I was a child in elementary school and he was my step-father. I was confused and scared. I wanted to stay and protect my newborn sister. I thought my mother would send me to live with an aunt if I spoke up. I decided to stay quiet.
Almost a decade later I told my mother and confronted him at the age of 17. I also told my father. At this point I realized it was an open secret in my family. My step-father feared I would report him and he fled the state.
My mother stood by him and begged him to return. She arranged to reunite with him, he returned and they decided I was to live with an aunt. I realized I was right all of those years. They moved out of state and I continued my path in college on my own.
I reported him 8 years later. I didn’t know how to “report him” and drove to a local police station. I gave a statement. I waited to hear from a detective. I met with the detective assigned to my case. I gave a video statement detailing each instance of abuse.
The detective prepared a report. The detective believed me. The detective spoke to my mother. A warrant for his arrest was issued. I waited for his arrest. He again fled and this time he fled to another country. He avoided arrest for several years. I waited for his capture.
He was arrested 4 years after I filed charges. He was arrested when I was pregnant. I was due to deliver my first child a few weeks after his arrest. He was indicted.
I waited to meet with the DA. I met with the DA. I waited for a trial setting. I waited after he requested several continuances. I waited while each was granted. Finally, six years after charges were filed, he plead guilty. He served 5 years. He is on the sexual registry.
I waited and fought for justice. My life fell apart several times. I later learned he molested another child before he molested me. It was from a previous marriage and he abused his step-daughter. He was abusing little girls before I was born or when I was just a baby.
I was a child when #WhyIDidntReport but after years of PTSD, Depression, Anxiety, Therapy, a divorce in my mid twenties, finding my voice, understanding and accepting what happened to me I reported. I found justice. I hope he never harms another child.
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