held accountable and get in trouble, but I also know that I don’t think I’m emotionally stable enough to do it. But then I feel like I’m letting people down. Gahhh so many emotions and I don’t know what to deal with first.

[blondguy]

Hi Slipperyfish

you have made the correct decision with reporting the assault. It is very common to feel anxious afterwards..Your feelings are more than understandable at this time

I noticed you mentioned your boss accompanied you when making the statement. Everything you have posted is spot on and good on you (and your boss) for taking the steps you have to address this issue

You have answered your own question by mentioning contacting the police for reassurance. This is a really good idea...you will feel a lot better after having a chat...The police are used to helping people like us that feel anxious after reporting an assault

any questions are always welcome Slipperyfish!.....we have spoken before on the forums!

Paul

[Guest_1643]

Hi Slipperyfish!

I'm just wandering if you might feel a bit better in a few days?
Interested to hear that and see how you feel... I've also reported something recently. I felt really upset afterwards, and called 1800 Respect for reassurance. They helped me reframe and I actually am glad I did it. i did it for me. I found it to be emotionally scary but afterwards okay.

I can fully relate to the not eating and sleeping part. It's a lot to juggle.
Please take care of yourself and go easy. Take a break from the worry if you can. Who knows what will come from reporting it.... i'm here if you want to talk

[Slipperyfish]

I did speak to the police again this morning and that did make me feel slightly better. Work was full on and stressful and I avoided my boss. I’m just feeling so overwhelmed. It’s feeling almost too much. I’m just trying to figure out if I’ve done the right thing and if I did it for the right reasons. I’m just not sure.
thank you for the support though! I really appreciate it.

[Slipperyfish]

Hi! Yes I am trying to take a break from the worry. It’s so hard though. Like so hard. How are you feeling after reporting? I just feel like I’m letting people down by not coping with the situation better.

[SarahZ]

Hi Slipperyfish,

Thank you so much for reaching out and being so brave. Reporting an assault is the correct thing to do and you are exceptionally brave for doing so. Although easier said than done, please don't feel like you let people down. You let no one down. You dealt with the situation the best way possible. Being assaulted is nothing to be sorry for. The only person who should be sorry is the perpetrator and you were right in taking the reign and reporting them. You should feel tremendously proud you took such a courageous step. You most likely stopped this person from harming anyone else. This is undoubtedly an extremely overwhelming situation to be in. Hopefully time will lessen the pain and anxiety. Please take good care of yourself. Have a strong support system close by, eat well, stay hydrated, and try sleep as best as you can.

Know we are here listening to you and supporting you.

Please feel free to update us if you feel up to it.

Wishing you all the best.

[RomDawg]

Hi!
Well done for making that step, you’re a brave person.

I also had extreme anxiety after reporting my ex partner that was made tenfold worse by the horrible treatment and support from Rosebud Police Station. So, I’m really glad to hear that the police you’re involved with are supportive xx

Anxiety is really normal, I found acknowledging the anxiety and going ‘I’m feeling [insert feeling] right now, but it’s okay, I’m going to be okay, this will pass.’ Acknowledge and accept your feelings for what they are. For me though, the anxiety didn’t fully leave until court was over (a year).

Chatting to someone over the phone or online just to get any pressing thoughts out I found to be really helpful as well, 1800 respect were amazing assistance in so many ways.

Attempt some meditation to give your brain a chance to calm/slow down.

My advice would be to not ignore your boss. I understand there’s some embarrassment and shame involved (Brene Brown on YouTube, fantastic if you have the time) but if I’ve learnt anything from anxiety disorder, the more you avoid the worse it will be. I’m not saying to force yourself to be in their presence if you’re super uncomfortable, but just remember they came with you and therefore they seem like a super supportive individual. They obviously care about you and I don’t think they’d think anything less of you ❤️

[blondguy]

Hi Slipperyfish

Good on you!

Slipperyfish mentioned 'I did speak to the police again this morning and that did make me feel slightly better' You are not letting anyone down by having difficulty coping with a difficult situation

Your own well being is paramount.....all other considerations are secondary....(just my humble opinion!)

you have done so well 🙂

Paul

[Guest_1643]

Hey Slipperyfish, How are you feeling ? been nearly a week since you reported...

I didn't report through the police, but reported a therapist for sexual misconduct, so a bit different.
I also recently called the practise of the GP who referred me to such a person - that was horrible because they pretty much didn't care.
I felt really upset afterwards, but then a few days later (with help from 1800 respect) i felt better.

I think making a choice is brave and you can get through it, but I understand it's different for everyone.

How are you feeling? here to talk if you need anything at all

Thank you for sharing

[Slipperyfish]

Thank you for your kind words. I only managed to avoid my boss for 24 hours until she was on to me and asked what was going on. I did say that I felt so ashamed she had to hear what she heard but it’s all going ok for now.

also I am a huge fan of brene brown!!