How long to report sexual abuse?

Question

I've noticed some signs that my cousin(16 years old) may have been sexually abused. I don't know to what extent this might have gone, and every timee i start to hint about it she changes the subject or leaves.

Can anyone give me some advice as how to get her to talk about it and where to get therapy for free(our family doesn't have much money)?

I don't know when it happened but may have been as long as 4 years ago. I'm very concerned that it may be too late to report, as I know that there are statutes of limitations for everything but murder.

Does anyone know the statute of limitations for these type of things in California?

I don't think I can go to the police because I don't know who may have done it. Will they investigate without the victim admitting anything and no suspect?

I've been gone for the past 4 years and for all I know that person may be dead or gone to a different state or even country.

What are the extraditionn laws here?

Is there anything else I can do to help her?

Answer 1

Since she is only sixteen, if the parents get involved there might be ways to help her. Here in Michigan the age of consent is 16, and if she was abused or raped before then that can be brought up as statutory rape/molestation charges. Maybe you should voice your concerns to the parents, and hopefully they are understanding. I believe most YWCA's / YMCA's have counseling programs, and there may even be programs through your state for low income families. I don't know if you have either, but it's something that you could easily look into.

If the cousin and you are close and she feels she can trust you, she may open up to you. You need to make her feel safe so that she can confide in you. Maybe confronting her in a secluded place away from anyone will help you, but be compassionate and tell her you are just afraid for her safety and love her very much and don't want to see her hurting. But you can't help her if she doesn't want the help.

Answer 2

I think you should leave it alone....if you are wrong, you can mess up two or three peoples lives.. including your own...

the only thing you should do is be supportive, if she tells you something definite, and asks for advice, then give it...

otherwise it might be something that was consensual and legal, that she now regrets doing......

Answer 3

Statutes of limitation differ from state to state. Sometimes, even if the statute has run out, there are extensions that may apply. Also, it may depend whether you want to press criminal charges or file a civil action. If I were you, I would try to contact the state child and youth service organization, I'm sure they would have all the information you need, including information on government funded therapy. You could also contact an attorney that specializes in child abuse crimes, most attorney's give free consultations. I do not know what the child and youth service organization is in California, but you could look in the yellow pages or all the local police department.  

Answer 4

Depends what state, and good luck.  I thought this was America, our Justice system and reaching out for help when you are scared to death wouldd makeeverythingg ok.  Boy, what a let down.  It is scary.

Answer 5

Whatever you do don't try to pressure her. She will not open up if she gets the sense you are trying to pry.  Is there a reason why you waited so long.  Or even if you suspected somethin ...why now and not then when it mattered the most.

Answer 6

Statute of limitations doesnt exist for an indeitable (jailable) offence here in Australia. Therefore you can be charged 50 years later if they got the dirt. Problem with proving a sexual assult case is that its often hard to gather and maintain evidence correctly.

Answer 7

you cant arrest any body on a hunch.If she says something to you ok.You probably freak her out by hinting around Just ask her a question.Be to the point.

Answer 8

You are not an investigator, nor should you act like one.  Although I applaud your attempts to get information from the victim, it isn't the right way and you should not worry about the statute of limitations, that is something the DA and the police will worry about.  You need to take your suspicions and call CPS.

Answer 9

I think the Statute of Limitations is no longer than 2 years in most states, but if you suspect that it could have taken place in a church setting, it may be longer.  Also if the perpetrator leaves the state, the time stops tolling.  Let me know if this is a church situation, and I can give you more info.  I don't know much more about sexual abuse outside of that.  GL.

Answer 10

If she won't admit it, they can't do anything about it. But call CPS anyway, if you're sure.

Answer 11

Just be her friend.  Don't try to force it out of her.  When she's ready to talk - she will.