Jim:

I can only speak as to my feelings and experiences being a rape victim. For me, this would be crossing a line. It would be one thing if this was initiated as a child, but as an adult it's just more victimization. Having family decide to prosecute this, which would be dependent on my testimony, would be stripping me of my privacy and my rights. The only person that has the right to push rape charges forward is me, whether I was a child at the time or not. It would affect me and greatly.

However the fact that he is working with more children is very troubling. I think you are in a rock and a hard place here. If you don't go forward, you know that the chances of more children being hurt is very high. If you do go forward, you could be stirring a hornet's nest you may regret. I feel for ya here.

I would like to point out something. If she has made a sworn statement to the police she can be compelled to testify. What I mean by compelled is held in contempt of court if she doesn't. Unfortunately, this is happening and quite often. (personal experience with this one)... Whomever is prosecuting, I would have a long chat with them and see where they stand on this. If they will compel her to testify, it could be quite the mess. If not, then consider yourselves lucky.

Wish the best for you in this.

bec