Although this is the story of one child, this story is far too often true of many. About 1 in 4 girls and 1 in 6 boys.Its a story most children don't ever tell. Mine wouldn't have either if I hadn't found out by accident.

My world ended when I found out by accident my 7 year old daughter was being repeatedly sexually assaulted by 16 year old young man, the son of her father’s girlfriend with whom she was being left alone with.

Sadly my daughter's world had ended three months prior to me finding out as she was repeatedly forced to engage in sexual acts and was also physically sexually assaulted with this 16 year old male. Unbelievably, she had reportedly told her father of each incident, as it occurred during his visitation time at the girlfriend’s family home, to which she told me and other physicians, clinicians, personnel and the police, she was told by her father to keep it a secret or she would never see him again for visitation. In addition, this young man was horrifyingly graphic in telling her how he was going to kill her if she ever told. 

I had contacted the police, DCPP and whomever else I could think of at 3 AM, which is the time I found out. We went through the system only to find out that it is broken, predators have rights and considering both were technically considered "minors," even though there was close to a 10 year age gap, not much could be done. This other minor, by the way, had a lawyer two days after police intervention and did not have contact with the authorities for the investigation. I was informed he did not require investigation by state services as there were no concerns for his safety, well being, having food, a place to stay, running water and gas. 

Despite the fact that my daughter at age 7 had to undergo a gynecological exam, and had about 3 three medicals, 2 forensics, psychological and clinical exams, all supporting the fact she was sexually assaulted and forced to engage in sexual acts, we were told nothing could be done. For the record, research shows 90% of these cases like my daughters, never gets criminal prosecution.  

My daughter's life is forever changed. She has nightmares and has been involved in extensive therapy since. She is now involved in hypnosis therapy to help her with the traumatizing events of what she was forced to do and what was forcibly done to her. Her childhood was taken and the thief responsible did not receive any consequences.

The resources we expect to protect child do not.

Although there is no contact with her father, there is no law to protect her from contact by her perpetrator.

Since they are both minors, I was told there is no law civilly or restraining/protective order for minors to not have contact with their perpetrators, whom are also minors. If she or they were adults, or this happened in school, HIB laws would take effect.  There is no law stopping her perpetrator from reaching out to my daughter through the phone, social media, or even in person. There is no law to make these predators have mandatory evaluations for information, re-offending purposes and treatment. Usually perpetrators are often victims themselves which makes this a perpetuating silent epidemic. 

Please give our children a voice and support the following bills:

1). Katelyn's Law-A Minors that have been sexually assaulted and/or physically have the right to a civil order of protection against the perpetrator/s which will be recognized and enforced by the police.

2).Katelyn's Law-Minors that sexually or physically assault minors more than four years of age difference  (as listed by NJ police guidelines), are to receive a comprehensive evaluation regarding re-offending potential, their actions and treatment recommendations if necessary. Further, their names are to be placed on a state registry.