The time frame for filing charges? (statute of limitations)
Once one is an adult, is it possible to 'charge' abusive parents? Now that the law is officially 'recognizing' certain behaviors/treatments to be 'abusive'. . .
DO NOT READ THESE FOLLOWING EXAMPLES, IF YOU ARE EASILY OFFENDED . . .
e.g. - beating one's feet with boards, forcing food gorging to vomiting (then eating same). . . these behaviors just landed a mother in jail for 2-6 (reported in the news yesterday) . . .
I am curious, because I had these (and many other grotesque) actions imposed on me, as an adopted child. . .
2006-09-15 02:18:33 · 11 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Other - Society & Culture
Thank you to those of you who have answered thus far (11) - for NOT dumping on me for asking this question . . . and for your understanding in giving advice --- I'm in tears, at the writing of this --- thanx to Yahoo for this location, all flaws considered.
No one 'believed' me, when I was a child, trying to find help from adults --- I was told repeatedly that I was just being an ungrateful child . . . that 'affluent' adults could never do these kinds of things to children.
2006-09-15 02:36:13 · update #1
It's different from state to state. 7 years come to mind.
2006-09-15 02:20:50 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
I am sorry you had to go through crap like that... Every jurisdiction has different laws. You should visit your local criminal courthouse, it has a law library and a librarian. She/He should help you look up the statute of limitations. Or call the DA's office and make an appointment to discuss the possibilities of your case or they might have walk-ins on a certain day of the week. In any case, remember that criminal prosecution is only one avenue to go. You can also contact a civil attorney and see what are your chances of a civil suit. And by all means, if these people could be caring for minors at this time, you should contact social services. Don't be afraid that they might not believe you, someone's life can depend on your actions!
2006-09-15 09:25:15 · answer #2 · answered by TrueSoul 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am sorry for what you have gone through. It is horrible and if you do not do something about it (like reporting your step parents), then yours will be the greater crime towards humanity. In my country we believe that cruelty is an offence and a crime. But the person who tolerates cruelty without reporting or taking action, is a bigger offender.
I once saw a show on Oprah. A father (own real biological father!) had sexually abused all his young daughters and the mother was aware of it. Yet she did nothing. the girls at a much later stage in their lives realised that he had done this to each one of them at a time or other. They reported him and he is serving sentence in jail. I doubt therefore there is a time frame. However, the onus to prove what you went through, like evidences etc. will be on you. Surely your step parents will deny being anything other than kind and gentle towards you.
Sorry again, good luck to you. If you dont punish them, then the best thing you could do, is to help those who are being abused in this manner. God Bless.
2006-09-15 09:27:45 · answer #3 · answered by someone 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think the laws in each state vary. I would check with the state that you live in. I know there have been some cases of abuse tried after over 20 years because the victim had repressed memories of said abuse. Don't, by any means keep quiet about this, tell someone that can help.
2006-09-15 09:23:42 · answer #4 · answered by AsianPersuasion :) 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am not for certain, However I have heard of many cases where parents or individuals have been charged after time has passed for crimes against children. I would persue it! As a child I was abused as well, & the less cold hearted people on the street the better!
Take Care,
Terri
2006-09-15 09:23:04 · answer #5 · answered by Terri 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would say to talk to a District Attorney, at the bare minimum these people need to be reported. So they will never have the opportunity to affect another child's life.
Also in some states you would be able to get victims counseling if you feel the need.
2006-09-15 09:25:04 · answer #6 · answered by Connie H 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I AM NOT SURE OF THE TIME LIMITS, BUT I WOULD DEFINITLY TRY TO. I AM SO SORRY THAT YOU HAD TO EXPERIENCE THESE THINGS, THAT MUST HAVE BEEN JUST AWFUL!!! I ONLY WORRY THAT WITH ALL THE TIME THATS WENT BY YOU WOULD HAVE A HARD TIME PROVING IT. BUT, PLEASE IF YOU HAVE NOT ALREADY, SEEK COUNSELING. THAT WOULD AT LEAST BE A START, AND HOPEFULLY, EVEN IF NOTHING CAN BE DONE TO THE ADOPTIVE PARENTS, YOU CAN GO ON TO LIVE A HAPPY NORMAL LIFE. GOOD LUCK HON!!!!
2006-09-15 09:23:29 · answer #7 · answered by Brown_Eyed_Girl 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
That is so horrible. My heart goes out to you. You have just so many years from the time you become an adult, not from the time it happened. or at least that is how i understand it in texas. good luck to you and i know in my heart that the people who did that to you will get what's coming to them.
2006-09-15 09:21:45 · answer #8 · answered by notyours 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
abuse. Parents should treat children with love and kindness and tenderness, not abusive force.
ask a lawyer.
2006-09-15 09:21:23 · answer #9 · answered by Sailormoon 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would talk to a lawyer or the District Attorney's office - I hope you can do something!
2006-09-15 09:27:10 · answer #10 · answered by bregweidd 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋