Legal Question in Sexual Harassment in Pennsylvania

Molestation

Well two days before my 17 birthday my ex boyfriend molested me in my sleep. this was four months ago and i still cant sleep at night. i want something legal done about this but i dont know if i really have a case being i waited so long. we broke up about a year ago and there was no sexual contact. how do you think this would hold up in court. oh he is 18. could that be considered child molestation?

Please respond. thank you.


Asked on 1/20/09, 11:25 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys

Roger Traversa Arjont Group (Law Office of Roger Traversa)

Re: Molestation

You asked about a sexual assault.

You need to speak with a rape crisis counselor, immediately. Your school counselor can refer you, or your local womens' shelter can assist you. The counselor can help you determine how you should proceed. Your options are wide open, but you need to determine what is the best means to handle this for you.

If you can't find a rape crisis counselor than any psychologist or psychiatrist you have access to can help. Your school, your health plan, and your community are all resources for these professionals, and you can discuss anything with them in complete confidence.

Civil or criminal actions regarding the alleged assault must be prosecuted within a certain amount of time, known as the statutory period. So you need to act promptly to see if you can even proceed on this matter in criminal or civil proceedings.

The counselor you end up speaking with cannot actually give you legal advice but can help you determine what you actually want to do. And they are prohibited from discussing matters even with your parents except in very rare circumstances (such as if you threaten to harm yourself or someone else).

I truly hope you can get through this matter. As you have found out, there is much you need to deal with, and only a skilled counselor can help you manage. You may also consider joining a group of persons that have been through similar experiences.

Regards,

Roger

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Answered on 1/20/09, 11:49 pm


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