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The original was posted on /r/newzealand by /u/throwaway1289046784 on 2024-09-16 07:22:36+00:00.
Posting under a throwaway for obvious reasons. When I was very small, I was sexually abused by a family member. I didn’t think anyone would believe me so never said anything until I was an adult. Therefore, there is no medical evidence or report.
I’m in therapy with the sensitive claims unit through ACC and I’ve been diagnosed with PTSD due to my experiences. I’ve never said anything else official or filed anything because the idea of a trial always scared me and I didn’t see a reason as I am no longer in contact with the abuser.
I also said nothing because several of my family members are in contact and on good terms with this person and I didn’t think, and still don’t think, I would be supported by many of the family and so don’t want to cause trouble.
However, my abuser is aware of what I’ve told some close people due to these family members he is still close with and claims that, since I’ve never actually filed anything, I therefore must be doing it for attention to defame him and there’s a chance he may sue me.
I need to know what my options are, as a woman on the benefit with no physical evidence (that I know of) of what’s been done to me, but who does have a diagnosis, in case something happens.
Am I going to go to jail?