Prosecute Entire Family for Sexual Abuse for 15 Years?

Question

I'm a writer who has dealt with a lot pain stemming from child abuse -- sexual, physical, emotional, mental. I'm fine now..I walked out and am with my boyfriend (who by the way doesn't hurt me).

My question is, now that I'm gone...should I prosecute my mother, father, and sister? They have been abusing me for more than 15 years.

I'm scared to do this, but should they be brought to justice?

-E

Answer 1

hell yeah
dont be afraid
u have been abused 15 years too many!!
they deserve it
you stand up for what is right
write a book about it too
be sure to mention me, jenna hamed that helped u give advice!!
=D

Answer 2

I think you should consider a few questions:

1. Will it help you in some way (e.g., psychologically) to prosecute?

2. Is it possible that your abusers could abuse other children?

3. Are there any strong repercussions for having prosecuted your abusers?

I think it's incredibly important to see that justice is served. However, I think you need to balance the need for justice with how much you are willing to go through in order to see justice realized. It's okay if you don't want to prosecute, and would rather just leave them alone after all they've done to you. It's okay if you want to prosecute and see that they pay for what they've done to you.

If I was in your position, the deciding factor for me would be if someone else could be hurt by them. If it's possible that they would turn their abuse on someone else, I'd feel very strongly about seeing them brought to justice, so they could no longer hurt anyone else.

Answer 3

YOUR ARE NOT THE ONLY PERSON THAT HAS HAD A ROUGH LIFE GROWING UP. SOME HAVE REPORTED THEIR PARENTS FOR CHILD ABUSE OTHERS JUST STAY AWAY.

IF YOU THINK THIS WILL DO SOMETHING THEN GO AFTER THEM. YOUR PARENTS COULD BE FOUND GUILTY FOR ABUSING THEIR CHILD BUT WHY YOUR SISTER? AND WHAT DID THEY DO FOR YOU TO THINK THEY WERE ABUSING YOU?? WHAT MAKES YOU BELIEVE THE JURY WILL HEAR YOUR POINT OF VIEW? WHAT MAKES YOU BELIEVE THE JURY WILL BELIEVE YOU?

I KNOW WAY TO MANY QUESTION, BUT THOSE ARE THE QUESTION THE LAWYER WILL BE ASKING YOU AND MORE.

IS EASY TO THINK YOU COULD TAKE THIS ALL THE WAY TO THE COURT. AND MAYBE IF YOU HAVE ENOUGH GUTS YOU COULD. AM NOT SAYING YOU DONT HAVE ANY GUTS BUT BECAUSE YOU WILL NEED GUTS AND A LOT OF FORCE WITH IN YOU SO YOU COULD GO FULL SPEED AHEAD WITH EVERYTHING. ALONG WITH YOUR BOYFRIEND HE CAN AND IF HE LOVES YOU, WILL STAND BY YOU ALL THE WAY.

YOU WILL NEED TO SEE A PSYCHOLOGIST WHICH IS A GOOD IDEA. THERE ARE GOING TO BE A LOT OF HIDDEN SCARS THAT WILL SURFACE AND THE PAIN YOU ONCE HAD WILL COME BACK AGAIN, WITH MORE FORCE. THAT IS WHY IS GOOD TO BE EMOTIONAL AND PHYSICALLY READY FOR THE BOOM THAT WILL BE EXPLOTING. BECAUSE AFTER THIS, YOUR PARENTS AND SISTER WILL WANT NOTHING TO DO WITH YOU EVER AGAIN.

OR IF FOR ANY REASON YOU DONT WANT TO GO THRU THIS THEN YOU CAN MOVE TO ANOTHER STATE OR TOWN WHERE NO ONE KNOWS YOU AND START FRESH AND STAY AWAY FROM YOUR FAMILY FOR EVER.

WHAT EVER YOU DO, CHOOSE WISELY AND GOOD LUCK.

Answer 4

As I read your question and statements my heart just broke for you. I am sure that you have been through counseling and all of that, however, I would strongly suggest that you talk this over with your counselor, with your boyfriend, with another close friend or another member of your family whom you trust and an attorney or legal advisor. I would have all of these people in the same room at the same time and this will give you a really good gauge on what type of support system you might have to embark on such a long and painful journey. I do believe that punishment will come about, perhaps not in this lifetime, but what goes around comes around. However, please make sure you have a good support system before you start on this as it is a long hard road. My heart and my prayers are with you!! God bless!!

Answer 5

Not sure where you are, but in PA, there's a statute of limitations of 7 years on child abuse. So that would eliminate the first 8 years of abuse. You would have to start by reporting them to the local Child Protection Services, and they *should* refer you to the DA's office. If that doesn't work, go to the State Police. Also, I suggest getting yourself into Victims Resource counseling.

Answer 6

you may want to study Lisa J Smith's works. they're truly, reaaaaaallllly astonishing. evening international secret Vampire Daughters of Darkness Spellbinder/Enchantress darkish Angel the selected Soulmate Huntress Black first light Witchlight unusual destiny (no longer yet released) The Vampire Diaries The Awakening The conflict The Fury darkish Reunion The go back: dusk The go back: Shadow Souls (now no longer yet released) The go back: hour of darkness (now no longer yet released) the major Circle The Initiation The Captive The power The Forbidden interest The Hunter The Chase The Kill darkish Visions The unusual power The Possessed The interest quick memories Blood Will tell Thicker Than Water Brionwy's Lullaby Ash & Mary-Lynnette: persons who choose fireplace Jez and Morgead's evening holiday (All of those are by Lisa J Smith.)

Answer 7

Let me first say it wasn't your fault and you know that. I'm sorry this hap pend to you, your right it wasn't fair, but to say your OK now is putting it lightly. This will be with you for the rest of your life and learning to cope with it or to deal with i in your own way will require good therapy. Bringing them to justice has to be your decision. A lot of children in your situation have done various things to break the chain of abuse. If you need to talk to someone who has been there e-mail me and i can put you in touch with them.

Answer 8

I would consult a lawyer to see what is involved. You'll probably have to bring up alot of the past and be able to talk about it publicly. I'm sure it will be very painful.
If you are strong enough I hope you do it. It will probably bring you some closure and peace of mind in the long run.
Good luck.

Answer 9

the main question in the prosecution of people is: What evidence do you have? you are going against 3 people here who you know are going to stick together on their story.
how are you going to convince a jury that you are telling the truth?
did you tell anyone else as you were growing up? did you make a list of dates and times things happened?
I'm not trying to make you upset, but conviction of this type of immoral, unethical, often very conniving child predators is hard to achieve.
good luck in whatever you decide to do.

Answer 10

They should be brought to justice, and your boyfriend will probably stand behind you while you do so, it looks like you're safe as long as he's by your side.