Struggling Through..

[Harpermillie]

Hi all - I'm new to this forum. I've been really struggling for a few months, my old employer sexually assaulted me in November last year and it had a bigger affect on me than I thought it would. I have been seeking help and finally worked up the courage to formally report this, only to receive a threatening letter from her lawyer in response to my claim. This is incredibly disheartening and hurtful, they claimed I am mentally un-sound to have made 'such accusations' and now I'm not even sure if I should have taken action or should be so hurt by what she did. Has anyone ever been through something similar? I'm feeling so stuck and flat, and would like to move on.

[monkey_magic]

Hi there and welcome to Beyond Blue.

I have been betrayed and traumatized before and I just want to commend u on your courage to persue this matter.They are coming up with mistruths to be right and to get away with it. Don't let them disarm you. You have a claim too. Do u have evidence? She could be scared and threatened your case is stronger...

[Harpermillie]

Hey - thanks so much for responding. I know that I was doing the right thing, but it was so disheartening and it really hurt to read the letter, so rude and really damaging. I don't really have any evidence other than someone who saw me shortly after and a report I made the next day at work. I think she did this out of fear, just not sure if her retaliation is worth me going further..

[NiqBel03]

Hi there,

Thank you for sharing your story with us. I completely understand the feeling of feeling vulnerable and reporting an assault just to have it thrown back into your face. It’s such an awful and disheartening feeling. For me, it make me question my sanity and if it was even worth it.

In the end, the decision to move forward with the complaint is up to you, but a nasty letter should not discourage you from doing so. Understand there may be some backlash with perusing this, but we are here to help support you with whatever direction you take. You deserve to have your voice heard. The letter is meant to be a scare tactic in order for you to not go through with it. No lawyer or employer can decide if you are “not fit” “unsound” to make those comments. If you say it happened then we believe you 100%. You are so brave for even taking this first step!