Question

Please Help!! Child Sexual Abuse

Asked 1 September 2009 · 1 answer

The question

I think I have a case on my hand, but I don't know what the sentencing might be:

When my daughter was about 9 or 10 years old, she was sexually abused/molested over and over by her cousin-in-law, which would be my nephew (ex-nephew). This story wasn't brought to light til just recently, when she finally told me about the issue. She is currently 18, and can still depict those memories very clearly. My ex-nephew was about 30 at the time, now about 40. He has also touched other children in the family, but not as sick as he did to my daughter. What should I do? Will the court consider it, it's been so long ago, but we are trying to seek some justice. He should not be able to live outside the laws. Thanks ahead.

From the LawyerCentral forum archive. Originally posted 1 September 2009 on a legal forum that has closed. Names and contact details were removed. See the original (Internet Archive).

1 answer

Visitor answer 26 October 2010

There is no time limit on pressing charges for Sexual Abuse. You should first report it to the police. It is recommended that this is done in person. Your daughter can bring you or anyone else she wishes with her for support when she makes her statement. She can ask to speak with a male or female officer, depending on what makes her most comfortable. The experience may be very upsetting, and she can request a break at any time.

It's vital to your daughter's well-being that she sees either a trauma therapist (preferably one with a cognitive-behavioral approach, as they teach you how to cope with not just the memory) or a Counselor (a relatively new addition to the psychological field, but very effective)

Your daughter cannot personally press charges, since sexual abuse is considered a crime against the State (which carries harsher penalties), and would be considered a "witness" to the crime. Criminal charges can take up to two years to go to court. Since criminal charges require "proof beyond a reasonable doubt", you may want to discuss with an attorney the possibility of charging him with multiple counts of child abuse since this man also sexually harassed other children in your family.

These cases are always harder to prove later in life, but I do believe that there is justice for your daughter. Trauma therapists/counselors are very familiar with this territory, and can help guide your daughter through the process. I firmly believe you should prosecute this matter. One in three women will be sexually assaulted, statistically, and that's only of the assaults that get reported.

I'm so sorry for what your daughter had to go through, but please know that there is hope

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