Hard Decisions

[kajel]

Do we prosecute her or not? After all the lies, the betrayal and everything, I think we should. I know you’re worried about her husband and kids. I understand the hesitation. I had those thoughts too. In her apology letter, she tried to reinforce those thoughts. It’s one of the ways she manipulates people.

Does it help to know the officer told me she will only receive fines and community service? Even after all she has done, I don’t actually want her to go to jail. She has to know that there are consequences for her actions. Why should we compromise our values to protect her family.

What happens if we let this go? You know that she will do it again. The next person might not be as savvy as us. She can do so much damage. If she has a record, she may think twice about doing this again. That's what it boils down to. We let her go; we live with the knowledge she will do this to someone else when we could have stopped it.

We’ll need to stand tall and be firm through the end. We’re strong, we can do this. I’m not anyone’s bitch to be used this way. Kindness does not equal weakness. I will never be a doormat for anyone.



……………………

This is my entry for LJ Idol: S9 Week 4. This week’s topic was “Nobody can ride your back if your back's not bent”.

Comments

[x-disturbed-x.livejournal.com]

It's always very important to stand up for yourself! I'm glad you did. :)

[kajel.livejournal.com]

Yes, yes it is.

[firesign10.livejournal.com]

I ABSOLUTELY think you should press charges. What she did was heinous. I concur that maybe not jail, but SOMETHING should happen.

[kajel.livejournal.com]

We did and it did! ;) It has been a year and a half now since it happened. She and I have had no contact even though I see her everyday and then her parents came to visit a few weeks ago. On trash day, her father rolled my trash back up my drive just before the truck arrived to pick it up. Nothing I can prove, but I know it was him. Such a juvenile and idiotic thing, but it really put me on edge. What else might he do? Luckily, nothing and they have gone home to Pennsylvania.

[beautyofgrey.livejournal.com]

I'm glad to hear this, I don't envy anyone this position!

[jem0000000.livejournal.com]

*hugs* Good luck with it! Sounds like quite the difficult situation.

[kajel.livejournal.com]

hugs are always good. It was and is still to some degree. She lives across the street from me.

[kagomeshuko.livejournal.com]

I don't know what she did, but definitely stand up for yourself! I'm going through something IRL and it's not easy having to stand up for myself, but I know I have to do it.

[kajel.livejournal.com]

Thank you. Good luck.

[eternal-ot.livejournal.com]

Now I am curious as to what she did? o.O...kudos for standing up for your rights though..:) Good luck for the case.

[kajel.livejournal.com]

Wish granted! It worked out well.

[eternal-ot.livejournal.com]

Great! good to hear that..:) Cheers!

[whipchick.livejournal.com]

So interesting to see your decision making process! Makes me want to know more about what's going on.

[kajel.livejournal.com]

Wish granted! lol Thanks.

[halfshellvenus.livejournal.com]

This is a hard decision, but I think you've hit on the right points: the punishment does not disproportionately punish her family, and having a record may deter her doing this again in the future.

If it doesn't, the police will have her history, and that will help.

[kajel.livejournal.com]

Exactly! That was how I felt about it also.

[cheshire23.livejournal.com]

Good luck. And yes, do go through with it.

[kajel.livejournal.com]

Thanks. We did. It has been a year and a half, but it has been on my mind. Her parents came to visit a couple of weeks ago and pulled a juvenile prank. I was unamused.

[rayaso.livejournal.com]

I think you did the right thing as well. Her family won't be hurt, and she'll know that she just can't get away with it.

[kajel.livejournal.com]

We did. Thank you.