Sexual Abuse Support Group

Sexual abuse is a relative cultural term used to describe sexual relations and behavior between two or more parties which are considered criminally and/or morally offensive. Different types of sexual abuse involve: Non-consensual, forced physical sexual behavior such as rape, incest or sexual assault, or psychological forms of abuse, such as verbal sexual behavior or...

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statute of limitations?

lauriegardner
lauriegardner

I now after so many years feel that I can speak out about my first rape at age 13, but it's been 39 years....I know where he lives in the local community. ...but I think I will just be told that it's been too long.   Also, in my mid 20's, I  was given a soda and came to the next day naked with hickies  all over in the guys bed.  I was so sick I just got dressed and left...in shock....is it too late to do anything about it now? I'm 52.  I just feel like I want to speak out...and say HEY! YOU DID THIS TO ME, YOU RAPED ME! AND IT WAS WRONG!

mattuk123
mattuk123
Hi Its never too late, In the UK we have had every thing from Jimmy Saville Politicians to the Rotherham cases and one by one the UK justice system is working their way through them. The offence is historic sexual abuse. When I feel I am strong enough to go through the entire procedure, that is, to have my abuser arrested, charged, if he goes not guilty, to deal with the court case, giving evidence then I shall be taking him to court as he is married now with 3 kids and my life is basically screwed. My offenders days are numbered. Find the courage to do this whilst you are recovering. Wishing you the best of luck with everything and sending a huge hug of support your way
LuckyEmpath
LuckyEmpath
I am very sorry this happened to you. If you are in the US it depends on the laws of your state and what age they define as no longer being a minor. Although I don't think any state has the age set below 16 it would be wise for you to look it up online just to make sure. Or consult a lawyer as they will usually meet with you one time for no charge. In my state the age is 16 I believe and if you were younger than that when it happened, and the other person was an adult, then there is no statute of limitations.

That said....I would urge you to work with a therapist before you try bringing this horrible person to court. Court can be very upsetting and you may want to be stable before putting yourself through that. It sounds like you want to be heard which is very normal. Being heard is a big part of the healing process but a therapist would be good at hearing you. I do understand there is a feeling of wanting the person who hurt you to hear you and feel bad...but what if he doesn't? You will still be left with a hole inside of you of "I want to be heard" with the added frustration of not being heard by the person you wanted to hear you the most. After you work with a therapist and have done your healing work the option to bring him to court will still be there (depending on state laws) but you will be in a much better position to talk about it in court without re-traumatizing yourself. You deserve to heal from what happened and you can heal. Please choose the path of healing so you don't get hurt any more.