Legal Question in Sexual Harassment in California

The longer you wait, the less credibility you have with authorities or the legal system. If you are talking about a recent incident and you are almost 18 now, maybe you can wait until then. But I disagree with your thinking of keeping this from your parents, and so will the others in the 'system'.

You can report it to law enforcement without parent knowledge, but you will have to figure out how to keep them from knowing when you are being interviewed by police, social workers and district attorneys, and when you are required in court. Once it gets to the hands of the DA, she is your 'attorney' and supposedly your friend, talk to her.

You also have grounds for a civil lawsuit against the rapist. The question there becomes, 'is it worth pursuing'. Unless the person or his guardians/parents have sufficient assets and income to actually collect a judgment or settlement from, becomes a cost vs benefit analysis, spending money with 'no hope' of recovering and collecting it is not a wise decision. However, If serious about hiring counsel to help in this, and if this is in SoCal courts, feel free to contact me. I�ll be happy to help fight and get the best outcome possible.