You may find it helpful to think through the following questions and discuss them with your counsellor if you wish:

• What are your fears about reporting?

• What do you want to achieve through reporting?

• What can you achieve even if the courts can't get a conviction?

• In making your statement, are there any things that you know could trigger you into having a flashback? Think about things you could do to protect yourself.

• While you are giving your statement, how will you know when you might need to take a break?

• What vulnerable reactions can you have to people in power? You might need to think about whether you might regress into those reactions when you talk with the police

• Is there any particular support you would like to ask of your counsellor through this time? Are there any things you are feeling but have never talked about?

• Be prepared for the long term nature of an investigation of this type with the police. Don’t put your life on hold waiting for them. This is not your life – it is your past! Carry on living your life and your future.

• Don’t allow a conviction to be proof of your truth. You are believed and you know your truth, irrespective of what it is possible for the criminal justice system to prove.

• The Police will be working for you to put together the evidence for your case. This is their focus. Your counsellor at Life Centre and any friends who are around you, are there to support you emotionally.

• At Life Centre we want to support you through this time in ways which are helpful for you. Please do not hesitate to make requests of us.