I need Info about reporting a sex crime (best, elementary, school)

[Lin&Mark]

Please consult an attorney or the local authorities. I have been a paralegal for 31 years and would never claim to know all the law. Do not rely on the advice of people who believe they know the law but obviously do not. I am totally sympathetic to your situation and am sorry for what you had to go through. I was molested as a child (around 8) and raped as a young woman (late 20's). You need to take some of the words of people with a grain of salt because that is all it is worth or less. If you need a friend and support, I am here. If a person hasn't been through a situation like this, you just can't possibly understand what it was like at the time and how it affects your life for years. A little compassion by those people (who have such nasty opinions to comtribute) would go a long way.

[nhyrnut]

Originally Posted by Lin&Mark

Please consult an attorney or the local authorities. I have been a paralegal for 31 years and would never claim to know all the law. Do not rely on the advice of people who believe they know the law but obviously do not. I am totally sympathetic to your situation and am sorry for what you had to go through. I was molested as a child (around 8) and raped as a young woman (late 20's). You need to take some of the words of people with a grain of salt because that is all it is worth or less. If you need a friend and support, I am here. If a person hasn't been through a situation like this, you just can't possibly understand what it was like at the time and how it affects your life for years. A little compassion by those people (who have such nasty opinions to comtribute) would go a long way.

Seventeen an Awkward Age, N.H. Juvenile Justice Finds or NH Juvenile Court Diversion Network (http://www.nhcourtdiversion.org/nhj_resources/nhj_jlaw.asp - broken link) or this is a good book on the subject. West-Page Unavailable all these are good references. I don't jump in unless I know, especially when it comes to law. Too many loop holes. I can always back what I say.

[kwiley1221]

Originally Posted by Lin&Mark

If a person hasn't been through a situation like this, you just can't possibly understand what it was like at the time and how it affects your life for years.

Please don't make assumptions about who has or has not gone through this. If you were not intending it to sound like that then I apologize. But you make it sound like people are just blanketly offering up opinions that have no basis in fact or personal experience. Just because posters don't state they were once a victim as well, doesn't mean their opinion is any more or less valid. Yes, please take the comments with a grain of salt and come to your own decisions. You ultimately have to live with it. Just don't make blanket assumtions because people offer an opinion. You may not know their whole story or why they stated the opinion they stated.

[ontheroad]

And also we have to understood the "come from" of the posters. I believe that my good friend in NH is very sensitive just doesn't always come across as a caring person. He's to the point, so to speak!

And thanks, kwiley1221.

[CaseyB]

Why not make a phone call to the prosecutor's office? The statute of limitations may have run out on the crime against you, but you could be an important witness. I'd give it a shot - maybe you'll help put this person away.

[Lin&Mark]

Originally Posted by kwiley1221

Please don't make assumptions about who has or has not gone through this. If you were not intending it to sound like that then I apologize. But you make it sound like people are just blanketly offering up opinions that have no basis in fact or personal experience. Just because posters don't state they were once a victim as well, doesn't mean their opinion is any more or less valid. Yes, please take the comments with a grain of salt and come to your own decisions. You ultimately have to live with it. Just don't make blanket assumtions because people offer an opinion. You may not know their whole story or why they stated the opinion they stated.

You are right. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion. I was referring not to the opinion but the statements about the law. Need to be careful about quoting and interpreting the law unless you are an attorney. I just wanted Kitty to know that I would be a supportive friend. I felt one in particular was being particularly harsh and unkind. My opinion, such as it is.

[Dwatted Wabbit]

Originally Posted by GregW

K-B23 - Present your story to the County Attorney. I am not a lawyer, and as you indicated that there was no reporting of the original incident so I don't see that there are any records to seal. I think you should tell your story.

Exactly. A prosecutor, sex crimes officer at a PD, rape crisis organization, battered womens' shelter, hospital social worker, any of them can give you better answers than some guesses here as to what the statute of limitations is, whether he could be charged, etc.
I am sorry for your terrible experience at the hands of a young psychopath. Unlike wine, they don't get better with age.
God bless.

[kwiley1221]

Originally Posted by Lin&Mark

I felt one in particular was being particularly harsh

I agree. The statements came across as harsh to me as well. There should have been more thought and sensitivity placed on the intention of the comment (my opinion), but that was that person's opinion - right or wrong. I just thought your 'people' reference could have been interpreted several ways and should have been directed at the 'particular person'. I personally wouldn't challenge that person's legal statements, nor would I treat them as 100% accurate either. Personally, I'd take your advice and seek legal council if I had any doubts, which in this case I would (have doubts). But I learned a long time ago that when you ask for people's opinions, don't be disappointed when you don't hear what you want to hear.

[nhyrnut]

Originally Posted by kwiley1221

I agree. The statements came across as harsh to me as well. There should have been more thought and sensitivity placed on the intention of the comment (my opinion), but that was that person's opinion - right or wrong. I just thought your 'people' reference could have been interpreted several ways and should have been directed at the 'particular person'. I personally wouldn't challenge that person's legal statements, nor would I treat them as 100% accurate either. Personally, I'd take your advice and seek legal council if I had any doubts, which in this case I would (have doubts). But I learned a long time ago that when you ask for people's opinions, don't be disappointed when you don't hear what you want to hear.

This person would be foolish not to talk with a lawyer or DA. I never said she don't need a lawyer or should not talk of it. I just said what will happen when this person does. I am sorry if I confused anyone. Not my intent. I do feel bad for what happened, But alas it is to late for anything to come of it. Aside of this person feeling better. Which is a good thing, if she/he does.

[clawson26]

It would be VERY helpful if you reported this to the police. I volunteered at a battered women and children's shelter for several years and sometimes the hardest part was getting the police to really believe that the abuse or molestation HAPPENED especially in a he said she said situation! It wasn't that they didn't care it's just that most police, DA's etc. are so overworked they have to make judgement calls about whether to pursue a suspect or not. They probably couldn't prosecute your case (don't know the law just guessing) but if you tell the police and DA investigating the current victim's complaint, it will help the authorities to believe the current victim and they will be much more apt to aggressively pursue the suspect and the case.

I'm sorry for your suffering but from my experience most people feel better when they shout it from the rooftops whether the abuser goes to jail or not. Just make sure it is physically safe for you to do so.