I’ve written an article that helps explain why reporting isn’t as simple as it sounds if you’re interested in checking it out.

https://link.medium.com/uFINZmQDo6

You experienced frustration when you tried to help your friend. I had a similar experience. We called the police, and they came to us. They didn’t believe my friend. They laughed at us and left without taking a report.

I tried to turn my father in for the first time when I was 21 and was discouraged, by special victims, from “wasting time” because it would be my word against his.

I can understand why, from the outside, it seems cut-and-dry-- bad person does bad thing = turn them in. Unfortunately, this is not a culture that protects victims of sexual assault. Not only are there psychological hurdles — including loss of memory — but all the burden is put on the victim.

When a woman does come forward, there is very little support from — well, anyone.