Child Sexual Abuse And Assault Lawyers
If you believe you were sexually abused as a minor, it’s essential to consult with a lawyer immediately. The sooner you speak out, the better chance you will receive justice.
What Is Considered Child Sexual Abuse?
The legal definition of child sexual abuse varies by state. Generally, it includes any kind of nonconsensual contact between a person under 18 years old and someone at least five years older than them. This could consist of touching, fondling, oral sex, penetration, or digital penetration. It does not include consensual sexual activity between adults.
Perpetrators Of Child Sexual Abuse
The legal system has not yet caught up with the prevalence of this issue. In most states, victims must prove, by a preponderance of evidence, that they were abused before receiving any kind of compensation. This means that the victim must show that it is more likely than not that they were abused.
Seeking Justice For Child Sexual Abuse
The first step in pursuing justice for childhood sexual abuse is understanding what constitutes legal action. There are two main types of lawsuits that survivors of child sexual abuse can follow: civil suits and criminal charges. Civil actions allow victims to seek monetary compensation for physical injuries, psychological damage, and emotional distress. Criminal charges involve filing a police report and pursuing prosecution of the abuser.
Knowing Your Rights As A Survivor
If you were sexually abused as a child, knowing your rights as a survivor is essential. The first step is to contact a lawyer who specializes in this area of law. They will explain your options and advise you on whether you should pursue legal action. Following are the rights as a survivor. These rights include:
- The right to apply for crime victim compensation through your state's Office of Justice program
- The right to appear at criminal justice court proceedings
- The right to actively participate and be heard in criminal justice proceedings
- The right to protection from harassment or intimidation at your trial
Depending on where you live in the U.S., you may have other rights and protections available to you. These can be explained to you by a lawyer who is experienced in litigating sexual abuse cases or a sexual assault advocate.
Damages in Child Sexual Molestation Lawsuits
The amount of money awarded depends on many factors, including the severity of the injury, the number of years since it occurred, and whether the victim was physically harmed. In addition, the court will consider the defendant’s financial resources. If the defendant has insurance coverage, the insurer usually pays first before any award goes to the plaintiff.
Looking For An Indiana Sexual Abuse Lawyer?
If you believe that you were sexually abused by someone else, it is crucial to speak to a lawyer immediately. A skilled attorney will be able to advise you on whether you have grounds to file a civil suit against your abuser. They will also be able to guide you through the process of filing a claim and assist you in obtaining any necessary medical treatment.
Legal Support For Indiana Sex Crime Survivors
The legal system is often slow to respond to cases of childhood sexual abuse, so it’s essential to know where to turn if you want to pursue justice. Many resources help survivors find lawyers willing to take on their cases.
What Is Kind Of Compensation Available In A Lawsuit?
The amount of compensation available will depend on many factors, including whether the victim was physically harmed during the attack if they were sexually assaulted, and what type of insurance coverage the abuser had. If the victim was not physically injured but was still traumatized by the experience, they could receive monetary compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain, suffering, and mental anguish.
Experienced Indianapolis Sexual Abuse Attorneys Fighting For Your Rights
The law does not require victims of childhood sexual abuse to report it to authorities. If you were sexually abused as a minor, you should speak with a lawyer immediately. A qualified attorney will be able to advise you on whether you have grounds to pursue legal action against the person responsible for harming you. You can consider Hoosier Injury Attorneys at Indiana for Sexual Abuse Lawyer services. You can also visit our website
hoosierinjuryattorneys.com for more information or to book a consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How Can I Get Help With My Case?
You can contact an Indiana sex crimes attorney at any time to discuss your situation. Call them directly or use our free online form to submit your question. The attorneys at this firm are dedicated to helping people like yourself get justice.
- Can I File A Civil Suit Against Someone Who Abused Me As A Minor?
Yes! It is possible to sue someone who sexually abused you when you were underage. This includes adults who took advantage of children under 18 years old. However, there are some exceptions to this rule. For example, minors cannot bring claims against parents or guardians unless they were negligent in failing to protect them.
- Is Criminal Prosecution Possible After Being Sexually Assaulted By A Family Member?
Yes. Under federal law, prosecutors must prove that a crime was committed beyond a reasonable doubt. Unfortunately, because childhood sexual abuse is often difficult to prove, most criminal charges are dropped after the statute of limitations expires.
- Do I Have To Report My Allegations To Police Or Child Protective Services?
It depends on the state you live in. Some states require that allegations of child sexual abuse be reported to police while others do not.
Contact Our Child Sex Abuse and Assault Lawyers Today for a Free Case Evaluation!
