I have found myself involved in a defamation suit. It takes a lot to prove that someone has defamed you. Defamation of character is a term that is used to describe when false statement is written or spoken about an individual with the intent of harming or slandering their reputation. We know this has happened to our child. We know it's not a false statement. What I can truly say if I had to in a court of law is that I never said he is a child predator, but that my child "accused" him of so. My situation turned out that he dropped the suit because we would have in turn counter sued and then he would HAVE to speak to a court of law and answer any question asked of him. He did not want to do that. Worse case scenario, if we did lose a defamation of character suit, would be that we would have filed bankruptcy. I was willing to do that. If we did counter sue and won, we would have been able to blast his name anywhere and everywhere stating what and who he really was. Unfortunately, we won't get that opportunity. We have researched information about child predators and put information out on social media to enlighten parents. There is so much written information and videos out on the internet. We have learned so much about how predators work to entice families and their children. Everything we have learned describes this person's character and pattern. My suggestion to you is talk about how we need to protect our children with your neighbors and friends. If you're on social media, post links for information. EVERYDAY we see a teacher or public figure arrested with inappropriate conduct with children. Parents need to be made aware that it can also be someone very close to you, even a family friend. You posting on social media or mentioning awareness with your neighbors or friends is not a crime and you don't have to mention your situation or his name. If it helps one family be more cautious about someone they are not sure of, it makes a difference. God bless.

Thank you. I want HIM caught (of course, all other predators as well). Posting links and articles is something I have randomly done for sure. I feel like so many parents (myself included) don't feel like this kind of thing can happen to them or their children if they just do the right things. I know better now. :-( Although I don't feel like he would, it scares me that he could physically retaliate. They know where I live...I don't want my house to randomly catch on fire or anything. Gahhhhhh, I hate him. I contacted him about a year ago. He knows that I know who he is, and what he did. He doesn't deserve the happy life he's pretending to have.

I an not imagine what you are going through. Having to watch the person who hurt your child walk around. I wish I had an answer for you. I am thinking about you and praying for a resolution to your situation.

Can you post that someone you know was hurt by him?That way the neighborhood would know it was someone in the neighborhood but not know who.You can be the contact person and if anyone comes forward you can compile a list and go from there.Omg, compile a list,what has this world come to when we have to keep a list of children abused.

^^^^Thank you. I believe where there's a will there's a way (for the good!)... thank you for the thoughts and suggestions <3

I don't think this would be slander: if you mentioned to neighbor moms simply that someone you trust told you that someone all the moms know had sexually abused her, and you have reason to believe her. You could say that you don't want to face legal consequences of mentioning any names, but, knowing the facts of predator behavior (likely to re-offend), you thought it might be worth their rethinking any unexplained behaviors they may have noticed in their own children so they can get help now. Behavioral signs of abuse:

Acting out in an inappropriate sexual way with toys or objects
Nightmares, sleeping problems
Becoming withdrawn or very clingy
Becoming unusually secretive
Sudden unexplained personality changes, mood swings and seeming insecure
Regressing to younger behaviors, e.g. bedwetting
Unaccountable fear of particular places or people
Outburst of anger
Changes in eating habits
New adult words for body parts and no obvious source
Talk of a new, older friend and unexplained money or gifts
Self-harm (cutting, burning or other harmful activities)
Physical signs, such as, unexplained soreness or bruises around genitals or mouth, sexually transmitted diseases, pregnancy
Running away
Not wanting to be alone with a particular child or young person