Deven M.: Dear Mr.Walsh, I am a 15 year old student in Oklahoma. 6 years ago I was molested by someone twice as old as me. I am an All-American Scholar now, but I don’t know if I should report this guy or not. Please help get this predator off the streets, because I know he is probably still harming other kids. Thank you.
JW: Thanks for having the courage to come forward with your story – I know how hard that is. Unless brave crime victims like you are willing to speak out, it’s difficult to get justice. Of course you should go to the police! I know that a lot of young victims of sexual predators fear that they’re to blame for what happened, but always remember this: sexual abuse is NEVER your fault. I know it can be very tough to talk to someone about what happened, and you might be afraid that adults won’t believe you, especially if the abuser is a family member or family friend. But you should always remember that you don’t have to keep this a secret.
11 Comments on "Can I Report Sexual Abuse Years After It Happens?"
Robin Mattison
I believe this young women should absolutely go to the police. I am 35yrs old, I was molested by my baby-sitters sons when I was around 6yrs old. I never told anyone and I have lived with this all my life. I had problems being intimate with every person I have had a relationship with including my husband and I am so obsessed with trying to keep these predators off the streets it has taken over my life. Its a horrible thing to live with and I dont want anyone to ever have to go through having what someone else did ruin their life, pls take my advise and talk to someone right away and always remember it is not your fault!!!
TO AMW:I would like to come forward and tell the police about these two guys but because it has been such a long time do you think I can still report this? Im afraid that they have been doing to this other children and I want to make sure they dont hurt anyone else.
Shadra Reed
My child just reported tome taht she was abused at an earily age and I have clue on how to report or where to begin , she told me it was a family member and we live in Texas and he is in California . Please help
Shadra Reed
sexual abuse by a family member over 6ys ago
jennifer
This has givin me the courage to speak to the police. It’s hard to turn the person in but it has got to be done
To AMW Who do i go to?
Theresa
I was sexually abused 6years ago and i reported it to the police but at that time i did not have a voice. now that i have a voice i wanted to know if i can bring the case back up as i get down and have horrible thoughts, could i bring my case back up?
Amy
in most state the limit is 7 years to report sexual assault but by the time 4 years has passed most people feel like it is already too late if any one has comments on how we can raise the limitation on this small window please contact me
Christina M
Im 17 years old and was sexually molested by my brother Patrick from the time I was around 7 or 8 to 13.My family does not know about it (although ive dropped numerous hints constantly), only that I hate him.Is there anyway for me to report him still?When we are in the same room we usually fight and he has beaten me in front of my mother who thinks hes a saint even though hes been arrested countless times and convicted of theft.
hypnotizeyes
Im going on 21 in a couple of weeks and when I was 5-7yrs old I believe. I was sexually molested by my moms 2nd husband. The memory of what he did to me still haunts me especially now that my sister works at the same bank as him. I still want him to pay for what he did. Especially now that Im not affraid to tell anyone. Im just wishing my mom did something about it when I was little when I had the courage to tell her. But is it too late to convict him of his crime and sue him for pain and suffering. Im just afraid if I do my mom will also get in trouble even though Im over 18 now. I need legal advice someone please help!!!!!
harv buck
im still a teenager but i was abused by a neighbor in a sexual way 6 and a half years ago is it too late to ask the police for help?
Caitlyn Parish
Hi i really do think you should go to the police. I hope that everything goes well for you. I was molested by my father 12 years ago. I remember the incidence but i do not want to tear my family apart. i just told my bff today, i cried a lot. i am afraid he will win and i am stuck here
ANGEL
I WAS MOLESTED 17 YEARS AGO CAN I STILL DO SOMETHING LEGAL EVEN ITS BEEN 17 YEARS.
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