What is the Statue of Limitations on Sexual Abuse

My question involves criminal law for the state of: Washington
What is the statue of limitations for sexual abuse?

I was sexually abused by my older brother from a very early age until I was about 16. I am 23 years old now. I once reported him to my school counselor when I was in 5th grade, which led to police being involved. My mother was contacted by the police and was very angry that I reported "such a lie" and told me that my lie was going to break up the family. At that age I was terrified of losing whatever family I did have, so I did as she asked and when I was again questioned about the abuse by the police, I took back my statement. The abuse continued for years- almost daily... I was not the only victim- I know for a fact that he also abused my older female cousin, one of my best girl friends, a neighbor girl, and one of my friends that was a boy.

As years went by, I continued to tell my parents about the abuse, but they never believed me, since my brother would lie and say it never happened. My other brother knew of the abuse but was too afraid to say anything himself and anytime he was confronted he would be silent. The brother who abused me also got in trouble for looking at child pornography on the internet, but blamed my other brother and got off the hook with my parents. How could my parents have not seen the multiple red flags?

Being the age I am now, 23, and have had to go through counseling to find that the root of my anguish has been living in silence for years and years. I have quit being silent about the matter and will not let him abuse anyone else, since I know he lives right accross the street from a childrens park and is around his girlfriend's little neices and nephews all the time, I would not want anything to happen to them.

What is the statue of limitations on reporting sexual abuse in the state of Washington??? It's been almost 7 years since he last abused me (since I started fighting back) I know he is not a changed person. What can I do????

For a criminal case, the condensed answer is "it depends" - there are many possibilities depending on the EXACT acts that took place, and the degrees of each count charged. It's possible that some could be felonies - and if so, the window remains open. No need for you to worry about that part of it - it'll be up to the prosecutor to determine which formal charges to bring; your part is to report what happened. Contact an advocate for support and get their assistance in filing your police report.

For a civil case, the SOL for child sexual abuse cases doesn't start running until the victim reaches 18, and you have 3 years after turning 18 to bring a civil case (there are some exceptions, but I don't believe they will apply in your case). For a second opinion on any possible civil case for damages, I highly recommend attorney Jo-Hanna Read, based in Seattle, at (206) 441-1980, who specializes in these types of cases.