Prosecution for Molestation?

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.
Additional Details
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.

kyle_pillsbury

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.

John S

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.

Noor AlShihaby

I think your friend should do both.

ajd1bmf

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.

Real Estate Para Legal

Start IMMEDIATLY with a LAWYER..they will know tha answer as you are limited as to tiime. Then get a therapist .
Good Luck

fr_chuck

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.

wizjp

Start with the therapist; the police can come later if she and the therapist decide to pursue it

super_adrienne

Even if the statute of limitations is up (they differ from state to state) it is a good idea for her to report it. that way it will definitly be on record and could prevent others from experiencing the same tragedy.

Brittany J

she can still go to the police its never to late

sassyk

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.

Bonnie Lynn

I'd go to the DA's office in the city/county it happened.
They'll help out and give you info you need to go further. (legally)

Counseling is up to your friend......
I saw a counselor and they made me feel like I was the guilty one....they said I should've killed him for it. I left in tears, wanting to grab a loaded weapon and take him out.

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!

Forest Breeze

hang them

i lovezz nick J

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.

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