Legal Question in Family Law in Washington

Child Abuse Statute of Limitations

I have a daughter from a previous relationship. I then married my now ex-husband and recently discovered that my ex-husband physically abused my daughter. The last time was in November 1999. My daughter is now 16. The abuse consisted of pinching her in the thighs and leaving black and blues marks about 30 times and were the size of the palm of your hand, hitting her in the face with a wooden spoon, dragging her by the hair, always blaming her for his problems and screaming at the top of his lungs her almost daily, etc. I left him after his treatment of us intensified. He abused her while I was at work. I had no idea it was so bad. I don�t know how I missed it and feel very guilty. My daughter also had a bed wetting problem until she was 13 which may be related. My daughter told her friends about the abuse over the years but said nothing to me. My ex and I have two small children together and he wants joint custody. I have proof of his abuse. Is there a statue of limitations for child abuse or what should I do?


Asked on 2/26/08, 12:51 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Christopher Steuart IT Forensics, Inc.

Re: Child Abuse Statute of Limitations

This is not a family law issue, it is more likely a criminal law issue. You should contact the local police or sheriff where the events occurred. You may have a limitations problem, but it is not my practice area.

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Answered on 3/05/08, 6:52 pm


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