is there a time limit for this?

Question

I have a friend who was sexually abused when she was 5, she never told anyone til now! she's i think 25 now, just told me about it! Is there anything that can legally be done or is it too late! She said she never told cause she was embarrised of what he did! I told her to get counseling, but I was wondering if legally anything can be done about it since it's been so long ago that it happend! She said the guy was like 17 at the time! I dont know what to tell her? any advice?

Answer 1

The statute of limitations will vary by state. Many states, though, have no statute of limitations for sex crimes against children.

The only way to find out for sure is to contact the police department where she was when the abuse happened. Ask to speak to a juvenile investigator and then explain, in as much detail as possible, the situation. The juvenile investigator will be the most familiar with how to go about proceeding with this type of charge, if in fact, there is no statute of limitations in that state. Even if it has been too long to press charges, a record needs to be made about this person, because that will provide further evidence if anyone else has ever made, or ever does make, a similar allegation against him.

Also, the investigator will be able to refer your friend to organizations that can provide assistance and counseling to help her deal with the emotional and psychological repurcussions of what happened to her.

Answer 2

I really don't think there is a statute of limitions in alot of states, I have heard of someone being arrested after 25 years. But as someone who has went through it she definitely needs some counseling to help her get a hold of it. I am 52 and still have problems dealing and I didn't start getting help until a year ago so tell her not to put it off. She needs to realize that it was not her fault, she was just a child. Good luck to her and continue to be her friend,she will need one.

Answer 3

In some states the clock starts ticking at the time the abuse occurred. There is a time limit and each state has a different. Some states it is 7 years in others it can be 10. Then in other states the clock doesn't start until the minor person reaches legal age. Again the time frame is different from one state to another. You should contact your local law enforcement agency and see shat they say.

Answer 4

There is a statute of limitations on these things, but with rape it never runs out. So, if she wishes to pursue it, she could. Although the time it would consume to not guarantee anything would likely be a waste. If she got a conviction great, but he too, was under the legal age at the time. Ask the DA what can be done is my best advice.

Answer 5

I think once she turns 18 there is a certain time limit, if she was under 18 I don't think there is a time limit.
Sometimes you've just got to move on. Things just like this have happened to me as well, and even though it sucked, I do not want to keep rehashing it.
She deserved to be treated better than that, and she did nothing to bring this on herself.
But since it's been so long, I think the only thing I would offer her is to take her to counseling to get her help to cope with it.

Answer 6

counting on how constrained the vocabulary, each thing you do and each interaction with others would be affected. somebody with a critically constrained vocabulary could have a perplexing time getting a sturdy activity, information others, taking good thing about practise. there is not any section in life which will get away being touched by ability of this actual lack. in case you don't be attentive to a thank you to precise your self, how are you able to're making somebody understand? in case you won't be able to understand what somebody is telling you, how are you able to have interaction in a communication? in case you do no longer draw close the meaning of the words, how can you be waiting to stay with instructions? no longer in easy terms will this reason a great deal of frustration, however the guy's vanity will go through an limitless deal with the aid of fact of it. (people who won't be able to examine go through the main. while somebody with a small vocabulary can ultimate this by ability of analyzing and finding up words and studying, the guy who hasn't been taught to make sure is at a definite downside.) Will the flexibility to think of (or creativity) be constrained with the aid of a small vocabulary? I don’t think of so, however the expression of that inner image would be; the flexibility to talk it to others is lessened. (that is in many situations perplexing sufficient to of course modern suggestions to others with out the added barrier imposed by ability of a constrained vocabulary.) That, in turn, finally ends up in extra frustration. i assume i'm no longer asserting something new, as a good distance with the aid of fact the different solutions bypass, yet those are a number of my suggestions on your question.

Answer 7

Maybe if he has has other victims who are afraid of coming out . If she speaks up, it may give the courage to others who are afraid to be alone in the accusation. From what I have read on these people they are incurable.. So he is likely still offending and likely has recent victims.The object is to get him put away or to get him committed for professional help isn't it? Good luck

Answer 8

There are States that increased the limits due to the proble,s people have. The average person I heard doesnt tell until their 40's

I f she is serious have her make and appointment to see someonein the prosecuter's office and thell will listen and advise her.

Answer 9

Many states have passed laws lifting the seven year statute of limitations. If he's really dangerous he's probably been caught by now. Check the offender registry where you think he lives.

Answer 10

call the child protective services, but be careful,they might think the story you are telling might be you that had the abuse , by just using the phrase "my friend", those agencies dont care about truth or lies , all they care about is creating a case so that the agency can get
paid.
my fiance went thru the same abuse,her assialant went free,and in her heart , she left it in Gods hands...Good Luck