Legal Guidance on Reporting Childhood Sexual Abuse

**Background:** I am a 24-year-old male seeking legal advice regarding a case of childhood sexual abuse. The abuse was committed by my cousin when I was a child. For a long time, I have struggled with the emotional impact of the abuse, and it continues to affect my mental health and daily life. Over the past year, I have been attending counseling to cope with the trauma, but it has not provided the relief I had hoped for. Despite my efforts, I still experience intense emotional distress. I often feel vulnerable, especially in crowds, where I am hyper-aware of my body and feel the need to check if I’m exposed in any way. When talking to people my age or elders, I feel like a child, which affects my confidence and interactions. I also have frequent, intrusive thoughts of my abuser's face, and I sometimes feel like he is present even when he is not. **Family Concerns:** - My mother is aware of the abuse to some extent, but she continues to maintain a normal relationship with my abuser. She interacts with him casually, which makes me feel betrayed, unsupported, and confused. - This dynamic at home has made it difficult for me to confront the situation or seek support from my family. **Legal Questions:** 1. **Can I still file a case under the POCSO Act** (Protection of Children from Sexual Offences) since I am now 24 years old but the abuse happened when I was a child? 2. **Can I report the case using the POCSO e-Box**? If so, how do I do it, and will my identity remain anonymous if I choose that option? 3. **Will I have to confront my abuser in person** if I file a case, or can I avoid direct interaction with him? 4. **Can I request protection** if I feel unsafe due to my abuser or unsupported by my family? 5. **What role does my family play in the investigation** if they refuse to support me? Will their involvement be necessary for the case to proceed? **My Goals:** - I want to understand my **legal rights as a male survivor of childhood sexual abuse**. - I want to know how I can seek **justice and protection** without being forced to confront my abuser. - I want support in **filing a complaint anonymously** if possible, and I want to know what to expect during the investigation process. - I want to feel safe and protected during this process, especially since my family may not be supportive. --- You can now copy and paste it as needed. Let me know if you'd like any edits or additions.