Legal Question in Criminal Law in Ohio

Can I be sued for libel or slander for bringing up past abuse?

I recently told 2 of my family members of sexual abuse that accured towards me from my older brother 25 years ago, I was 4 at the time. He is now claiming that he is going to take me to court for slander.

Does he have a case if I only told my 2 members of my immediate family? If he does have case how can I prove it happend to me?


Asked on 12/05/01, 8:46 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Philip Owens Philip M. Owens, Attorney at Law

Re: Can I be sued for libel or slander for bringing up past abuse?

Technically, you can be sued for slander. The reality is that your brother will not want to lay out the money to do so. For an attorney dealing with "normal folks" slander is difficult especially when it is expressed intra-family. If you wish to push the criminal charges, see the local prosecutor or go to the police.

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Answered on 12/05/01, 4:36 pm


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