The elders do not understand the impact of sexual assault and rape since they are not the victims. They are trained to deal with it as a sin which in itself is a travesty. The psychological impact and long term damage that victims carry with them is incomprehensible to them. This ignorance leads to them making bad decisions motivated by the idea of protecting the organisation's reputation rather than the people within the congregation.
No paedophile should ever be in a position of trust and oversight they abdicated that right when they raped a child. No victim should be told that they should keep quiet and told that they are the problem. No child is responsible for their rape.
What action was taken at the time and were the police involved? Did you get medical attention or was this handled totally within the confines of the Kingdom Hall? Are you aware of any other victims?
I would speak to the lawyers involved in the Candace Conti case and the new case currently going through the courts. You may not wish to pursue your case but your evidence may be of value to them.
I would also write to the elders bringing to their attention the recent court cases and highlighting that not only the society by the local congregation has been found liable and that the elders have been found culpable. I would remind them that these cases are resulting in large financial awards to the victims. By appointing a known paedophile to a position of oversight they are now making the congregation morally and financially responsible for this man. Should he rape again you would have no choice but to testify against the man concerned and the way your case was handled. This means that a court would have sufficient evidence to award substantial damages to any future victim.
I would also change congregations and use it as an excuse to stop attending.
Perhaps the thought that they would have a financial liability may make them think again.
