My close friends Dh and herself have divorced ,and after this the older teen has said that her father sexually abused her .
The sibling has been interviewed - they are younger and were unable to substantiate witnessing anything .
The young woman in question says that she recalled the abuse suddenly .
Following interview the father says it did not happen and now the police will not be able to prosecute due to lack of evidence .
Our families are friends of many years .
I don't know how to support if I get called upon to , and I will see the dh accused of this also as we live nearby .
. It s innocent until proven guilty - but I must admit I'm unsure about the managing of this .....my natural view would be to always believe the child / young person .
The suggestion it seems from family members is that it may possibly be false memory . She has a history of depression and some anxiety in her disposition .
I am concerned about the persons feelings - that what she believes to be true has not been addressed due to lack of evidence and how this may impact on her - not feeling that she is validated , her experience not proved etc, no conviction etc .
. On one hand there is a distressed young person who fully thinks this happened . On the other a father that says it did not . The dm feels she has no signs that it was happening and indeed some of the examples re time and place do not fit at all - there were no signs of anxiety or distress in her younger or recent years are her thoughts ..... she is not a person who would not face something like this she would certainly put her child first .
I really want to support the situation if I can in any way if I can but feel very unsure of what I could possibly do other than listen . I'm not central to the situation but visit the household often and really care about the family .
Given the the situation I'm unsure what I can do as I do feel out of my depth but feel desperate to help or give comfort if I can .
Im concerned for eg if we talk to the dh the young person will then feel we are condoning a behevoir she believes has happened and I don't want to cause her any further distress for example in any way .
If she does ever speak to me about it I will have to say that I believe her experience .
The young person will be offered counselling via a survivors .
I've never come across a situation like this before and I would appreciate any advice or guidance .
I guess the support she will receive will be really important but I want to be sensitive and supportive if I'm needed in any way .