Forum for crime victims?

[Bisou]

I am not sure where to post. I looked around but didn't find anything that seemed quite right.

Is there a forum or tribe for crime victims?

In May someone tried to break into my house while my son and I were there alone (I am a single mama). I later found out that the man lived across the street and had intended to cut me up with a box cutter, rape me, and possibly kill me, all while my son watched or was tortured himself. The whole thing is so extremely awful and scary that it's just surreal.

Since he didn't actually get in the house (THANK GOD!) and since he had no prior record, he will be getting out of jail on Friday after only three months in jail. I am supposed to go to the sentencing and make a victim's statement, but the whole thing is terrifying. I've always found Mothering.com's members to be extremely wonderful and supportive, so I thought this might be a good place for me to get some emotional support. I am not finding it elsewhere. I need some help dealing with the fear and feeling like I have some control again. This has totally changed our entire lives and my feeling of security in the world has been completely lost.

If anyone can tell me where this post might be better suited, I would appreciate it!

Thanks!

[Marylizah]

Oh, mama. I have no advice on your situation, or even where to put your post (Personal Growth?), but I want to tell you that you and your son are in my thoughts. I hope you are and will continue to be safe after this sicko is released. PLEASE tell us you've moved!

[Bisou]

Thanks for your reply! Maybe I will just keep it here until someone suggests something better? I guess I could've messaged a moderator or something.

Anyway, yeah. This has been a horrible experience, not only because of what happened, but because of the way it was handled by police and the justice system. It took police almost 30 minutes to get there! I had to make two phone calls, and the second was 17 minutes after the first call. I shudder to think what might have happened to us if he had gotten in after the first call and I was unable to make a second call. The police said that they came and looked around but didn't see anything and left. I don't believe them because I didn't ever see police flashlights or hear any police back there, and I was looking for them! The guy was trying to get into my sliding door in the back of our house, which was on an alley. We were sleeping in the bedroom directly above this sliding glass door, and I was looking out that second-story window. If police had arrived, I would've seen them!

I just feel like I really need some support dealing with this. The sentencing is tomorrow, and I am supposed to attend and give a victim's statement, though I don't have to. Since this is a plea agreement and the terms have already been agreed to, and since he's not getting any jail time, probably my statement won't make any impact on what happens to him. I am terrified about seeing him again. The idea just makes me sick to my stomach. I don't know if I will feel regret if I don't give my victim's statement or if I will feel like I should've been braver. I am really torn about what to do.

Thanks for your reply.

[Marylizah]

Ugh, what a messed-up situation. I would be so stressed about seeing him again, too. Do you have a counselor? Someone to help you work through the stress?

Stay safe, mama.

[Mom2M]

That is terrible! I'm so sorry this happened to you!
Is there a plan in place to keep you safe? Does he have a restraining order or anything?
I would be afraid to make a statement too. Honestly, I probably would not do it if there is no chance of it having an effect on his punishment because I would be worried about retaliation from him.
Are you still in the same house?

Thinking of you, I hope today goes ok.

Deb