Statutory rape?

Question

I have a relative that is only 15. She is dating a 19 year old, and they have sex all the time. I have informed her mother and she just laughs about it and thinks that its okay. Her father on the other hand thinks it is very wrong. The mother and father are divorced and the mom has custody of the girl. The father wants to report the boyfriend but doesn't think he can because he doesn't legally have custody. Would the father be able to report it? Or any way for someone to intervene since the mother won't do anything about it.

Answer 1

You can also report it. It is a felony. If you were four years old you could report a theft. The police do not want this man around anymore than you do. The mother and father would be called to testify and perhaps so would you. Ask at the police sation who is the best to talk to. The law has deemed it not her decision if she has sex yet or not because she is too young. Despite that fact that she may be mature enough in her own mind it is still against the law and you should always report a crime. In fact i'd strongly suggest you report it over the father because he could be seen as trying to regain custody. And this is something that should be taken very seriously. If the mother of the girl is not capable of being a good mother in this situation then she is a bad mother despite all else she may do right. She should not be allowed to continue to make decisions for the child. Or at least she will have to change dramatically.

Please start things in motion as soon as possible for the girls sake.

Answer 2

In most states the age of consent is 17 but it does vary some state to state. Just because he does no have custody does not mean his parental rights were taken away and he retains the rights of every paren under the law and that includes to protect his daughter. I'd have him talk with the mother first and reiterate the serious ness of her allowing this for is indeed party to a crime and she can lose custody-permanently for not only will the police be involved but also they will contact DFCS-child and family protective services- and the father has to be prepared that i he cannot have full custody and no other relatives available the daughter will end up in the foster care system-Better yet the father should sit down with the mother and the daughter so they will both understand the consequences if this relationship continues and most definitely the 19yr old will be charged and most likely be jailed-I'm sure neither the mother and daugther want these consequences to happen,for happen they will It is commendable that you have this concern

Answer 3

It depends on the laws of the State that you are in. First, consentual sex with a 15 year old may not be unlawful in your State. Second, many States have age exceptions if the parent or legal guardian is aware. Third, in most States a juvenile is not allowed to persue prosecution. They would have to have their parent or legal guardian persue charges for them (This is different from cases where a child is being sexually abused by a parent because those cases would be felonies where the investigators could charge the offender without the consent of the victim). So, if the father is not the legal guardian, he may not be able to do anything about it without the cooperation of the mother and the child. For more about your State's laws check www.findlaw.com You will be able to look up all laws pertaining to your State.

Answer 4

Age of consent for sexual intercourse varies from state to state, but is no where lower than 16.

If mom is laughing and blowing off this relationship, then she is guilty of child neglect, and the father may have a chance to regain custody.

The young man Can be charged with rape. The father Should report the abuse of his daughter.

The whole affair is a mess that will not easily be righted.

Good luck.

Answer 5

Doesn't matter what the mother thinks at this time -- 15 years old and having sex -- that is statutory rape -- and any citizen (including her father) can report the incident of the sexual event if they have either observed it or know it has happened or the 15 year old brags about it.

Answer 6

Does the mother have sole custody?? Like as in the father has no rights??? If so then he may be at a loss..but I would encourage him to talk to a local family lawyer to know for sure...

Is this father involved in his daughter's life??? Does he know the boyfriend at all? You know... I remember being that age and having sex with a boyfriend that was a few years older, and it was consentual and if anything he wanted me to be sure...

Maybe this mother knows something you don't....or even the father doesn't. I'm not saying that sometimes it isn't wrong, but it's just not always that way.

Answer 7

Hi Ashley,
The father or even you can lodge a report. I'm kinda half hearted with regards to this matter. If you your relative get to know of the fact that her father reports to the authorities about this, i'm sure she would feel unhappy. However, if the situation continues, there could be serious outcome e.g pregnancy, etc(touch wood). You might wanna get a counsellor to talk to your cousin about the outcome of underage sex cause when the cops get to know about this, there will be no more counselling.

Hope my answer can help you out.

Answer 8

Yes the father can report, regardless and will probably regain custody from the mother. Her permitting is facilitating a criminal act.

Answer 9

The father has every legal right to report it and should.

Answer 10

good question cause I'm not sure! but i don't think these situations ever really go that far with the law because both parties are agreeable to the sex or because both parties end up to deni the sex ever occurred i think the best thing to do is to educate this child on the consequences of her choices and make sure she is using birth-control and protection and hope all turns out for the best...