Statutory Rape in Oregon

I live in Oregon and 6 years ago, when I was 15, I was coerced by 25 year old into a sexual relationship. I got pregnant and when I turned 16 married him after he threatened to kill me and take our son. I just recently was able to escape this nightmare, thanks to wonderful friends, and now I want to press charges for statutory rape. However, I filed charges with the local police department and they told me they weren't able to do anything due to lack of evidence. I always thought the son we had together was evidence enough. Is there anything I can do or am I fighting a losing battle? Thank you.

You are how old now?

Having sex with a minor older than 14 but less than 16 is a third degree felony in Oregon (because the perp was too old for the close in age exception to apply under 163.355). Under 131.125, the statute of limitations is EITHER 6 years from the commission of the crime, OR anytime before the victim reaches 30, OR within 12 years after it is reported to law enforcement, whichever comes first.

Now with that said, just because prosecution is POSSIBLE does not mean the state is obligated TO prosecute. Almost ZERO prosecutors will try cases of statutory rape where the victim later marries and cohabitates with the accused. Juries have an incredible tendency to find "not guilty", and prosecutors don't take on cases just for the sake of taking them - they take on cases where they can win a conviction, and juries look at cases where you marry and live with the guy for YEARS before taking action to be cases of revenge rather than cases of victimization - even though the victimization is legitimate.

If police took a report and declined to send the case to the prosecutor, you can always ask the prosecutor's office to look at the case themselves. Realistically, most won't take such as case, as outlined above. But you've nothing to loose by asking.

Mr. Knowitall, I am 21 now.

aardvarc, Thank you for the info. Its a little discouraging because I am not after revenge. The guy who kept me for so long at one time was my guardian and I looked at him as a father and he looked at me as a daughter. Well, he has a daughter, from another relationship, who is getting to the age I was when he took advantage of me and I just want to make sure she is protected. I will take your suggestion and ask the prosecutor's office. Where would I find their information for my area?

This man was your legal guardian and you married him during that period?

He was my legal guardian until I was 15 but I chose to stay after guardianship went back to my mom because I thought I was in love...

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I will take your suggestion and ask the prosecutor's office. Where would I find their information for my area?

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Search on "county prosecutor" "X county, Oregon".

Please get yourself into counseling, love.

What he did was pretty despicable. Please, do get some counseling. I hope they will be able to successfully prosecute him, but if it doesn't happen don't let that get in your way moving forward.