Because we are in shock,
Because we are confused,
Because we feel ashamed,
Because we feel at fault,
Because we are scared.
What will people think?
What will he do?
Will I be believed?
Have I been waiting too long?
What will happen?
Do I have to go to court?
Do I need to pay for a lawyer?
The fear of the unknown...
And then I do,
I find the strength, the courage.
“But why did you wait two years?” they ask.
I shrink deep into my chair as I try to explain,
The intimidating police officers, my denial, confusion, anxiety and fear.
They ask for my evidence and the only thing I can provide is the friend who drove me home and escorted him out of my apartment.
“But didn’t you go to the hospital?” they ask.
How can I begin to explain that when I got home all I could do was take a long shower and fall exhausted into bed.
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