someone once told me, nothing is ever erased. I am sure something can be done. You have the courage and the strength to fight this and bring to light what happened.
It may be a long long road, but i am sure that it can be done. Get ahold of the teacher, investigate. Who all knew back then, write all that you remember.
I understand that you feel its a loss -- but go for it! I wish I could have done what your doing! Let me know, keep in touch.
sending you lots of hugs.

I tried to get some justice for myself this summer. My father raped me for 26 years. I reported him, made a statement, and I faced resistance from the police at every turn.

They called him. He lied. The police believed him. He told them I was crazy, and the detective decided that's why I came forward. I'm disturbed, as if being raped for 26 years doesn't disturb someone.

Shortly after, my sister sent an email saying I was crazy to the dean of my university, where I have straight As. I withdrew the complaint after that. I couldn't handle going forward.

YOU ARE VERY BRAVE. This process is excruciating. And you have the right to be heard. The police has a legal responsibility to take your statement. Good luck.

hi im sorry for what you are going through. i think you should try to contact the teacher your sister told and see if he or she can rememberwhat was said and if they would be prepared to put in writing what they recall of what was said DO NOT SUGGEST ANY THING TO THEM THEY MUST DO IT IN THEIR OWN REMEMBERANCE that way no one can say they were influenced by any thing.
if you can get that ask are they prepared to go to court if required
if you get yes to both the above your half way there.
next you could try what another member did and try to get dad to admit to these things on the phone to you with him not knowing the conversation is being taped.
to do that the tape i think would need to have a system that records time and date to avoid any chance of them saying it was fabricated.
i presume you are in america so once you have some or all of this you must have a rape crisis center or similar group that could then assist you to get it in front of the right authorities who could then take it to court with their help you may find that they will have access to a subsidised lawyer.
i dont know about statute of limitations over there but there are none in new zealand so length of time here dosent matter.
hope this is of help or gives you some idea of where to start keep us all updated add me as a friend if you wish
regards
john
many good hugs and warm fuzzies sent with love to you

How about your sister? Is she able to admit it and testify with you? Can she help you to put together a case - to dig for the evidence and find lawyers, and just basically be there so there's two of you not one?

I havn't talked to my sister about the fact that I am pursuing this now, but in the past she and my other sisters seemed overwhelmed and were not at all supportive when I brought up the idea of a law suit. Things may have changed, I don't know. I called her today and left a message to call me back. She is pregnant with her first child right now and I don't know how this will fit into the life she has made for herself.

This all started gaining speed because I am trying to quit drinking, I am on Day 12 sober right now, in two months of trying, and am feeling so much surfacing that I want to resolve. But also feel overwhelmed. My therapist and an online advisor through an addiction therapy community both warned me to think about how much I can handle at one time. I feel like I have to do this now though I just can't stand it anymore. I feel like I can't get sober UNLESS I take some kind of action.

I dont know who the teacher was and dont know if I can get that information. I guess I am going about this on my own and no one in my family has been very helpful or informative in the past when I tried to ask questions. My mother and I have still never had a conversation about the abuse, although she has hinted at it,

I also saw a child therapist for a short time, my mom gave me her name once without explaining why or where I was seeing her. I tried to track down those records but without knowing the facility where I was treated that is a dead end as well. I know I went to the ER several times but havnt been able to track down hospital records. I had a legal name change at age 11 that makes this more complicated too.

there is just a lot going on right now. thanks everyone who responded

Keep treading, dont give up. Its a long haul, but its one worth your while. Congrats on your soberiety! I am sorry to hear about the lack of support from family. But things can change, maybe go about it slowly with your family. Thats my take on it --
I wish you all the best, and keep on keeping on. I can relate with you in addictions and life struggles.
safe hugs