Commonwealth v. Hynes

The victim, twenty-six years old at the time of trial, was the niece of the defendant. The alleged abuse occurred when the victim was fourteen years of age and in the custody of the defendant. She did not complain to the district attorney’s oEce for nine years.

1. Evidence which implied sexual misconduct. On cross-examination, defense counsel asked the victim why she had waited nine years before *928coming forward and, through questioning, linked her decision to her recent visit to a therapist. On redirect, over an objection, the victim testified that she had come forward, in part, because the…