Molested as a Child: Can I Get Justice Years Later?

If you were molested as a child, you can get justice years later. You must not let the perpetrator of your crime go scot-free. You may also be able to seek compensation from your perpetrator.

Child Molestation

Child molestation is a serious criminal offense and a felony in all states. Child molestation is punishable with jail term, hefty fines, counseling and community service. As a child if you were subject to inappropriate touching or physical contact by an adult for sexual gratification, then you are a victim of child molestation. There need not be any penetrative activity.

Statute of limitation

Statute of limitation is determined by state law. Statute of limitation is the time period within which you must file criminal charges or file a civil claim. If you do not file criminal charges or file a civil claim within the statute of limitation, then you loose the right to do so. However the law allows for tolling of the statute of limitation. Tolling suspend the date from which from which the statute of limitation begins to run. The statute of limitation can be tolled due to a legal disability or operation of law. Being a minor is generally considered a legal disability. The US criminal justice system recognizes the power imbalance between victims and perpetrators of child molestation. The victims can easily be intimidated by the perpetrator. The perpetrator is generally in a position to exercise power and control over the victim and can confuse or threaten the victim to remain silent. Often the victim may be too young to realize what has happened or will be unaware of what to do. Most states have an extended statute of limitation for sexual offenses against children. In some states there is no statute of limitation for such offences. In most states the statute of limitation for child molestation will depend on many factors such as the time elapsed from the date of the offence, the date on which the victim attained majority, the date of which the victim came to know about the crime, etc.

Civil Lawsuit for Compensation

In many states, the victim of child molestation can seek compensation from his or her perpetrator for the emotional distress and trauma. In some states, the statute of limitation for filing a civil lawsuit starts from the day on which the victim discovers the crime. In other states the statute of limitation runs from the day the victim attains the age of majority and generally ranges from 2 to 17 years.

Getting Legal Help

If you have been molested a child, consult with an experienced child molestation attorney. Even if many years have passed since the crime, you can still get justice.