I'm trying to get up the nerve to call the police and press charges on the man who molested me 20 years ago. Will any other former victims join me in this to help me get my nerve?

Go go do that! I support you totally! I was psychologically abused and am now half a man because of it. The one thing I would gladly kill someone for is for being bad to some nice kid. And they're all nice. Do it! Don't even doubt for one second. It's the right thing to do!

I see that you already called, I hope everything turned out okay. Even if, he doesnt get arrested because of the statue of limitations, his name is now known by police, his reputation is out there in the public, he cant hide anymore, so in a way you have still accomplished something. They are baby steps, but they get you on the right road to revovery. I am truly sorry that you went through this.

If this is something you feel you need to do, then good for you. Sexual assault effects everyone differently and each victim must determine what is right for them to heal and move forward. Be prepared for the likelihood you won't get the response or action you want. I don't say that to deter you, but know it can be very difficult when a crime so serious and personal is reported and little or nothing can be done. I have gone through something similar (I'm in Canada so laws may be different). I reported a week after my assault and have had a very negative experience. The person who assaulted me is a relative of my neighbours and moved in with them after the assault. After learning I had reported, I was threatened, had my tires slashed 3 seperate times, "RAT" carved into the hood of my car, windows broken in my car, and my house egged. All was reported,but was told there was no evidence linking things and the officers' hands were tied. What made me angry is that despite me living with ongoing threats and vandalism, nothing was moving forward. I would call every day trying to speak to the constable in charge of my case but weeks went by without any communication. I tried to get help in the way of a restraining order or peace bond for the ongoing attacks, but was told nothing could be done until the case moved forward. I reported on April 21/09 and there still has been nothing done.
I have been very tempted to let this drop. Reporting has done nothing but provoked further attacks. I am angry at the system that is making me want to give up. I have worked for years in a battered women's shelter and feel very strongly about women taking back their power and control by speaking out about their assault and pursing justice. I knew that my case would be very hard to prove and my chances of things being found in my favour were slim, but this was not my motivation. I reported to show my attacker and myself that what happened was not right and I was not going to sit back and take it. I felt it important to report to make the statement that I was not going to continue to be a victim and let the actions of a sick, ignorant, hateful person bring me down. I would not let him have that power. I am still going through with charges, regardless of the end result. If this is what you need to do to take back your power and to find your confidence, you have my support. Best of luck.

i hope everything works out because im 16 and i was raped when i was 13 and it was hurt for me to tell anyone but i had to do it even if it was a few months after it happened....it dont matter how long again it was you need to tell someone.....before that guy does it to some other little girl who cant fight for herself....or maybe some little boy.....

Being a survivor myself; first thing that comes to mind is ~ Ask yourself ~What do you really expect to accomplish ?

Have you considered the risk of hearing that there is not enough evidence ? -it happens.

Have you sought counselling by more than one source?

Have you confronted the alleged abuser / is this person still in your life?
Is this abuser in a position to reoffend and are there other victims ?
Are you yourself a victim or are you a survivor ?

Good luck, don't be swayed by counsellors/ social workers with their own personal biased agenda. ( I had one like that- she was an angry person -I a sought new counsellor for therapy. Better off for it.

If that will make you feel
better, definitely do it.
.
I wasn't molested, but I was
abused in different ways,
so do everything You feel
the need to get better.

Get counseling, filing charges is not going to happen, no evidence other then your statement, the prosecutors will not mess with it, understand that, no matter what people tell you here!! Get help, since you can't seem to function now or need someone or something to blame for your failures or problems!!!!

Report it!

Because pedophiles seldom change you might save someone else from similar abuse.

This is a decision that's just for you.

Well there's a 7 year statute of limitations on abuse... You are calling 20 years later so hopefully you are wasting police time for psychological reasons and not actually trying to press charges 13 years after the statute of limitations was up.