You're Not Alone: The Journey from Abduction to Empowerment

POLICE INVESTIGATIONSOne thing that can be very difficult is telling the police everything that happened, whether itis right after you were recovered, or days, weeks, and months down the road. Sometimes aninvestigation can continue for a long time. There are moments when you feel like you’ve justreturned to some kind of normal when the police show up to ask more questions and youhave to relive the events again. This can be frustrating and confusing, and may even makeyou angry.“Telling my story to the police was oneof the hardest things I had to do rightaway. But the police officers whointerviewed me were great. They werein street clothes, which helped. Theyaddressed me by my first name, whichwas huge. They listened and focusedtheir attention on me. They were verythorough, but they let it come out inmy terms. ” — MaggieWhenever you talk to thepolice, try to keep in mindthat asking questions ispart of their job. Answeringtheir questions is anopportunity to take backcontrol of your life.Whatever you can tellthem will be helpful instopping what happenedto you from happening toanyone else.Be prepared: They are going to ask you graphic questions. Try to remember that they arethere not to attack, but to listen. As hard as it is, it’s important to answer all of their questionshonestly. When it seems like they are asking you the same thing over and over, as though theydid not hear you or believe what you are saying, remember that they are trying to find outeverything that happened.When you meet with law enforcement, take your time. Ask for what you need to feel safe asyou answer their questions, whether that is having someone in the room with you or askingsomeone in particular to leave the room. Trust what you remember about the event. You arethe only one in the room who was there. Give yourself time and tell them everything youcan. Ask them questions if you do not understand what is going on or why they are askingspecific questions.36