Reporting Sexual Abuse Years Later
When I was 14, in 1997, a Finnish man (8 years my senior) started a long-distance relationship with me. We were able to meet once a year. When I was 15 (1998), he kissed me; at 16 (1999) we started "messing around" sexually but did not have intercourse; and at 17 (2000) we had sex (he was 25 then). I lived in Florida at the time, and I understand he committed a felony. We continued a relationship until early last year, and now I am starting to come to terms with the fact that he abused me. I would like to prosecute but am not sure how to begin since we now live in Finland. If I report it now, can he be arrested when he visits the US (Seattle) next week? Also, what are the rules for reporting this sort of thing years after the fact?
(See also my post about child custody.)
Re: Reporting sexual abuse years later
It's often difficult to interest the police in pursuing a statutory rape charge between a 17-year-old and a man she subsequently marries, let alone after eight years of cohabitation. They also cannot prosecute unless you return to the U.S. as needed for court proceedings. If you were to make a report, it is exceptionally unlikely that Florida would authorize charges and put a warrant into the interstate system so quickly that your husband could be picked up next week, such that he would be picked up in another state - in fact, given the facts you provide, it would be highly unlikely that they would put the warrant into the interstate system at all.
Are you seriously interested in redress for child abuse, or are you seeking to gain advantage in your custody fight?
Re: Reporting sexual abuse years later
First of all, we never married. Second, we cohabited for 3 years, starting when I was 18/19. Not sure if those details matter. You're right, I'm trying to gain custody of my son. Otherwise I wouldn't think of bringing up this old news. Just interested in learning about all aspects of this at the moment.
Re: Reporting sexual abuse years later
The problem I can see is the fact that there isn't any physical evidence tying him to your (alleged) rape back in the year 2000. Plus the fact that you admit you are doing this to gain custody of a child make me think that you have virtually no chance of having him arrested for this.
Re: Reporting sexual abuse years later
Quote:
Quoting
nite_riderusa
The problem I can see is the fact that there isn't any physical evidence tying him to your (alleged) rape back in the year 2000. Plus the fact that you admit you are doing this to gain custody of a child make me think that you have virtually no chance of having him arrested for this.
This is a years-old thread....