Statute of Limitations on Childhood Sexual Abuse
My question involves criminal law for the state of: California
I had a question concerning the state laws of sexual assault in the state of California, and if there is a time limitation, or if I can take any action at all really. During my childhood (from 7-13) My uncle abused me. He never forced actual intercourse but he did force many sexual acts. I'm almost 21 now, and I've been a pretty emotionally closed person, which I blame on the abuse, but I just recently moved back to the town in which this was happening, causing me to have a sort of mental break and break down emotionally. I decided I wanted to press charges but i heard it would be near impossible to get anykind of conviction since it did happen quite a while ago. I dont have physical evidence but I do have few witnesses. I told his wife (my aunt whom i was living with at the time) and she explained that she needed his money to keep her kids off the street. Later that day he told me if i told he'd kill himself causing my aunt to be homeless and abandoned. He would also blackmail me into willingly going with him places by threatening my cousins whom he beat often. If i was there he wouldnt beat them. Being young i believed all of this. The abuse stopped when i was 13 when i attempted to kill myself. There are few medical reports, and ive spoken to few doctors about the early on abuse but again was told the limitation was probably already passed. Is there anyone out there with some advice or answers for me? Thanks in advance.~~~AMP
Re: Statute of Limitations on Childhood Sexual Abuse
I wanted to thank you all for your help. I'm currently talking to the police and I give an official statement later next week. The only problem im seeing is they're going to have me call him and try to get him to confess but I don't know if I can do it. Because of the age I was and the nature of the act I really tried to block it out so I can't remember a majority of the things done or specific dates. Not sure im ready for him to admit to things I don't want to remember.
Re: Statute of Limitations on Childhood Sexual Abuse
It's called a pretext call and they will help walk you through some of the things they will need you to get from him.
This is a very common way to help build a case ... though, it has some risks. But, I'll not bore you with the problems that could result, just encourage you to do the best you can.
- Carl