Jim... I am glad that your daughter (I am not using names because I haven't read every post here and am unsure if your daughter would not like to be named here) is happy to go ahead with the prosecution.
I am glad that she is okay with this because what she, and you are all doing is comendable. You may or may not be surprised to know, but too often things like this go unreported. Aside from the justice that all affected deserve...which is paramount in my eyes - this man is also a huge danger to children. And there are many children that hopefully will be saved as a result of this.
I recently went through the difficult decision of whether or not I wanted to prosecute. I contacted the police, and gave his full name so the matter is somewhat in the police's hands. However... when I decided to prosecute my PTSD got much worse, and I had to say no in the end. I regret that, but it was affecting me so much... I hope one day I will be okay enough to be able to cope with it. But at this time in my life, I felt I had no choice but to put myself first as I was reacting badly to it all. I'm taking comfort in the knowledge that the police have his name for now.
What made me decide to do something was the thought that this man is getting older now, and one day, I might want justice and it will be too late because he'll be dead. The catalyst for contacting the police was hearing that he now has grandchildren.
One thing I can say for certain in my personal experience and opinion is that if I knew for sure that there were others he got at who were willing to prosecute... I would definitely help with a prosecution. Somehow it makes it easier to do. What you have done by contacting parents is allow others who have been got at by this man to be given this opportunity knowing that they are not alone.
I wanted to point this out because I believe it's a huge thing. If you had decided not to go ahead, you would have still done something great as I have no doubt your contact and breaking the 'secret' he holds by exposing him to other parents and 'victims' (hate that word) would have stimulated many people to come forward regardless. It's really powerful what you have done. Although I am not one of this man's 'victims', I am to another abuser and for some reason I want to personally thank you for doing this even though I'm in no way entitled to! I guess because if somebody did the same for me, it would change my life and give me the bravery to go forward.
I am pleased you, your family, and most importantly, your daughter are continuing with this because this man needs to be brought to justice for what he did to your daughter, and all the others. |