Joseph Duggar’s alleged victim refuses to live in fear and is keeping a brave face amid the attention surrounding the case.
“It took a lot for her to come forward, but she is not scared,” a source exclusively shared with Us Weekly. “She is strong. She doesn’t want to hide.”
Last month, Us confirmed that Duggar, 31, was arrested in Arkansas amid accusations of sexual abuse from a girl, now 14, who was 9 years old at the time of the alleged incident.
Duggar was charged with lewd and lascivious behavior involving molestation of a victim less than 12 years old and lewd and lascivious behavior conducted by a person 18 years or older, according to a press release from the Bay County Sheriff’s Office.
The former 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 close to the family of Joseph’s wife, Kendra Duggar.
“[Kendra’s parents] Christina and Paul Caldwell are not hiding the fact that Joseph’s victim is [close to the Caldwell family],” the insider shared. “Christina has told other members of their church, but she is not sure she wants to talk about it so publicly. That is what she is struggling with, but she is not hiding it.”
As for why the alleged victim waited to come forward and report the crime, the source said that she may have taken time to process what transpired.
“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 tell her family. Just like 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 is serving as one of Joseph’s lawyers, told Us in a statement, “Mr. Duggar maintains the same presumption of innocence as any individual as guaranteed under our United States Constitution. It remains our number one goal to ensure Mr. Duggar is treated fairly, notwithstanding his celebrity status.”
As the investigation continues, both Kendra, 27, and Joseph’s parents have spoken out about the case that has made nationwide headlines.
Less 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 entire situation,” a spokesperson for the Duggar family told Us in a statement. “Right now, they are focused on loving their family and helping Kendra and her children during this difficult time. They are praying for the victim. They ask for privacy and appreciate the kind words and prayers offered by so many.”
On April 15, Kendra’s family spoke out for the first time on social media and said they were “ troubled and heartbroken over the alleged actions committed by our son-in-law.”
“We are devastated for the young girl, a child who was courageous in every way to share her truth. We stand by her, both in support and prayer, and forever will,” the statement read via Instagram. “Our love for this child remains at the forefront of our family’s priorities and minds. We are proud of her for being strong enough to share her story while also retaining her own identity and joy.”
If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673). If you or someone you know is experiencing child abuse, call or text Child Help Hotline at 1-800-422-4453.
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