Joseph Duggar’s alleged victim refuses to live in fear and is keeping a brave face amid the eye surrounding the case.
“It took quite a bit for her to come back forward, but she just isn’t scared,” a source exclusively shared with Us Weekly. “She is robust. She doesn’t need to hide.”
Last month, Us confirmed that Duggar, 31, was arrested in Arkansas amid accusations of sexual abuse from a woman, now 14, who was 9 years old on the time of the alleged incident.
Duggar was charged with lewd and lascivious behavior involving molestation of a victim lower than 12 years old and lewd and lascivious behavior conducted by an individual 18 years or older, in keeping with a press release from the Bay County Sheriff’s Office.
The previous 19 Kids and Counting star has pleaded not guilty to all charges, and his lawyers deny the allegations.
While the identity of the alleged victim has yet to be revealed, a source told Us that the accuser is near the family of Joseph’s wife, Kendra Duggar.
“[Kendra’s parents] Christina and Paul Caldwell will not be hiding the indisputable fact that Joseph’s victim is [close to the Caldwell family],” the insider shared. “Christina has told other members of their church, but she just isn’t sure she desires to discuss it so publicly. That’s what she is scuffling with, but she just isn’t hiding it.”
As for why the alleged victim waited to come back forward and report the crime, the source said that she can have taken time to process what transpired.
Kendra and Joseph Duggar Courtesy of Joseph and Kendra Duggar/Instagram
“When [the alleged sexual assault] happened, Joseph was on vacation with Kendra and her family,” the insider claimed. “No other Duggar [family members] were there. … As years passed, [the alleged victim] understood more and got the courage to inform her family. Identical to the police report says, when she told her family, they acted on it.”
Us has reached out to the Caldwells and attorneys for Kendra and Joseph Duggar for comment.
Al Sauline, who’s serving as one in every of Joseph’s lawyers, told Us in a press release, “Mr. Duggar maintains the identical presumption of innocence as any individual as guaranteed under our United States Structure. It stays our primary goal to make sure Mr. Duggar is treated fairly, notwithstanding his celebrity status.”
Because the investigation continues, each Kendra, 27, and Joseph’s parents have spoken out in regards to the case that has made nationwide headlines.
Lower than two weeks after Joseph was initially arrested, Jim Bob Duggar and Michelle Duggar broke their silence regarding their son’s legal woes.
“Jim Bob and Michelle are heartbroken over this complete situation,” a spokesperson for the Duggar family told Us in a press release. “At once, they’re focused on loving their family and helping Kendra and her children during this difficult time. They’re praying for the victim. They ask for privacy and appreciate the type words and prayers offered by so many.”
On April 15, Kendra’s family spoke out for the primary time on social media and said they were “ troubled and heartbroken over the alleged actions committed by our son-in-law.”
“We’re devastated for the young girl, a toddler who was courageous in every option to share her truth. We stand by her, each in support and prayer, and endlessly will,” the statement read via Instagram. “Our love for this child stays on the forefront of our family’s priorities and minds. We’re happy with her for being strong enough to share her story while also retaining her own identity and joy.”
In case you or someone you recognize has been sexually assaulted, contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673). In case you or someone you recognize is experiencing child abuse, call or text Child Help Hotline at 1-800-422-4453.