Sexual Abuse Years Ago

[numas05]

I have a serious question for the officers out there. When I was a young girl, maybe 8 or 9 years old, I was repeatedly sexually abused by my older stepbrother. I'm not sure how old he was or is now, but based on an old yearbook I looked at I was in Kindergarten when he was in 9th grade.

It's been years, maybe 10 or more, since this happened and I never told anyone about it until maybe a year or two ago. I'm still afraid to tell people about it, especially my family. I'm not even sure if the actions he committed are considered molestation or rape. However, I know that someday I want to get justice and maybe some closure about this situation.

My question is this: Is it possible to get him convicted of his crime even though it's been so long since he committed it? I hate to think of what he could have been doing to other girls or children because I let him get away, and I really don't want to open a can of worms if it's all going to be for nothing.

[Kimble]

My question is this: Is it possible to get him convicted of his crime even though it's been so long since he committed it? I hate to think of what he could have been doing to other girls or children because I let him get away, and I really don't want to open a can of worms if it's all going to be for nothing.

First, you should be commended for wanting to not only face this for your own closure, but also seek prosecution to help others not be similarly abused. I've worked child sex abuse cases and would like to help. Instead of asking you to provide further details publicly, I welcome you to send me a Private Message with specific details (I don't need your name, but need to know what city/state this occurred in, when it occurred, how old you and your stepbrother were when it occurred, and specifically what was done). If you don't feel comfortable sharing this with me online that's understandable, but I would encourage you to speak with your local police as well (if it's a larger agency, ask to speak to a detective or someone assigned to investigate sec crimes).

Good luck finding closure and bringing this matter to justice, if I can help I'm happy to do so.

[retdetsgt]

I can't speak for other states, but in Oregon the statute of limitations is 6 years after you turn 18. If you're under 24, you can report it and it can be prosecuted. I would strongly advise you also to contact the police where you were living at the time of the abuse.

Closure will probably not come with that though. I would strongly recommend finding a therapist that you are comfortable with to work through it with. Bear in mind that it may take visiting several before you find a good fit. Sometimes the mind is like a dangerous neighborhood, you don't want to go there alone.

I worked child abuse too for about 7 years and I have to tell you that although the cases are prosecuted successfully all the time, they're aren't slam dunks. Hopefully, they can send this guy to his room for multiple years though, he needs that along with a sex offender tag.

[numas05]

Thanks you two. I'll send Kimble a more detailed PM. This has been a nearly lifelong struggle for me and I've seen 4 different counselors in the last five years. I wasn't comfortable enough with any of them to address this situation and I may never be with the one I'm with now, but I'm hoping so.

[retdetsgt]

I completely understand. I had to go through 6 years of therapy for PTSD and it took me several before I found a good fit.

[G35 Mass]

In Mass, the Statute of Limitations is 15 years after turning 16, I believe, but with other exceptions. The clock stops every second the offender is out of state. You should def. report it. Even if the crimes against you can't be prosecuted, you very well may be able to help someone else. Also, for all you know, the police are working a case against your abuser , and need your help.

[numas05]

It happened in New York. And I'm pretty sure I know the town he lives in. It's not far from my hometown, where the event took place.