what kind of attorney handles sexual abuse cases

How to respond to and help sexual assault victims?

Aug 13, 2021 · If you are a survivor of child sex abuse, contact an experienced personal injury lawyer about your case can answer your questions and help you decide how to proceed. Sibley Dolman Gipe Accident Injury Lawyers, PA. 800 N Belcher Rd. Clearwater, FL …

How to help a victim of sexual assault?

If you are a victim of unlawful sexual conduct -- including rape, molestation, clergy abuse, and unwanted sexual touching -- you should speak with a sexual abuse lawyer today. Use FindLaw to hire a local sexual abuse lawyer who can help you recover compensation for medical expenses and pain and suffering under a civil claim.

How to support sexual abuse victims?

What Kind Of Lawyer Handles Sexual Assault? District attorneys (and teams of assistant or deputy district attorneys) handle federal criminal cases against abusers. They represent the government, not survivors. State's attorneys handle state criminal cases against offenders. They represent the state, not survivors.

How to avoid being a victim of sexual assault?

The mental and emotional scars left in the wake of sexual abuse can last a lifetime. Our sexual abuse attorneys have extensive experience bringing cases against schools, summer camps, bus companies, colleges, and universities throughout the country. We hold authorities and institutions that enable sexual abuse and assault accountable through civil litigation. Contact us today to …

What Is Sexual Abuse?

Sexual abuse refers to illegal or coerced sexual actions committed against another person. In addition to physical contact, sexual abuse can take many forms, including the commercial sexual exploitation of children. It often occurs in situations when someone in a position of authority takes advantage of a person in their care.

Long-Term Effects of Sexual Abuse

A recent study on the long-term effects of sexual abuse found that there is an association between sexual abuse and subsequent health problems. Victims are at higher risk for anxiety and depression, drug and alcohol abuse, and suicide. Survivors also suffered from poor sleep quality.

Personal Injury Lawsuits Based on Sexual Abuse

Sexual assault survivors often face overwhelming personal and financial burdens. Even if the offender is convicted and punishment is meted out through the criminal law system, a sexual abuse victim can file a civil lawsuit and obtain damages for the harm they suffered against any responsible parties. Sexual abuse is a form of personal injury.

Compensation

The amount and type of compensation that a survivor of sexual abuse receives depend on the facts of the case. However, compensation is generally based on the physical and emotional harm the survivor has suffered and will continue to suffer because of the abuse.

Other Parties May Be Liable for Sexual Assault

In addition to the perpetrator, in some cases, a civil suit can be filed against any organizations, people, or institutions that may have enabled the abuse. Therefore, the survivor may be able to file a lawsuit against a school, church, business, or other entity for negligent supervision or failure to provide proper security.

Filing Civil Lawsuits for Sexual Assault

A sexual assault survivor who wishes to file a civil lawsuit should seek out a personal injury lawyer who is experienced in sexual abuse cases. Filing a civil lawsuit over a sexual assault is complex. It involves meticulously gathering and preserving evidence before trial, courtroom skills, and in most cases, negotiating a settlement.

How to deal with a child who has been sexually abused?

If your family is currently dealing with this type of tragedy, try to keep the following points in mind: 1 Be supportive - First and foremost, it's important to show support for your child. Make sure that they know they've done nothing wrong, and that they're going to be okay. As emotional as you may feel, try not to show anger or panic in front of your child. 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. 2 Make your child feel safe - Make sure your child knows that this abuse was wrong and that it will never happen again. Establish a family safety plan and ensure that your child is no longer left alone with the abuser or without an adult you trust. 3 Call the police - Angry parents may be tempted to confront the alleged abuser personally, but we strongly advise against this. The police are well-trained to handle these situations, so contact them as soon as possible. Though this may be difficult, if the abuse was recent, don't bathe your child or wash their clothes before contacting the police. This could wash away evidence that could be used in court.

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.

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 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 are civil and criminal cases different?

Civil and criminal cases are very different. For one, they have different "burdens of proof." In a criminal case, the state has to prove that the accused committed a crime "beyond a reasonable doubt." This requires a lot of proof, and it's more rigorous than the standard in personal injury trials. In a civil case, survivors have to prove that it's "more likely than not" they were harmed by the defendant. Effectively, this means that civil juries don't need to be as confident of a person's liability as they have to be in a criminal case.

What are the challenges of sexual abuse survivors?

Sexual assault and abuse bring forth a wide and difficult range of emotions, including pain, anger, depression, and, in some cases, even shame.

What does a state attorney do?

They represent the government, not survivors. State's attorneys handle state criminal cases against offenders. They represent the state, not survivors. Personal injury (or "trial") lawyers represent survivors of sexual abuse in the civil court system.

How do you know if you have been sexually abused?

Signs that a child has been sexually abused may include: 1 Abrupt changes in behavior, sometimes affecting the quality of schoolwork. 2 Depression and low self-esteem. A low sense of self-worth. 3 Sexually acting out for their age. Promiscuous behavior, unnatural interest in subjects of a sexual nature.

Why are children victimized?

Age: Acts that involve an adult and a minor are despicable acts; children are victimized simply because they are too young to protect themselves from the assault. Research has found that those who suffer sexual abuse as a child are more likely to develop depression, anxiety, addictions, and personality disorders.

What is sexual abuse?

While the legal definition varies by state and type, it is generally understood that sexual abuse involves unwanted sexual contact. Cases of abuse typically involve inappropriate use of power, and a number of factors can contribute:

Who must be held accountable for sexual abuse?

Sexual abusers must be held accountable; likewise, people in a position of authority, who fail to protect those in their care, must also be held responsible for what happens on their watch.

What to Look for When Searching for a Sexual Abuse Attorney

The law firm’s website is a great starting point. However, many firms create landing pages to try to convince readers they specialize in sexual abuse cases, when in fact it is only one of many different areas they practice. If you are uncertain if the firm really handles sexual abuse cases, do some more digging.

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What a Child Abuse lawyer can do for you

If a child has been the victim of emotional, physical, or sexual abuse, a child abuse lawyer can help you figure out the right child custody, visitation, or guardianship to protect the child. If you are accused of child abuse, a child abuse lawyer can also determine the best strategy to defend against the charges or clear your name.

Why hire a Child abuse attorney

A child abuse lawyer understands issues related to child abuse and neglect, and child physical or emotional abuse claims can arise in a variety of contexts and motives. Sometimes the young victim tells a relative, who then files a lawsuit; at other times, a government agency such as Child Protective Services may press charges.

Did you know?

About 30% of abused and neglected children will later abuse their own children, therefore continuing the cycle of abuse.

What Is Sexual Abuse?

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Long-Term Effects of Sexual Abuse

Personal Injury Lawsuits Based on Sexual Abuse

Compensation

Other Parties May Be Liable For Sexual Assault

Filing Civil Lawsuits For Sexual Assault