Q: Sexual assault as minor: reporting & legal steps in Florida?

A: Based on your personal account and the phone message he left, it appears you may have direct evidence of sexual assault. If that’s the case, he could face criminal charges, and you may also have grounds to pursue a civil claim for sexual battery and molestation.

While insurance coverage may not apply in this type of case, you could still seek recovery from his personal assets, if available. Some attorneys—including myself—handle these cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we win.

A: You can still report the assault to law enforcement in Florida, even though some time has passed. Since you were 17 when it happened, the law recognizes that you were a minor at the time, and your explanation of threats preventing you from reporting earlier can be important context. The voice recording, even if it is in another language, can be translated and used to show intimidation and emotional abuse, which supports your case.

Your first step should be to contact the police or a victim services center and provide them with every detail you have. Turning over the recording, along with your account of what happened, will allow investigators to start building a case. If you feel unsafe, you can also request a restraining order to keep him from contacting or threatening you and your family. His involvement in the mortgage does not give him the right to continue living in your home or using it to control you, and the court can issue protections that address both safety and living arrangements.

In addition to a criminal investigation, you may also have the option to file a civil lawsuit for damages. Evidence like your recording and testimony from anyone aware of his threats can strengthen your claim. Taking action now can help separate him from your family’s life while also giving you a path to hold him accountable in both criminal and civil court.