This is quite difficult for me to ask, as I've kept it secret for many, many years. I am now 36 and between the ages of 11-13 I was sexually abused by 2 sons of a church pastor. They were 14 and 16 years of age at the time. Because they were under age, and as it was a long time ago, will that mean they will be let off the hook or is there still a chance for prosecution? I was a very naive 11 year old.
2007-02-25 22:57:29 · 27 answers · asked by Hello 2 in Politics & Government ➔ Law Enforcement & Police
No. There should be no statue of limitations on any form of sexual abuse... that simple.
2007-02-26 16:52:48 · answer #1 · answered by BeachBum 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In England, it would depend on the level of sexual abuse. Were it simply indecent exposure, a case could not be brought, as this offence is a Summary offence and a prosecution needs to be brought within six months of the offence being committed.
If it is a case of sexual touching, or anything else up to rape, then a prosecution could technically be brought. However, given the ages of the two boys, the defence would argue that the activities were part of normal adolescent sexual experimentation (unless it was rape or forced oral sex). Evidence would be hard to find, and, given the length of time that has elapsed between the commission of the offences and the putative prosecution, any evidence you may have, or any witness that you could produce, will be regarded with considerable circumspection.
Over the last few years, English Criminal Law has become considerably stricter as regards sexual offences invoving minors, but the statutes do not necessarily reflect the reality of adolescent sexual behaviour. Technically, it would be illegal for an eighteen year old girl to have her fifteen year old boyfriend undress for her, but such issues are contentious - what is the position of an adult sitting on a legal Naturist beach who sees the nude body of a ten-year old sitting next to him or her? This is a bit of a can of worms.
The Crown Prosecution Service will bring a case if there is a reasonable chance of proving that the offence was committed. However, if this went to trial, you would end up in a witness box in front of a Jury of 12 strangers, with a very hostile Defence Lawyer asking all sorts of questions of you. I don't think that this is a good way to get closure - consult your GP concerning counselling instead.
My views may seem harsh, but I am trying to stop you from getting into serious mire. It is well known that adolescents indulge in all forms of sexual experimentation including full intercourse, and technically, one would have to indict a substantial proportion of our youth, and, indeed, of adults, for sexual offences that they committed when they, and their partners, were under age. Furthermore, if these two boys have committed sexual offences on under-age people after the boys themselves have become of age to have, and be liable for, legal or ilegal sexual conduct, it is fairly likely that they wil have been investigated, as child sex abuse has become a lot more of an open issue in the last ten years.
2007-02-26 13:26:36 · answer #2 · answered by ? 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Seek professional advice on how to deal with your problem. I do not think there is a time limit on such cases as the kind you have outlined. In USA the Catholic church [it's priests] have been successfully pursued in court by their former victims of some twenty years back. Here in UK it might be different but I'm sure you will be able to do something.
The only crime in UK which never comes off the books is murder. Scotland Yard never close a case of murder unless and until it is solved.
I am not sure if the same rules apply to rape and child molestation. In my opinion they should be treated very much the same.
The real criminal in your case is the person who allowed two under aged boys to rape you and who then did nothing about it.
2007-02-26 07:18:37 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
there may be a statute of limitations, im not sure, however, as far as it being too late to say something, Oh my heavens, honey......you are a strong , grown, adult female that deserves for your voice to be heard. Who knows, this still may be going on, they might still be abusing little kids NOW. There might be other women that experienced the same thing as you by these same evil people. Please say something. This will be one of the hardest things you will ever do in your entire life.....but you might be able to help someone else, and for once, feel a little bit of peace over what happened so many years ago. You are strong enough to do what is right, and possibly bring these creeps to justice for their crimes.......The best you can do is try.......You'll never know what could come of it if you don't try. God bless you and good luck.
2007-02-26 07:10:40 · answer #4 · answered by ali 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The statute of limitations ( 5 years) in most states has passed so criminal prosecution is probably not in the cards.
You do have the option of pursuing this through civil court but one obstacle I see is that the offenders were themselves juveniles.
You might be best off trying to put it all behind you. The outlook for going after them is somewhat bleak and at the very best, it will be expensive, drawn out and fraught with grief.
2007-02-26 07:10:34 · answer #5 · answered by Jack 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
it is never too late tto prosecute they still committed a crime of sexual abuse as you say u were a 11. my advice to you is contact the police about what happened or even confide in a doctor, husband, friend so they can give you the support you need and the help to go to the police. It is important you deal with this to help you feel some kind of closer to it so you can move kinda. i understand this is difficult you for but you need to head to police and inform them.
2007-02-26 07:04:59 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Its obviously on your mind constantly, and I sympathise with you, there is nolimit in time, and you should do what you think is right and proper. I cannot tell you how many cases come up, but be prepared to fight hard, good luck and again I'm sorry for what happened. Firstly go to the police and they will have a a specialist unit that deals with this, after you have made an accusation the person(s) concernd will be arrested and questioned, after that its up to you to be strong.
Bless
2007-02-26 19:53:46 · answer #7 · answered by david g 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
sexual abuse is something serious...and its never 2 late so the best thing is to do is go to the police as soon as possible...there are people out there that suffered abuse 20 years ago and they have come forward now and the police av dealt with it and the person that has been doing the abuse has been jailed so truat me the results will be good.and if you dont want to go alone take somone with you that you trust.. good luk!
2007-02-26 10:51:17 · answer #8 · answered by alia 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am sure you can, it has been done in the UK when a man prosecuted his abuser some 30years after the actual event
I wish you well and hope you get the right result. You are very brave and doing the right thing by speaking out!
Well done and good luck xxx
2007-02-26 07:08:17 · answer #9 · answered by Peachy Girl 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No I dont. But if I were you I would get prepared for a tough fight. The burden of proof is on you. Also, the fact that they were also underage is on their side. But you need to take this into account. They might be still doing the same things today. Perhaps if you call them out on it they will stop hurting others. Good Luck.
2007-02-26 07:06:12 · answer #10 · answered by Johnny Conservative 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It all depends on the jurisdiction -- what state/county it occurred in. There is a current case very similar to yours where the perpetrator wasn't arrested until 20+ yrs. later and he goes for sentencing next month. You should check online for your particular jurisdiction -- see if there's a woman's sexual assault or battered women's group in your area --- they have a wealth of information including free counseling. Good luck.
2007-02-26 07:34:44 · answer #11 · answered by GrnEyedBlondeSwede 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋