Aftermath following assault

Da Optimist

Just over two weeks ago I was the victim of a completely unprovoked assault in a niteclub, I did not retaliate. Unfortunately no security seen the attack and the perpetrator was not removed. I received a laceration to my upper lip and sustained trauma to the teeth and gums. My assailant was unknown to me but with the assistance of a witness I identified him.

I reported the incident to the Gardai the following day. They assured me they would view the CCTV from the club and advised I speak to the witness in order for them to come forward to make a statement. However, they are reluctant as they know the attacker personally.

I have had no contact from the Garda to whom I reported the assault to since. I have attended the station on two following occasions due to my concern on the lack of feedback. My most recent visit was on Sunday but I am still waiting in limbo to hear from this particular Garda.

I am rather anxious to have this matter dealt with as a matter of urgency. I have since encountered the perpetrator in my local town where I was met with an extremely intimidating hostile stare. If this man had not been in company then I have no doubt in my mind he would have attempted to assault me for the second time.

I am not a violent person. I have suffered post traumatic stress from this incident and continue to do so. I am fearful going about my business in my local town and feel the constant need to look over my shoulder.

What action do I need to take in order to get the Gardai to respond to my complaint? Also, I am finding it difficult at times knowing that this person could walk away from this without being reprimanded for what he has done.

Holsten

These things take time, there is really no way to rush them.

All you'll do is annoy the Guard, when there are any updates you'll be informed.

endacl

As said, maybe it's best to wait. On the other hand, you have waited. Maybe your next visit should be to one rank higher? Maybe request a meeting with the super. If, for whatever reason, they're not going to follow up (and this may very well be a reasonable reason) you at least deserve an explanation. You've been traumatized, and the 'not knowing' only adds to the sense of helplessness. Even if it's not followed up, an explanation as to why will be useful to you.

Sorry to hear about the incident. Life can be unpredictable, and sometimes nastily so.

Santa Cruz

Holsten wrote: »

These things take time, there is really no way to rush them.

All you'll do is annoy the Guard, when there are any updates you'll be informed.

I disagree. Make immediate contact with the Garda and find out the status of this investigation. If unhappy with the response speak to a superior officer.
This is a straightforward matter that should not be delayed. Also get a medical report relating to your injuries.

ted1

bring a civil case. talk to a solicter

Gannicus

ted1 wrote: »

bring a civil case. talk to a solicter

I don't think this will help. The assailant will be told to pay damages and will claim he cannot do so and/or just ignore it. I would tell the Gardai you want to formally press charges against the person who assaulted you and he will at least stand up in front of a judge and he will be repremanded. also request a restraining or safety order so that he is not allowed approach you or your property.

myshirt

Civil action would be good money after bad.

Vicarious liability in terms of the nightclub? Not too sure.

This person should not have hit you, but it happens.

My advice - forget the gardai. There generally is very little that will become of this except stress for you.

Invest your energies elsewhere. You sound like you have very little confidence and self worth. That'd be more my worry.
You don't need to be violent, but you can be robust with this person. Stand up for yourself. You have no need to look over your shoulder.

myshirt

Peach eater, I respectfully disagree.

The guards are not there to hold your hand and mind you.

Plainly, with the pressures the system is under, something has to fall to the side, and I'm afraid there are more demanding issues that their time is best directed at.

Add to this the budget cuts. It was one thing meeting a browned off guard last year. Meet one this this year.
There is a degree of apathy there. There is a degree of anger.

freshpopcorn

Does the CCTV footage actually show the assault OP?
If the witness doesn't give a statement to the Gardai.
Do you actually have a case against the person without evidence unless they admit to the assault.

myshirt

Yes, but how do you push their hand on it?

The op is up against an institutional culture that doesn't give a flying f#ck.

The amount of inept and incompetent public servants that have kept their jobs unfettered and unquestioned in this country is unreal. Rode a credit wave and goosed the next generation. Never, ever, ever, ever worth the money they were paid, yet believe they were.

That is the culture the op is dealing with.

The op's energies are best directed elsewhere, the real problem here is confidence and self esteem. The op can't live a life where one reacts to a weak punch in the mouth with that extreme level of fear. Operating off that platform is very likely to spill over to other aspects of life, and even be debilitating.

AlanS181824

Hope everything gets sorted for you.

Lunni

Sorry this has happened OP. A similar thing happened to me a few years ago (I was assaulted after accidentally stepping on someone's foot in a crowded nightclub) and it was a big shock. I didn't go out for months after and the guards were useless. In the end it turned out that time was a healer and I eventually managed to put it out of my mind and carry on with my life. At first I was always paranoid and looking behind me every time I went out and getting nervous in crowds but time helped a lot.

Gannicus

I think crux of the issue is that the O/P lives in the same town as the assailant so he has seen him since the incident took place.

I would get a solicitor to request the CCTV footage from the Nightclub and send a copy of it and a formal letter of complaint to the Gardai Super Intendant of your local Garda Station with your Pulse (Case) Number attached and state you will take it further if the matter is not resolved.