Ask Me Help Desk - Raped 23 years ago

Raped 23 years ago

I was raped in 1987 at 15 by a 21 yo and now have a 23 yo child from him. I tried to press charges back then but the police department wouldn't do it! The took depositions and decided that he was not at fault. They never arrested him or anything. It happened in Cocoa Beach, FL. I live with this horror every day and every time I pass the place that it happened I have an anxiety attack! How could the police never press charges when there was such a huge age difference? His step father was influential in the school board and I think that this had something to do with it. I've always wanted justice to be served but the thought of the police telling me it was 'my fault' and not persecuting him have always lingered in the back of my head so I never pursued it. I am almost 40 now and can't bear the fact he's gotten away with this for so long. Is there anything I can do at this point? To prove his violent side, he has been arrested several times for domestic violence against his ex wife. Please help.

The Statute of Limitations for Rape in FL is 4 years. So I doubt if there is anything you can do about criminal prosecution.

FL law was changed a few years ago, but you were clearly under the age of consent and he should have been prosecuted. There should have been no issue of you being at fault because you were underage. There should be no issue of the rape not occurring since the child was proof that sex occurred.

Did you, at least, go after him for child support?

I would consult an attorney. A creative attorney might find some grounds for filing a civil suit against him or the police or prosecutor if the law was not followed. But that is a long shot.

Quote:

Originally Posted by islangrl39

Please help.

Hello girl:

I'm sorry the cops did this to you. That's like being raped a SECOND time by THEM. I HATE cops! They wouldn't have let a pot smoker off.

ScottGem is right.. Hopefully, you can find some pit bull kind of lawyer who will expose those corrupt bastards for what they are... Keep looking. You'll find one...

You know - try Barry Scheck at the Innocence Project. They're headquartered in Florida... No, this isn't something they do, but I'll bet they know of a bulldog lawyer in your town.

excon

If you never went after him for child support chances are slim or none that you will be able to get a dime now.

Sorry this happened to you. But where were your parents through all of this? Being 15 and raped and then getting pregnant and they did nothing about it should be criminal on their part.

Even after you consult with an attorney about this chances even the most creative attorney out there can't do much now after all these years.

Just love your son. After all he is half you you know and at least you do know who his father is unlike some children where the mother does not have a clue as to who the father is.

I was raped as an adult. My injuries required medical treatment. He was an Attorney.

The Police did nothing. I did NOT get pregnant.

You are not alone. I'm sorry I can't be more helpful.

I so sorry for what happens,the cops screwed up and so much time past. Now days he probably would have been bought up on statutory rape especially in fl they can be strict and he would be required to resister as a sex offender. Even back then the cops should have charged him with rape and statuary rape,which would have been easy to prove.