I believe I was molested as a kid, and i know the perpatrators, should I prosecute?

Question

I believe I am a victim of incest and its rampent in my family, who, as a child growing up, I loved dearly. I was molested by the adults in my family when I was just a boy. My Mom, Dad, big brother, big sister, sister in-law, possibly others. I am 37 now, and I was 6 or younger when the molestings took place. I remember certain things that still haunt me today. My family is typical white trash, although then I didnt think so. It happened so often that I think I thought it was normal. As I grew up I saw more children come into our faimly and slowly, through my young adulthood, came to see the horrible truth about my family. Call me a wimp, but I couldnt start accussing all these people of incest; I would sound paranoid. Now I am very much away from them, both spitually and geographically. I only see them at christmas, like once every 2 years. I hate it, it hurts very bad to see my family so torn apart. I have always kept the door shut, should I open it and file charges? Sounds painful.

Answer 1

Depending where you live the statute of limitations for filing criminal charges has likely run out years ago. You might be able to file civil charges and sue them for money, and I say find an attorney and go for it. Justice must be served and as the victim you are the one who must pursue it and the one who is entitled to recompense. And think about the children who you will be saving, who maybe are being victimized right now by your family. Your lawsuit could give them the courage to step forward and bring criminal charges. Good luck.

Answer 2

Because it's been so long although there is no statute of limitations on incest it would still be a very hard case to win. Unfortunately these are types of cases that still don't receive justice in our system. If you do persue this you must persue it from the point of view that you are trying to make a point and expose the flawas within our justice system regarding molestation. This is a case that would have to have a very good lawyer. I think it's worth while I myself would never have the courage to stand up in court for this. I hope you all the bes and I will prey that god will lead you to the answer you need.

Answer 3

if you would report this to the police you may very well save another child from being their victim. if they molested you then there are others. It will be very hard to do but reporting them would be your first step toward healing. It would be painful for you to go through but I think in the long run you will feel better if you do. You certainly are not a wimp. You have gone through a horrible ordeal and probably would prefer to forget it. But you won't get past it until you start with the healing. Maybe you would feel more comfortable speaking with a counselor as the first step. Whatever you decide to do just remember, It was not your fault and you did nothing to cause this to happen to you. may God bless you and grant you strength to overcome this

Answer 4

You need to check the statue of limitations in your state, because you usually only have 7-10 years from the time of the incident to file charges. I believe there are exceptions if you were underage when it happened or if you just recently remembered it, but you'd have to check in your state.
If you are more comfortable with "keeping the door shut" then do it. What matters is what makes you feel better. One question that you might want to think about: Are the people who molested you in a positon to do it to others? If so, you might want to press charges, or at least let the parents know what happened.
I wish you well in whatever you decide...

Answer 5

Justice should always be served. But what kind of justice would it take to give you closure? If you feel you need to press charges then by all means you deserve that right but on the other hand it was your tragedy. Would you get more closure if you left in God's hands completely and never go back to that dark place in your life? I think that should be a decision you make that brings you the best results. Unless this is still going on with other children in your family. Then I feel you're obligated to protect them from if there's any way possible. So dig deep in your heart and listen to what it tells you to do. I wish you the best.

Answer 6

You say "you believe you were" and that "you remember certain things". Before you go any further, you need to seek counseling from a professional therapist. The professional will help you sort out these thoughts.
I sympathize with you. Take this one step at a time. Do not confront them until you work this through with a therapist!

Answer 7

It's a must, how does your conscience let you sit by and watch little kids be abused. In my books you are no better than the rest of your family because you are condoning it. Get the police in and put a stop to it right now.

Answer 8

In many states there is a statute of limitations. After so many years the case may have been too long ago. Not really sure though.

Answer 9

why at this point unless you know for a fact there are current victims. I know you pain but you have to let it go i can't believe you are sitting around at age 37 dwelling on the pass its not healthy and nothing is going to change your life but for you to move on.

Answer 10

If you think other children will be hurt by inaction, then do it. Otherwise forgive and forget.

It will take an an insane amount of personal emotional reserve.

It will alienate you from your family, suck out your emotional life, and create tremendous anger. So please consider my first question with prayer and dilligence.