Sexual Abuse Support Group

I am so sorry this happened to you :(
The answer to your question depends upon the state in which the abuse took place. Some states it is 5 years after the abuse. Some states it is until the age of 31; some have 'historical limitations' (when you remember the abuse); some do not have a statute of limitations. Contacting local law enforcement and reporting the abuse is the first step.
you may wish to refer to my blog at
http://beendownthatroad.wordpress.com

Thank you. It was not me. How do I help? He is angry and anxious but won't go to therapy. Penn State brought it all back up for him and he disclosed to us yesterday.

This is going to depend on the law (probably at the time) in the location where the abuse happened. There are a few things that come to mind regarding it:

* the need for sufficient evidence
* the time since the abuse
* the age difference involved.

Some jurisdictions require a minimum age difference between the abuser and the abused for it to constitute child abuse. This seems to be typically about 5 years.

When he's ready it may be best to take local legal advice. However, maybe the more important thing would be for him to get emotional support and, maybe, counselling.

I'm so sorry this has happened to him and that recent events have brought it all to the fore.

Depends on the state where the abuse occurred, and the statutes there. My suggestion is to encourage the abuse be reported to law enforcement where abuse took place. You may refer the person to my blog. It may take time for the person to accept therapy. It is difficult to verbalize how one is abused. The details are not 'pretty' nor 'pleasant', and can be very embarrassing. It was easier for me to 'stuff it down' and go on with life than talk about what happened. I finally came to the point I could do so. That is why I would like to see the no statute of limitations on sex crimes. It affects one in so many different ways, it can take years before one is able to face an abuser in court.

In many cases, there is no physical evidence to prove a case. Or, in my case, the evidence was destroyed by a person in a position of trust.

Thank you again beendown and drbeaker, all the helpful info. My heart is broken but I want to be there for him in the best way I can.
The age difference is 4 years but he was a child (pre-adolescent) and the abuser was post-a and fully developed and at the time he saw him as a "man" even though he was 14 when he started abusing him.
I am so sad for him and furious, too.