I went to see a 28 year old man where he worked when I was 14. He provided pot and wine and took my virginity.

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I want closure to this once and for all. His current wife claims he is coup able, but says I was in the wrong be cause I went to see him and at the time said my mom "wouldn't have had a leg to stand on for a statutory rape. This happened in April 1977. The local police convinced my Mom not to file a rape claim against him because we lived in a small town. I am sure the statue of limitations has expired, but I am curious if I can file any civil suit? Was he breaking the law? I know live in OK. This occurred in MO.

3 Attorney Answers

Best Answer
It is unlikely you can take action this long after the acts took place in 1977, but your inquiry needs to be directed to someone versed in Missouri law, where the acts took place.
Best Answer
According to the website of the National Council of State Legislatures, the civil child sexual abuse statute of limitations for MO requires you to have brought your suit within 5 years of having turned 18 or within 3 years of learning that you had been physically or emotionally injured by the man's actions.
Whether it was a crime in MO in 1977 depends on what the age of consent for sex was in MO back then. The statute that I found by Googling went into effect in 1995. It says:
566.034. 1. A person commits the crime of statutory rape in the second degree if being twenty-one years of age or older, he has sexual intercourse with another person who is less than seventeen years of age.
2. Statutory rape in the second degree is a class C felony.
(L. 1994 S.B. 693) Effective 1-1-95 As of August 28, 2001.
Source: http://www.moga.state.mo.us/statutes/C500-599/5660034.HTM
It probably the case that before 1995 there was no differentiation regarding the age of the adult in the relationship. But that doesn't answer the question of what the age of consent was then - 14 for everyone, 17 for everyone or something else.
Best Answer
He was breaking the law. It is likely that any potential cause of action has long passed but I am not a Missouri lawyer. You need to get counseling yourself to help you put this behind you.

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