How do I bring my abuser to justice

I was abused as a teenager in the 1980s and I now feel strong enough to want the man responsible to be punished for what he has done. However I have no idea where this man lives or even if he is still alive. How do I go about having him prosecuted? I s it just a case of walking into a police station and telling them what happend to me? It all happend over 25 years ago so am I better to just let sleeping dogs lie and leave the past as it is the past? any opinions or guidence on the matter would be greatly appreciated.

First of let me say how brave you are! It is remarkable when a victim overcomes the fear of their abuser.
You're voice does matter. What happened to you does matter. Go to the police station with someone who supports you and cares about you. Tell the police what happened to you and give them every piece of information on him that you can! Name, where and when you last saw him. The police will be able to find him easily with the technology that they have. And after you've gone to the police go somewhere to celebrate! Ice cream! Or dinner! Or even splurge on jewelry! You deserve it for controlling your fears and being so brave!
Also, you should defiantly not let sleeping dogs lie! Even if you have forgiven and learned to let go.. People like that tend to be repeat offenders. Turning him in may stop him from doing the exact same thing to someone else! You could be saving someone from him that he is terrorizing now!
Congratulations, and good luck with your future! :D

The question is evidence. Assuming he can be found, how would you prove it?

Most pedophiles don't limit their behavior to only one child. If you know any others that he associated with back then, talk to them. If you could find others that experienced the same thing, that might be enough evidence to go after him.

Most states in the US have lists of people that have been convicted of sex crimes on the Internet. Those sex offenders lists would be a good place to look for him. If it will help you deal with what happened to you, go for it.