Not2late

Thank you so much for sharing your experience here - you are an intelligent, caring, empathetic woman who has been through Hell. First, remember you are NOT ALONE - although you probably feel that way right now. This group can be a great comfort and source of emotional support. And do not give up on suing the rapist - regardless of whether or not the prosecutor ever charges him. The burden of proof that the State must meet in a criminal case is so much higher (beyond a reasonable doubt) than it is in a civil suit (by a preponderance of the evidence). And the beauty of the civil suit? He will probably refuse to answer the suit or plead the 5th Amendment and so you will get a money judgment by default! Keep writing and remember - you are a survivor - and you are stronger than you realize.

Herpes is no fun but you won't die from it - gasping for your last breath - as you might with COVID-19. As far as the stigma goes, education is our best weapon to eliminate it. And I think I'm going to try to call people out (gulp) when they make ignorant cracks about herpes. Of course, I'll do it in a polite, courteous educational manner, but we cannot just let these comments slide - if we do, we are perpetuating the stigma. Okay off my soapbox now. Glad I found this group. It has made the last 6 months so much more bearable. Thanks.