Should a victim of child molester tell police after 3 years?

Question

i heard someone was a victim and it happened like 3 years ago. they havent told many people. if they tell the police would anything happen? its been 3 years. they are afraid no one will beleive them. they also dont want to have to go to any kind of therepy...would they be forced to?

Answer 1

Yes, most definitely.  If your local law enforcement has a sexual crime unit and/or a juvenile unit [if the victim was a juvenile at the time of the abuse] have your friend talk to them directly.

Why?  Because she/he may very well be part of a "pattern of behavior" of the abuser.  

Should she/he have crisis intervention?  Yes, and as a friend you should definitely gather information regarding that type of therapy and give it to the victim.  Explain that you will walk through the process with the victim if necessary...

Why?  Because without crisis intervention, abuse will occur again with the same abuser, or another.