My Rapists Mother Is Threatening Legal Action

My location: Ohio

Hello all, this is a very startling and scary situation and I am in need of advice. Recently, I learned that my high school rapist (I'm in my mid 20s now) was a part of an all-female local band, and terrified for them, I reached out to both the singer and the most recent venue to inform them, and I have also learned another one of his victims did the same, leading to his removal.

His mother texted me (did not know she had my number) and amongst other very mean things, told me that if my/our "revenge" continues, she will be protecting her son through legal means if necessary.

I am just concerned because I never reported the rape as I was terrified and did not realize it as such until a few years after. I don't know if it means anything, but I do have text messages from him in 2022 where he made a general apology for "anything he might have done to hurt me" and I responded and told him apology not accepted because he raped me (using the word rape), and he responded not in any direct way admitting "yes I did that," but did say, and I quote, "that's understandable, you shouldn't forgive me."

The mother did not specify what kind of legal action, but I am assuming defamation, which I do know is extremely hard to prove. I am just worried and scared and looking for what my next steps should be in the case that this does become something bigger, so any help/advice would be greatly appreciated.

If there is any further context needed, I am happy to provide it.