Emily Simpson

The result of the criminal case can't be the be all and end all.

Even if we win and get every single count, somebody that you loved and cared about and married is going to prison for a long time.

That's hard too.

Or...

There's an acquittal.

You've internalized that a jury didn't believe you.

So the criminal justice system can be a part of your healing, but it can't be all of it because it's not going to do it.

Finally, Mike was in jail.

But having him behind bars didn't mean he was out of Saskia's life.

He was smart enough to know that this was going to now be a family law case.

The criminal matter was finalized, but the legal battle wasn't over.

Not by a long shot.

The fact that the judges were even listening to these things was blowing my mind.

For resources on sexual violence, visit RAINN.org slash betrayal.

That's R-A-I-N-N dot org slash betrayal.

You can also get free confidential 24-7 support through RAINN's National Sexual Assault Hotline.

Just text HOPE to 64673 or call 1-800-656-HOPE.

You are not alone.

If you would like to reach out to the Betrayal team or want to tell us your story, email us at BetrayalPod at gmail.com.

That is BetrayalPod at gmail.com.