A good friend of mine was molested by two of her cousins when she was young. She is not sure of exactly when it happened, but she does know that she was between the ages of 5 and 8 years old. She has never told anyone but me, but I think she needs to tell SOMEONE. She will be 19 this year, and had it not been for the two of them, she would still be a virgin. She wants to know if she can still talk to the police, or if she would be better off just talking to a therapist.
2007-03-12 08:27:27 · 16 answers · asked by kdd_angel 3 in Politics & Government ➔ Law Enforcement & Police
She knows EXACTLY who did it, and EXACTLY where they are. It's not so much that she doesn't know what to do, she's nervous about her family's reaction. Her dad (and other male cousins) will most likely try to kill them. Literally. We are trying to figure out a way to deal with the problem where the only people who will end up in trouble are the ones who did this to her.
2007-03-12 08:54:12 · update #1
The statute of limitations on reporting Molestation depends on what state you live in. In most states it's between seven and fifteen years. however unless your friend is able to describe in detail the abuse and is willing to sit through months of court procedures and legal documenting, She would be better off just getting help from a thereapist. Either way she does it she will end up speaking with a therapist as the court will order her to undergo therapy. Also, the therapist will have to report the abuse if it inside the statute of limitations and that usually speeds the process up a bit.
Oh and tell your friend, being raped, which is what molestation is, does not count as losing your virginity, you give your virginity away, you don't have it taken away.
2007-03-12 08:35:49 · answer #1 · answered by kyle_pillsbury 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The statute of limitations may, or may not, have expired. There have been lots of changes in many states to allow prosecutions after long periods of time when offenses are unreported, although the changes cannot always be retroactively applied. She should know, however, that if she speaks to a therapist it is more than likely that the therapist will notify the police. In most states, therapists are required by law to report such offenses, and it is an exception to the usual confidentiality between therapists and patients.
2007-03-12 16:18:57 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
She should do both. It happened to me when I was 5 by an Uncle. I never told a soul. Then when I was about 13 this uncle and my aunt separated. I finally told my mother. She told my aunt. My aunt and uncle got back together and nothing was ever done. It has eaten at me for over 50 years now. I also have other issues regarding this that I won't go into here. She will carry this her entire life. If she wants to press charges, she should do it. But get counciling. I never did, things were kept in the closet back then. It's not like that anymore. You sould like a good friend. Get her some help.
2007-03-12 15:33:31 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would talk to the police and a therapist. I don't know if they would be able to prosecute them after all this time, but I would try because they are probably somewhere molesting and raping other young children.
Hearing these stories really gets up under my skin!! These people are so sick!
2007-03-12 15:33:08 · answer #4 · answered by CJ 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The answer to your question is yes. Molestation can vary but it's mostly a felony. There is no statute of limitations, thus she can still file a complaint. I hope she does. If she does not break the cycle then others could be hurt. I know it is difficult to face, but her strength may save torment or even a life. Most sexaul offender repeat their crimes and generally increase the range and scope of them.
I know...we actively pursue these cases daily.
2007-03-12 15:36:58 · answer #5 · answered by J D 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
check and see if there is a statute of limitations for this type of thing in your state. A friend of mine went threw similiar circumstances as a child, only his molestor was another male. He went to the police and they told him to pursue it in civil court because the statute of limitations had expired. Thats where he is right now. Trying to track down the person that did this to him so he can be summoned to court. Your friend still needs to speak to a therapist as well.
2007-03-12 15:47:28 · answer #6 · answered by pony909 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
sadly most likely the statue of limitation to actually arrest them is long over in every state I know of. ( each state has its own laws as to time frame)
So at this point a good therapist would be the best thing.
2007-03-12 15:43:57 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Start with the therapist; the police can come later if she and the therapist decide to pursue it
2007-03-12 15:30:00 · answer #8 · answered by wizjp 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would definately suggest couseling, considering the chances of capturing these people are slim, if she doesn't remember anything. I knew this girl who had a step-dad and he had been watching her do everything from his tv in his room. video taping her every move. she is in counseling now and it is going very well for her.
it also might help if you talk to her about it.
2007-03-12 15:32:29 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Unfortunately, the time limit to file charges may have expired. I would contact your local authorities or your local bar association to see what time contraints exist. In the end, it's up to your friend to do what she thinks is best.
2007-03-12 15:35:13 · answer #10 · answered by ajd1bmf 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋