—–Original Message—–
Sent: Wednesday, September 30, 2009 2:52 PM
To: info@coptalk.info
Subject: I need help
Hi i have a friend who is 15 yrs old and she was raped when she was 11 yrs old, her dads in jail and her mom doesn’t treat her well,, she has been abused mostly all her life and she has no way out. I want to help her by letting her stay at my moms house but since I’m 18 I’m scared of getting in trouble and going to jail just for helping her. I really want to help her but i just don’t want any problems with the police, i would like an honest answer and any additional help that i can get.
Our reply – hopefully it will help:
Tough one to answer. If you let her stay at your house against her moms wishes then her mom could report her as a runaway and the police could come to your house if they suspect she is there. If she is your girlfriend and you are intimate with her then her mom could press charges against you for unlawful sexual intercourse (basically someone over 18 having sexual relations with someone under 18, even if it is consensual between boyfriend and girlfriend). I know it happens a lot between teens but that’s what the law is.
If she gets permission from her mom to stay at your home and it’s OK with your mother, there shouldn’t be a problem. But remember, if you are being intimate with a 15-yr-old and it’s reported, you could end up facing charges. It’s nice you want to help her out but don’t get yourself in trouble if she is also your girlfriend.
