could a man still go to jail for rape if...?

Question

say you were molested/radped from age 7-12 and never spoke of it, never told the police what happened...5 years later, now at the age of 17, you are ready to tell the police.
will the police take action? or is it too late?

if the police decide to take actions, what are the actions they will make?

will they understand?

please give me as much information as possible

Answer 1

The only thing I can tell you is that I believe it depends on what state you are in. Some states have no statue of limitations for rape, some have no limitation, but only if it involved a minor, others have time limits. A google search for "statute of limitions on rape and the name of the state" should yield this information easily enough.

The police will probably try to collect evidence that the events occurred, and perhaps even look for other vivtims. Once they finish the investigation period they will probably arrest the person in question.

People, police especially, understand it when people don't come forward about this kind of thing right away. Especially if it involves a minor. They are usually very kind when dealing with the victim.

Anyway, hope that helped!

Answer 2

The statute of limitations on sexual offenses differ from state to state. I recommend you contact the police and make your report. They will know the laws of the state, and the DA's I know would be happy to talk to you, to explain the timelines, etc.

Here in CA the time limit extends beyond the 5 years it's been in the case you described... so it would be fileable. However, it would be difficult to prove. In one case I've worked, the young girl reported the multiple rapes, and although there was no physical evidence, there was a LOT of facts in place to prove what had happened, including a pre-text phone call in which the guy admitted it to her.

Call the police. Contact Victim Witness so you can get counseling services. Do what you need to do for your own mental health.

Answer 3

I spoke to the police regarding just this sort of question. Their answer to me was that it would depend on how much the victim was traumatized by the crime. So, if you are able to convince the police at the onset of the reporting of the crime by showing good reason why you didn't report it sooner then that is half the battle. Do you have any witnesses or material proof? That would help to....remember, this will have to go to court and you have to prove your allegations. It might help your case if you contact one of the organizations that help victims of rape in order to get counciling and tell them you need counciling and also take them into your confidence and explain that you were afraid to come forward at the time but now you have the strength to report it but you need their help. Please do this as if you don't get help then this will just fester inside of you and will give you problems throughout your life. The criminal needs to account for his actions!!!

Answer 4

My my, I am really sorry for you in this situation. You should report it. There are different statutes of limitations for each state, and for each crime, but many states are now taking into account victim's rights in rapes cases of this nature. When the assault occurs on someone so young they're too traumatized to seek help from the authorities. Many states have extended traditional statutes for such cases. I believe fives years is still within the statute of limitations in most states. If for some reason your states limits are up for filing criminal charges, there are still many civil recourses you can take. many lawyers would be happy to help you pro bono (free of charge) in such a situation, and cand help you figure out which are the best paths to take.

You have made the hardest step. You have called it rape and that is what it is. I hope you feel at least some relief in being able to speak of it after holding it in for so long. Prosecuting your attacker only the first action you need to take. There are many people out there who can identify with you, and have gone through similar experiences. you need to speak to them, or to a counsellor, and get help emotionally. I commend your bravery, and in the end, you will be better and stronger for having endured.

Answer 5

its never too late to talk to the police about what happened... If the guy is still around and catchable, then its definitely possible. its not like theres an expiration date on that kind of stuff... I'm not really sure what actions they'll make, you'll have to have proof about it or some kind of witness if you want any case at all because obviously there will be a case. they aren't just going to hall him off to jail. maybe the person will own up to it? you could have a case, but it'll be a lot more tough to send him to jail.

Answer 6

It depends on where you live. Some states have extended the statutes of limitation and would allow this to be prosecuted now.

The police will understand, but it will be easier for you if you tell a trusted adult first and then go to the police together.

The police will take your statement and then check out any information you can give.

Good luck to you.

Answer 7

hooo boy......


tough one here but most of the answers that were given were at least partially correct and some were better then probly what I am going to say......

Some states have statutes of limitation on accusations of rape/mollestation so you may wanna look into what yer state, county, parish or province says as to local law for a start...

also in cases of rape a rape kit where dna samples of either pubic hair or semen would have to take place and the dna would be analyzed to find out if it was a legit match or not....
At least an exam for vaginal tearing (i'm assuming you were a virgin when this act started and in cases of a female there will be some vaginal tearing to prove it actually happened )durring this timeframe that you are claiming it happened and would have to be performed as well before formal charges could be filed assuming the statute of limitations (if there was or is one on the books) has not expired

if the police decide to act on the allegations they will probly arrest your uncle and detain him in jail untill the allegations are proven either way as to whether he actually did it or not

other then that it's iffy at best for me and it's pushing 2am here so my brain is kinda fried

hope this helped

Answer 8

I am not sure where you are but I am hoping there is a crisis line that you can connect with and get some victim services information that could tell you some accurate information about what to expect. Usually these services are free and anonymous - found in the phone book usually the front cover.

If this is for you or someone you know I am sorry for what you had to go through. You are very brave.

Answer 9

You are probably still within the statute of limitations, so yes he still could go to prison for it, if the police and prosecuting attorneys decide to go forward with it. But even if they decide there is not enough evidence to go forward, you will feel better for at least making the attempt. I will bet that you are not his only victim, or his last and may be the key that sets things in motion.

Answer 10

7 years and up is the statutory limit on rape. So now is a good time to see them tried for rape/molestation.

The police will question everybody involved. Doctors (psychologist and medical) will be involved too.

The victims name will be kept secret (because they are a minor) but the aggressor will be plastered all over the news and their life will be ruined forever, regardless of whether they actually did it or not. Just an accusation seems to be enough now a days.