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Is reporting child abuse to the wife of the abuser a good idea?

Many years ago, when I was a teenager, an adult friend touched me inappropriately several times. I finally found the courage and told him to stop and he did. We sort of pretended that it had never occurred. Nevertheless, he now has children on his own and I am worried. I want to inform his wife about those actions that occurred in the past. I don't want to involve authorities. I would consider him still a friend. But what he did may have been just the beginning of a career as a pedophile. Someone needs to know. If I write a letter to the wife, is this libel? Are there better ways?

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Attorney answers (1)

Reputation Level 6
The wife often does not believe reports of abuse, even by her own children, or does not stop the abuse because she is financially dependent on the man. Only by reporting to law enforcement and the child protection social service agency, then cooperating and possibly testifying in court, will you have done what you can to prevent other children from enduring the same or worse abuse. Your local law enforcement agency will have someone who can explain the process and the options in your community.

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