Can I sue for 18 years of child support?

My Child's Dad and I split up after he abused my first child in 1991. The DHS said they were unable to locate her dad for the 18 years I raised her. Just before she turned 19 we found him located in the same city that he lived when I first met him. There was no court order because of them not being able to find him. So my question is can I sue for that child support that is due me for the 18 years I raised her?