Perhaps my experience can help Jim as I have been in both situations - one where there was prosecution and one where there was not.

In one situation where I was assaulted I was encouraged by both therapist and the police to press charges. As the police reported the incident they decided, whether I liked it or not, to press charges. Basically, it was on my behalf even though I was petrified of the process and what it would involve. They said they had a duty to the community now that they were aware of the situation. So, I was in a similar situation as Evie however it was the police instead of parents who prosecuted.

It was a horrible ordeal but the thought that held me together through the ordeal was that prosecution could possibly save someone else being in the same situation and possibly a life.

In the other situation, I was sexually assaulted by a superior at work. It was strongly recommended to me at that time that I did not take it outside the organisation as I didn't want to publically embarrass a silly old man who would have lost his superannuation entitlements as they would be forced to fire him. Funnily enough this was even after he admitted to committing the offence.

While the organisation I worked for tried to deal with it in house and there was no prosecution, this situation caused me more long term pain. It was easier not to prosecute short term as I didn't want to go through the humiliation over and over. Afterwards, it ate me up for years and years when I came to the realisation he walked away with a slap on his wrist and I lost my job as I was seen to be the problem as I caused disruption despite him being the one who had offended. I also had to live with what he had did to me feeling there was no justice where at least in the other situation there eventually was some. Nothing can take away the pain and suffering but some peace can be found in knowing you did something about it.

As Evie is a friend I would not want her to suffer any pain and can appreciate her position. After living both sides, my opinion would be for you to go ahead and prosecute Jim. Reality is Evie has suffered and it is not fair for her to suffer any more however by doing something about it you can protect future innocent children from the same terrifying experience. That is something for Evie to be proud about - that she could do something to stop him.

My thoughts only............