attorney who represent victims of spiritual abuse

by Rusty Thiel 9 min read

What do personal injury lawyers do for sexual abuse victims?

Personal injury (or "trial") lawyers represent survivors of sexual abuse in the civil court system. Trial attorneys can file claims on behalf of victims against either abusers or "third parties," like an apartment owner whose negligence allowed an assault to occur or a Church leader who hid allegations of sexual abuse from the authorities.

What can a victims'rights lawyer do for me?

An experienced victims' rights lawyer can offer you, compassionate legal counsel, help guide you through your recovery, and help you to receive compensation for the various damages you're suffering from after a sexual assault. What Will The Police Do If I File A Report?

Why hire a prison abuse lawyer?

The prison abuse lawyers at Robins Kaplan have achieved an unprecedented level of success in representing people who have had their lives affected by unconstitutional police or governmental conduct.

What should a victim of domestic violence do to find a lawyer?

Victims should feel free to consult with several lawyers before selecting one. Lawyers are professionals, and it is good consumer practice to obtain a second opinion in selecting professional legal counsel. Victims should cooperate as fully as possible with their attorneys.

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What does it mean when a client has withdrawn from his or her religious beliefs?

The client has withdrawn suddenly from his or her religious beliefs or community. Any sudden or drastic change in a client’s relationship to religion or spirituality is a red flag, often indicating a need for avoidance or escape. The client rationalizes the behavior of the authority figure.

Why do victims feel overwhelmed?

Victims may feel overwhelmed not only by feelings brought about by the traumatic event but also experience an internal struggle of faith due to the religious role and authority of their abuser. The latter may even lead to a spiritual or existential crisis for our client.

What is the pressure an individual feels to conform to the rules of a religious or spiritual authority or to their faith community?

the pressure an individual feels to conform to the rules of a religious or spiritual authority or to their faith community to the detriment of his or her own well-being , And, of course, in relation to religious or spiritual leaders exerting control over his or her followers, often for personal aims.

What is the client rationalization of authority figures?

The client rationalizes the behavior of the authority figure. In a study on religious leaders who had sexually abused children, one of the common assumptions made by perpetrators was the conviction that stories of their abuse would never be believed.

Is spiritual abuse a DSM?

While spiritual abuse is not a DSM or ICD diagnosis, it conceptually falls within our understanding of coercive and abusive relationships. However, spiritual abuse is unique in that the coercion and abuse derive from the misuse of religious and spiritual frameworks in such a manner that leads to the infliction of psycho-spiritual harm.

Is spiritual abuse a DSM diagnosis?

This has led to misunderstandings about the term and how and when to apply it correctly. While spiritual abuse is not a DSM or ICD diagnosis, it conceptually falls within our understanding of coercive and abusive relationships. However, spiritual abuse is unique in that the coercion and abuse derive from the misuse of religious and spiritual frameworks in such a manner that leads to the infliction of psycho-spiritual harm.

Can spiritual abuse be painful?

Instances of spiritual abuse can be painful for our client and his or her faith community . However, our expertise and training can allow us to not only support our client but also advocate for changes in our own faith community. As Muslim mental health professionals, here are a few ways that we can make a difference:

Have You Been Accused of Emotional Abuse?

If you’ve been accused of emotional abuse, don’t panic. All you need is qualified, legal representation to defend you against the charges brought against you, guide you in the best course of action moving forward, and help you clear your name in a court of law.

Emotional Abuse Attorneys

Don’t risk losing your job, your reputation, or the support of your loved ones. Sometimes emotional abuse cases involve many other factors and the blame is not always placed in the correct place.

Who is the offender in child abuse cases?

In roughly 90% of child sexual abuse cases, the offender is either a family member or acquaintance of the family. Many abusers seek positions of trust and authority to more easily commit their crimes, such as priests or Boy Scout leaders.

What is abuseguardian.com?

AbuseGuardian.com is sponsored by a national network of sexual abuse and assault attorneys, legal professionals devoted to ensuring that the rights of survivors are protected. To find resources specific to your state, click one of the links below:

How Much Will A Child Sexual Abuse Attorney Cost?

That's why our sexual offense attorneys always offer their representation on a contingency-fee-basis: until we win, you don't pay. Learning more about your legal options comes at no charge. Contact our lawyers today and you'll receive a completely confidential consultation for free. We know that we can help you find the power inside you to step forward and fight for justice, coming to a degree of closure with what happened to you. We believe your story, and we believe it should be told.

What are the challenges of sexual abuse?

Sexual assault and abuse bring forth a wide and difficult range of emotions, including pain, anger, depression, and, in some cases, even shame. Reporting an assault to the police, deciding to press charges, testifying in court - these steps toward justice may seem more like ways to reopen wounds than restore some balance to the world.

How does child sexual abuse affect adults?

Child sexual abuse can unquestionably affect victims well into their adult lives, but the right combination of protection, support, and therapy can help them to recover eventually. Make your child feel safe - Make sure your child knows that this abuse was wrong and that it will never happen again.

What do survivors need?

Survivors need an advocate who truly works in their best interests. When the government fails, families who have been devastated by sexual abuse turn to a different form of justice: the civil court system and experienced sex abuse lawyers.

Why do people file lawsuits?

Juries are usually sympathetic to the victims of these heinous crimes, so it's common to see very high compensation amounts for these cases. A lawsuit can also help other victims gain the courage to come forward if they've also suffered abuse from the same attacker or within the same institution. We've seen this in cases like the Bill Cosby scandal, where dozens of other victims came forward after the first claim was made.

Who is Robins Kaplan?

The prison abuse lawyers at Robins Kaplan have achieved an unprecedented level of success in representing people who have had their lives affected by unconstitutional police or governmental conduct.

What are some examples of prison abuse?

When those rights are not upheld, you need someone on your side fighting to protect you. Examples of prison abuse include: Beatings and other physical abuse. Murder. Withholding needed medical attention. Starvation. Torture. Failure to control inmate violence.

Effects of Sexual Assault

Sexual abuse and sexual assaults take a devastating toll on the victim. In most cases the physical injuries and bruising heals but the psychological and emotional effects on the victim can last forever. Depression, PTSD, low self-esteem, drug dependency and even suicide.

What Is Sexual Assault?

There are many types of sexual assault. In most jurisdictions, the definition of sexual assault involves any unwanted sexual contact. While rape is just one form of sexual assault, any unwanted touching or fondling – even through clothes – is illegal and considered sexual assault.

Damages in Sexual Assault Cases

Calculating damages in a sexual assault cases is difficult. Typically the out-of-pocket medical bills (if any) are quite low. Counseling can get expensive, however, particularly if required long-term.

How Much Time Do I Have to Sue for Sexual Assault?

Depending where the assault occurred and how old you were when assaulted, you might have as little as one year or as long as forever to file a civil suit for sexual assault. Generally, in most states you have two or three years if you were an adult and often much longer if you were a minor when the assault occurred.

Representing Victims in Sexual Assault Cases

Google the term “sexual assault lawyer” and it becomes obvious that most lawyers represent the people committing these heinous crimes. Few lawyers represent the victims. Few know how.

Some Sobering Sexual Abuse Statistics

RAINN is the acronym for the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network. It is the largest anti-sexual violence organization in America and an authority on the topic. According to its research, victims of sexual abuse are:

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