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meinherzbrennt13
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Default Dec 11, 2019 at 02:04 AM
  #1
Earlier this year, I was arrested. It was extremely traumatic for me because the cops psychologically abused me in some pretty serious ways, including
Possible trigger:
I'd like to join a support group (online or in-person) but I don't know where to find one (yes, I've tried online searches). It doesn't need to be specifically for survivors of police abuse, but since there's a lot of stigma that comes with having been arrested, I need a group that would at least be understanding of what I went through. Any ideas?
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Smile Dec 11, 2019 at 04:00 PM
  #2
I'm sorry I probably don't have much of anything useful to offer. (Perhaps there will be other PC members who will know of some resources I'm not aware of.)

I see you list yourself as being in the U.S. But, of course, I don't know if you live in a large metropolitan area, a small town or in a rural area. Since I live in a large metropolitan area, if I wanted to find something such as an in-real-life support group, I would begin calling human services agencies in my area to see if they know of anything or, if they didn't, if they would be interested in sponsoring something. Then, if they couldn't be of help I'd ask them who they'd suggest calling. And then I'd call them. Perhaps such a search would simply end up being fruitless. But it might be worth a try if you haven't already done so or if where you live means there simply isn't much of anyone to call.

In terms of on-line support groups, my only thought would be that perhaps it might be possible to start a "chat" for survivors of abuse here on PC. You could personal message one of the administrators (probably other than DocJohn since he tends to be so busy) & ask about the possibility of setting something up. It seems to me this could, potentially, be a very interesting & beneficial addition to the chats that are already available. Since you only have 3 posts here on PC at this point you may not be able to function as the chat leader. But I would think there would certainly be another member who could take on that role. At least these are my thoughts with regard to your post.

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Default Dec 12, 2019 at 09:31 AM
  #3
If you do not mind me asking, in general what was the arrest for? Like I am wondering about if the strip search was necessary.

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Default Dec 12, 2019 at 12:00 PM
  #4
Quote:
Originally Posted by meinherzbrennt13 View Post
Earlier this year, I was arrested. It was extremely traumatic for me because the cops psychologically abused me in some pretty serious ways, including
Possible trigger:
I'd like to join a support group (online or in-person) but I don't know where to find one (yes, I've tried online searches). It doesn't need to be specifically for survivors of police abuse, but since there's a lot of stigma that comes with having been arrested, I need a group that would at least be understanding of what I went through. Any ideas?
my first thought was why was this person arrested. second thought was after reading what caused you emotional problems was being strip searched.

I see you are in the USA. strip searches comes as a standard thing for arrests in many states in the USA due to things like criminals before you have used the body as a way to carry drugs and weapons. kind of like airports have to make sure that those flying with them don't bring drugs and weapons aboard a place so they either strip search or body scan its normal to be either strip searched or scanned when arrested now days. especially with certain kinds of arrests or the behavior of someone being arrested. for example someone who is resisting arrest they will want to know what the person is trying to hide, if a person has been arrested due to drugs they may want to make sure they are not "packing" drugs. my point is theres lots of reasons why the police now use scanning devises or if they don't have a body scanning device will strip search someone.

not saying it makes it right, I do wish for you that you hadn't had to got hrough that, Im just helping you to understand you are not alone in this.

one thing that can help with this is if you have a handicap or disorder or disease that that can be activated by body search if you tell the police ahead of time what that problem is and that you prefer going to the local er for an xray or other body scan instead of a strip search the police will do their search of your body in less invasive ways.
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Default Dec 13, 2019 at 03:43 AM
  #5
Quote:
Are Strip Searches Legal?
The laws covering strip searches are somewhat unclear and can vary according to jurisdiction. In general, a strip search is considered to be inappropriate if it is performed:

Without a reasonable suspicion of criminal activity
By an officer of the opposite sex
In the presence of persons of the opposite sex
In a manner that exposes the person’s body to the public
In a manner that is degrading, insulting, offensive, or overly intrusive
Some court cases have raised concerns regarding strip searches being performed on persons who have not yet been charged with a crime. Many jurisdictions may rule that it is inappropriate to strip search a person if they have not been convicted of any crime, especially if the strip search is unrelated to the type of crime involved (for example, performing a strip search for a simple traffic violation).
Quote:
What Are “Blanket” Strip Search policies?
Many lawsuits have been filed regarding “blanket” strip search policies for institutions such as jails, prisons, or hospitals. A “blanket” policy is where the facility performs a strip search on any person being admitted to the area, regardless of their criminal background.

Some courts have held that a strip search is only allowed where the authorities have an “individualized” suspicion of criminal activity (i.e., strip searching only those inmates who are suspected of smuggling drugs or other contraband).

Therefore, if you have been subjected to a strip search that you believe was illegal, you may wish to consult with a lawyer. Many persons have had success in past lawsuits regarding unconstitutional strip searches.
Quote:
A strip search is perhaps one of the most intrusive forms of police procedures. They should only be performed when absolutely necessary. If you feel that your rights have been violated during a strip search, you should contact a criminal defense attorney immediately. Your lawyer can assist you in investigating the incident, and if necessary, can file a lawsuit on your behalf.
I found this and thought it was interesting. if I was able to have more info from the op(if they are comfortable) I might have more of an opinion about it. I think they are completely invasive if they are for things unrelated to what you may be "hiding" in your private parts. If you are being admitted to actual county jail or prison I suppose its to look for contraband.

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Default Dec 17, 2019 at 02:20 PM
  #6
Quote:
Originally Posted by meinherzbrennt13 View Post
Earlier this year, I was arrested. It was extremely traumatic for me because the cops psychologically abused me in some pretty serious ways, including
Possible trigger:
I'd like to join a support group (online or in-person) but I don't know where to find one (yes, I've tried online searches). It doesn't need to be specifically for survivors of police abuse, but since there's a lot of stigma that comes with having been arrested, I need a group that would at least be understanding of what I went through. Any ideas?

Hi Meinherzbrennt13,

Welcome to Psych Central. Thank you for sharing your plight.

You are absolutely not alone. I recommend looking up Institutional Betrayal Trauma Theory. It will help you identify and better understand what you are going through, and most definitely could lead you to finding fellow survivors of abuse at the hands of police forces. Know that you are not alone and your voice is very important in this world.


Are you managing day to day?

Thanks,
HD7970ghz

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Default Dec 20, 2019 at 11:50 AM
  #7
I think a lot of people don't understand that it isn't necessarily relevant to the level of trauma you experience, whether or not the search is "legal". In fact, it being legal can actually feel worse, because then what does that make you? A person that society deems unworthy of protection from a traumatic act.

I relate. I was arrested for simple marijuana possession as a teenager. For that I was subject to drug tests. These were done with my probation officer watching my crotch as I peed. She could show up at my school or home at any time, any day, and force me to pee for her, and sometimes a counsellor at my school would have the pleasure.

I had already suffered sexual abuse, including forced nudity, and had a terror of being seen naked. I had and still have total aversion to sex, also because of the nudity involved. And there I was being forced to pee in front of a hostile adult who didn't have a single empathic hair on her head. And it made zero difference to me that it was a woman. She was a person violating me. End of. Could have been a man and it would have felt exactly the same.

I smoked weed because it was the only thing that allowed me to feel a little at ease. A little happy. My life was, and still is, terribly lonely. For trying to feel better, I am a criminal who deserves no dignity. That is the world we inhabit.

I just want you to know, meinherzbrennt13, that I feel your pain. Let me know if you want to talk about it.
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Default Dec 21, 2019 at 06:54 AM
  #8
Hey @JustExisting
Quote:
Originally Posted by JustExisting View Post
I think a lot of people don't understand that it isn't necessarily relevant to the level of trauma you experience, whether or not the search is "legal". In fact, it being legal can actually feel worse, because then what does that make you? A person that society deems unworthy of protection from a traumatic act.
I hope I didnt give the impression that the legality of a search was related to the trauma experienced.
In a nutshell: About nine years ago I hit a curb and had a flat a 1/4 mile from my house and was trying to putt-putt my way to my driveway. A cop car had put his lights on and I was so focused on driving I didnt see so they followed me to my house and blocked me in the driveway. They had me get out of the car and at the time I was adjusting to new meds so I wonder if I seemed 'off' but they had me do a field sobriety test. I have bad balance and I didnt do it perfectly. I was detained in cuffs in front of all my neighbors and taken to the station. I didnt know my rights so when they asked me about meds I rattled off all the psyche meds I took (no controlled substances). The asked me to do a breathlyizer and I did. They asked me to pee in a cup and I did. I was never arrested, booked fingerprinted or mirandized. They called my husband and had him pick me up and charged me with DUI. I was hysterical. I had to hire a lawyer at a 5000$ retainer.I had to go through my case being postponed for months. I had to pay 700$ to have an independent "expert" interpret my drug test results and state that none of my meds would have impaired me. In the middle of all that I broke my hand. Finally we get to court and I was told I could plead guilty to careless driving and lose my license for 30days. I couldnt believe I had to plead guilty to careless driving and lose my license all because no cop is considered 'wrong'. 5700$ to prove I did nothing wrong. Had my rights violated because I didnt know any better (and these were all male cops and I was a scared woman so you can guess how that made me feel). Because of that I actually suffered PTSD that turned into agoraphobia. I would not leave my house or go anywhere unless my husband took me. This caused enormous strain on my kids and family. I was a recluse. I had phone appts with my p-doc and therapist because I couldnt leave. My therapist even made a house call to my driveway. He encouraged me to undergo a form of exposure therapy where I would start by driving to the corner and back, then around the corner, down the street, to the conveinence store-etc until I was able to handle local driving. After two years I was able to resume all driving but had a panic attack after getting pulled over for speeding. I still feel my heart race everytime a cop is behind me or near me on the road. Technically I think (but am not sure) this was all legal. They can detain you for whatever they want. I consider it one of the most traumatizing things I ever went through. My point in sharing this is I do not want to anyone to think I was being insensitive to the OP or anyone who has had bad experiences with cops or law enforcement- or downplay anyones trauma in relation to their experiences.

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Default Dec 21, 2019 at 08:03 PM
  #9
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Originally Posted by sarahsweets View Post
Hey @JustExisting

I hope I didnt give the impression that the legality of a search was related to the trauma experienced.
In a nutshell: About nine years ago I hit a curb and had a flat a 1/4 mile from my house and was trying to putt-putt my way to my driveway. A cop car had put his lights on and I was so focused on driving I didnt see so they followed me to my house and blocked me in the driveway. They had me get out of the car and at the time I was adjusting to new meds so I wonder if I seemed 'off' but they had me do a field sobriety test. I have bad balance and I didnt do it perfectly. I was detained in cuffs in front of all my neighbors and taken to the station. I didnt know my rights so when they asked me about meds I rattled off all the psyche meds I took (no controlled substances). The asked me to do a breathlyizer and I did. They asked me to pee in a cup and I did. I was never arrested, booked fingerprinted or mirandized. They called my husband and had him pick me up and charged me with DUI. I was hysterical. I had to hire a lawyer at a 5000$ retainer.I had to go through my case being postponed for months. I had to pay 700$ to have an independent "expert" interpret my drug test results and state that none of my meds would have impaired me. In the middle of all that I broke my hand. Finally we get to court and I was told I could plead guilty to careless driving and lose my license for 30days. I couldnt believe I had to plead guilty to careless driving and lose my license all because no cop is considered 'wrong'. 5700$ to prove I did nothing wrong. Had my rights violated because I didnt know any better (and these were all male cops and I was a scared woman so you can guess how that made me feel). Because of that I actually suffered PTSD that turned into agoraphobia. I would not leave my house or go anywhere unless my husband took me. This caused enormous strain on my kids and family. I was a recluse. I had phone appts with my p-doc and therapist because I couldnt leave. My therapist even made a house call to my driveway. He encouraged me to undergo a form of exposure therapy where I would start by driving to the corner and back, then around the corner, down the street, to the conveinence store-etc until I was able to handle local driving. After two years I was able to resume all driving but had a panic attack after getting pulled over for speeding. I still feel my heart race everytime a cop is behind me or near me on the road. Technically I think (but am not sure) this was all legal. They can detain you for whatever they want. I consider it one of the most traumatizing things I ever went through. My point in sharing this is I do not want to anyone to think I was being insensitive to the OP or anyone who has had bad experiences with cops or law enforcement- or downplay anyones trauma in relation to their experiences.
That is terrible, what happened to you. I swear cops cause far more trauma than they help to protect against!

I had some agoraphobia at one time too. For different reasons, but man that is some tough stuff to deal with.
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