I want to press charges for sexual assault, though it has been 5 years now since it happened. But I don't want family or friends involved. Plus I don't want to face him again. I'm scared people may think I'm lying or just overreacting. Should I just let it go, and see a therapist alone?
Therapist = Money down the drain; the guy'll either not take you seriously or he will take you seriously and be useless Lawyer = LOTS of money down the drain; the guy'll either keep charging you, or he'll make a pathetic attempt. Press charges = Family and friends will realise even if you don't want them to. Sexual assault = what kind of sexual assault? Most people do overreact. Today's society is also becoming quite feminist (not that I'm sexist or anything. Just saying, I mean, look at abortion. Perfect example.) Did the guy just like go out of control and grab you for a bit and try to make out with you, then let go and apologise, or did he go all the way? Also, was he drunk at the time? If he was, you can forget winning a law suit. In short, let it go. It's been 5 years, and if you didn't need a therapist till now, chances are you won't in the future. If it's been 5 years, the case will still open, but nobody is going to take you seriously.
Nothing will happen after 5 years.... there is no legal way courts could prosecute somebody for sexual assault... I think the Cut off time to press charges is 3 Years.
Press charges, you shouldn't let it go. See a lawyer and tell him your situation, he should be able to tell you what to do. I don't think you'll need to involve family. And I don't think you have to face him. You can let the judge know that you despise him due to what he did and you don't want to see him. He should be able to work something out. Good luck. Take care.
Press charges and see a therapist. Something like that happened to me and I didn't press charges. That was the biggest mistake of my life. :( Relationships and trusting people are so hard for me now..
