This is complicated. Sorry, bear with me please?
My friend's half-sister "Jane" (about 10 or 11) is *possibly* being molested by Jane's step-father. This is speculation based off of Jane's actions and behavior. Jane's older half-sister "Erin" has tried to report this possibility to the authorites, but then the step-father and mother accused ERIN of innapropriate behavior with her own son. Meanwhile, Erin discovered her son (5 years old) and Jane in the bathroom, where Jane was behaving innappropriately (don't know what). So, Erin keeps her son away from the step-father and Jane, and now is gunshy at persuing more legal action against the step-father.
So. What do I do? Anything? Nothing? Is this a "family" thing, where, as a friend only, I don't have any reason or right to get involved?
Thanks for any feed back.
My friend's half-sister "Jane" (about 10 or 11) is *possibly* being molested by Jane's step-father. This is speculation based off of Jane's actions and behavior. Jane's older half-sister "Erin" has tried to report this possibility to the authorites, but then the step-father and mother accused ERIN of innapropriate behavior with her own son. Meanwhile, Erin discovered her son (5 years old) and Jane in the bathroom, where Jane was behaving innappropriately (don't know what). So, Erin keeps her son away from the step-father and Jane, and now is gunshy at persuing more legal action against the step-father.
So. What do I do? Anything? Nothing? Is this a "family" thing, where, as a friend only, I don't have any reason or right to get involved?
Thanks for any feed back.
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Re: Possible Molestation
Mon, July 23, 2007 - 4:57 PMJulie, do you know "Jane", and what is your opinion about what she is like. She may be acting out, or she may be a victim of sexual abuse.
It's hard to sort out facts second hand. Further, you might consider approaching another third party like Jane's teachers or some other person she has contact with that may know her better to form an opinion. If they agree with the possibility, then they are obligated to notify the authorities. I don't think your concern is misplaced, for a pre-teen to be sexually abused is a terrible thing and should be dealt with. Good luck.
