If you believe your child has been a victim of sexual abuse, you may feel overwhelmed, angry, and frightened for their future.
Your child's well-being is of utmost importance, so take immediate action. As a parent experiencing this unparalleled reality, you can support your child while also working toward seeking justice and ensuring their safety.
Understanding and recognizing the signs of child sexual abuse is paramount in protecting your child's well-being. If your intuition or your child's behavior raises concerns, trust your instincts and take the necessary steps to address the situation.
Child sexual abuse refers to any sexual activity or behavior imposed on a child by an adult or another young person. It includes a range of actions such as touching, penetration, exposure to sexual acts, or involving the child in pornography.
If you suspect that your child has experienced sexual abuse, you can take appropriate legal action against the aggressor, who likely worked for an institution or company.
Speak with a compassionate child sex abuse attorney now in a free consultation to learn about your options.
What Does Sexual Abuse Look Like?
Sexual abuse can take many forms; parents must be aware of the various types of abuse and recognize their signs. Meanwhile, sexual abuse can occur without physical contact.
Here are some methods used by sexual abusers for which you can take legal action.
Inappropriate Touching
Any non-consensual touching of a child's body, including their genitals, breasts, or buttocks, is sexual abuse. This act can involve the use of force, manipulation, or coercion.
Sexual Exploitation
Acts such as grooming for prostitution or illicit video production are considered sexual exploitation.
Moreover, suppose an adult uses inappropriate language, makes sexually explicit comments, or engages in non-physical grooming of a child. In that case, it might constitute sexual harassment, exploitation, or abuse, depending on jurisdiction.
Sexual Assault
It includes non-consensual sexual acts, such as rape, forced oral sex, or penetration with an object.
Indecent Visual Media
This classification includes the production, possession, or distribution of explicit images or videos involving minors.
Parents must remember that sexual abuse is a severe crime, and most states classify it as a felony, carrying long prison sentences based on the degree of the abuse. Put simply, if anyone abused your child, contact an attorney.
Typical Signs Someone Abused Your Child
Look for any changes in your child's behavior, emotions, or physical appearance that may indicate abuse.
Here are some typical signs to look out for:
Psychological and Emotional Symptoms
- Unexplained or excessive fear, anxiety, or depression.
- Changes in mood or behavior, such as becoming withdrawn, clingy, or aggressive.
- Nightmares or bedwetting.
- Avoidance of certain people, places, or activities.
- Developmental regression, such as acting younger than their age.
Relationship Problems
- Difficulty trusting others.
- Inappropriate sexual behavior or knowledge for their age.
- Emotional detachment from friends and family.
- Difficulty forming or maintaining healthy relationships.
Physical Signs
- Unexplained injuries, bruises, or marks.
- Pain, itching, or bleeding in the private areas.
- Recurrent urinary tract infections or sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Behavioral Difficulties
- Sudden changes in eating or sleeping patterns.
- A decline in school performance or interest.
- Increased aggression, self-harm, or suicidal thoughts.
- Substance abuse or compulsive behaviors.
- Engaging in risky or adult behaviors.
Remember, these signs may not constitute conclusive evidence of abuse, but they may call for further investigation and support.
If your child shows these signs, you may need to ask them some uncomfortable questions. It might hurt, but this can lead to justice and compensation. Discuss a possible case with a child sex abuse attorney as soon as possible.
What Kind of Lawyer Do I Need for a Childhood Trauma Lawsuit?
If your child has suffered from sexual abuse, obtaining the right legal representation is integral to obtaining compensation. Depending on the specific circumstances of the abuse, different types of lawyers may be involved in your case.
Here are the types of lawyers you may need.
Personal Injury Lawyer
You seek compensation for sex abuse through a civil personal injury claim. You want to meet with and hire a lawyer with experience filing injury claims based on child sex abuse, as there are many specific legal issues involved in these cases compared to, say, car accident claims.
Class Action Lawyer
Sometimes, perpetrators from one institution are tragically responsible for abusing many children.
A class action lawyer can consolidate their claims into a single lawsuit if multiple victims are involved in similar abuse cases. This approach ensures a unified legal strategy and maximizes the chances of success and efficiency.
Who Can I Sue for Sexual Abuse of a Child?
When suing for the sexual abuse of a child, various entities can be held liable, depending on the circumstances.
Of course, individual lawsuits are possible, but a lawsuit against an organization or institution will usually yield better potential for financial compensation, which will help your child's recovery.
- Schools and Educational Institutions. Negligence in preventing sexual abuse by staff or failing to report sexual abuse.
- Religious Organizations. Sexual abuse by clergy or religious authority figures.
- Government Agencies. Any failure to intervene in the sexual abuse case or allowing a known assailant to continue working in the organization will make suing a government agency possible. For instance, neglecting to run background checks on the culprit.
- Sports and Recreational Organizations. Abuse by coaches, staff, or other athletes.
- Hospitals and Mental Health Institutions. Sexual abuse in medical or psychiatric settings.
- Youth Camps and Extracurricular Programs. Lack of safeguarding leads to harm; often, abusers are attracted to such organizations because of their clientele.
It is important to consult an attorney who works in child sexual abuse cases to determine the best course of action and identify the entities that can be held accountable in your specific situation.
Why You Need to Preserve Evidence
Proving that sexual abuse has taken place is a fragile and complicated task that requires the careful attention of a lawyer.
In addition to your child's testimony, preserving and providing additional evidence can significantly increase the chances of obtaining compensation. Details such as medical records, photographs, witness statements, and any related documents can strengthen your case and validate your child's claims.
A skilled child sex abuse attorney will help gauge the extent of your child's suffering and advise on the potential compensation they may recover based on their trauma. They will work to transform this intangible claim into a genuine lawsuit that highlights the impact of the abuse on your child's welfare.
Damages for Child Sexual Abuse
Winning damages for the actions of others is possible in a child sexual abuse case. You may recover three types of damages in such cases.
Economic Damages
These damages aim to compensate for the financial losses incurred due to the abuse and any other financial burdens imposed by the abuse.
- Medical Costs. Expenses such as therapy costs, the need for ongoing treatment, medication, and therapy sessions are integral to this category.
- Lost Income. Parents or guardians who have lost income to help their child may claim these in the settlement. It may also apply to the child in later life, should they suffer trauma.
- Education Costs. Some children may need special schooling or personal tuition for any learning difficulties inflicted by their trauma.
- School Tuition. If the child needs to transfer schools, this might come with a cost.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages compensate for the physical and emotional pain and suffering caused by the abuse.
These damages address the intangible consequences of the abuse and their effect on the child:
- Permanent Psychological Damage. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), trust issues, or relationship troubles in later life may all factor into compensation.
- Loss of Life Enjoyment. Of course, some kids may have difficulty reintegrating into normal life after sexual abuse.
- Emotional Trauma. There are other symptoms of trauma following a sexual abuse encounter, which include self-harm, suicidal thoughts, and behavioral issues.
Punitive Damages
Punitive damages apply in especially malicious, intentional, or reckless cases. Furthermore, punitive damages may arise if an entity covers up or enables the abuse to take place.
How a Sex Abuse Attorney Can Help With Your Child's Suffering
The right attorney can provide invaluable assistance in your child's journey toward healing and justice. They can help build your child's case in many ways, making them an invaluable asset.
Legal Experience
Child sex abuse lawyers know the legal system and the obstacles involved in launching child sexual abuse cases. They will guide you through every step of the legal process, ensuring your child's rights are protected.
Gathering Evidence
Attorneys will diligently gather the necessary evidence to support your child's claims. They will interview witnesses, review documents, and collaborate with experts to build a strong case.
Court Representation
An attorney will represent your child's best interests in court, presenting compelling arguments and advocating for the maximum compensation they deserve. They will challenge any attempts to deny or minimize your child's claims.
Emotional Support
Dealing with the aftermath of sexual abuse can be emotionally challenging. Attorneys experienced in these cases understand the sensitivity involved and can provide empathetic support to you and your child throughout the legal process.
Negotiations and Settlements
Attorneys will negotiate with insurance companies and defendants to secure a fair settlement on your child's behalf. They will use their knowledge and wisdom to ensure that your child's needs are adequately addressed.
Remember, only an attorney has the experience and skills needed to fight for the maximum compensation and justice that your child deserves.
Make the Right Call
Bringing legal action against the perpetrator and the entities responsible for your child's abuse can be a daunting task. However, it can obtain justice and ensure a safer future for your child. Here are some reasons why suing for child sexual abuse is the right call.
Holding the Perpetrator Accountable
By pursuing legal action, you send a clear message that sexual abuse will not be tolerated, and the perpetrators will face the consequences of their actions.
Seeking Justice and Compensation
Legal action can provide a sense of closure and empowerment for your child. It enables them to seek justice for the trauma they have endured and obtain the compensation necessary for their recovery and future well-being.
Preventing Further Abuse
By bringing attention to the issue of child sexual abuse, you help raise awareness and contribute to the prevention of future abuse. Your advocacy and legal action can prompt institutions to strengthen their protection measures and safeguard children.
Reclaiming Your Child's Life
Seeking legal action can help your child reclaim their life after the trauma of sexual abuse. It allows them to heal, receive necessary treatment, and move forward on the path to recovery.
Your child deserves to be happy and free from the pain of their abusive experiences. Hiring the right lawyer can provide the support and guidance needed to navigate the unpleasant legal process and ensure the best possible outcome for your child.
Call A Child Sex Abuse Attorney Today
Contact an attorney today, as most child sex abuse lawyers work on a contingency basis, meaning they only get paid if they win the case. Do not let fears about money hold you back from seeking the justice and compensation your child’s ordeal merits.
No abuser deserves to get away with what they have done to your beloved son or daughter. Therefore, call an attorney today and bring them to account.
You can bring justice to your family and, most importantly, your child. Having the right attorney by your side will bring peace of mind, knowing that they will fight for your child's rights and bring justice against the perpetrator. Call a child sex abuse lawyer today.