Sexual abuse is a deeply traumatic experience that can have lasting effects on survivors, impacting their mental health, relationships, and overall well-being. At Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, we are dedicated to providing compassionate support for abuse survivors, no matter where they’re located, helping them navigate legal challenges while ensuring their voices are heard.
WE ARE ONLY ACCEPTING SEXUAL ABUSE CASES INVOLVING INSTITUTIONS.
IF YOU HAVE A MATTER INVOLVING A RELATIVE OR ACQUAINTANCE, PLEASE CONTACT YOUR LOCAL BAR ASSOCIATION
Why Choose Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers
At Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, our primary focus is on securing the maximum compensation for those who have experienced the trauma of sexual abuse and assault. Our legal team has a strong track record of achieving significant settlements and verdicts in these challenging cases.
Hotel sexual assault case
Coach grooming and abuse
Cruise ship rape settlement
Negligent security assault
Child sexual abuse lawsuit
Therapist sexual abuse settlement
We take the time to investigate every aspect of your claim, ensuring all of your suffering is accounted for. With extensive experience in handling sexual abuse claims, we will protect your rights while prioritizing your healing.
Understanding Sexual Abuse and Sexual Assault
Sexual assault and sexual abuse refer to unlawful and non-consensual sexual acts that violate an individual’s autonomy. These behaviors encompass a range of behaviors, including unwanted touching, coercion into sexual acts, or any form of exploitation.
A crucial element in both terms is the absence of consent. Consent must be given freely and willingly; any exertion of power or control invalidates it. Whether due to age, authority, vulnerability due to mental health issues, intoxication, or other factors, the presence of power imbalances often plays a significant role in these incidents. Perpetrators may exploit their authority or manipulate survivors to achieve their goals, further exacerbating the feelings of fear and helplessness.
Understanding sexual assault and abuse is vital for victims seeking justice. Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers can help you file a sexual abuse civil claim and hold sexual abusers accountable.
Common Forms of Sexual Abuse
Sexual abuse and asssault can manifest in various forms, each causing profound trauma and distress to the survivor. Common examples of include:
- Physical Touching Without Consent: This includes unwanted touching, groping, or any unwanted sexual contact intended for sexual gratification that occurs without consent.
- Rape: Defined as non-consensual sexual intercourse or penetration achieved through force, coercion, threats, or when the victim is unable to give consent due to intoxication or incapacitation.
- Sexual Coercion: This involves pressure tactics such as manipulation or threats used to compel someone into engaging in sexual activities against their will.
- Exploitation: Situations where individuals are taken advantage of due to imbalances of power are common; this can include emotional manipulation and leveraging authority for sexual favors.
- Grooming: Grooming involves manipulative behaviors by an abuser to establish trust and emotional connection with a potential victim, often gradually lowering their inhibitions with the aim of exploiting them sexually. This process can span days, months, or even years as it subtly desensitizes victims to inappropriate actions and forms a secretive bond that’s difficult for the victim to break.
- Flashing/Indecent Exposure: The act of exposing one’s genitals in public places with the intent of causing shock or humiliation can be considered a form of sexual assault.
Institutions Where Sexual Abuse Is Most Likely to Occur
Sexual abuse can occur in various settings, often where individuals are in positions of vulnerability. At Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, we handle cases involving the following institutions:
- Workplace: Employees may face sexual harassment or assault from colleagues or supervisors, impacting their mental health and job performance.
- Inpatient Treatment Facilities: Vulnerable patients may be subject to sexual abuse by staff or other patients in these settings, compromising their healing process.
- Prisons and Correctional Facilities: Sexual abuse occurs in prisons and correctional facilities, where power imbalances and a closed environment can make inmates particularly vulnerable to being exploited or coerced by staff members or other prisoners.
- Foster Care: Children placed in foster care can be at risk from unsuitable guardians or caretakers, thus becoming victims of child molestation and child sexual abuse.
- Daycare Facilities and Nursing Homes: Caregivers in both daycare and long-term care settings are in positions of trust, making instances of abuse particularly distressing when they occur.
- Educational Institutions: Teachers or staff members may exploit their positions, leading to sexual assault and traumatic consequences for students.
- Religious Institutions: Places of worship should be safe havens, yet reports of child sexual abuse within religious settings reveal disturbing patterns of exploitation.
- Sports Clubs: Young athletes often face the risk of abuse from coaches or fellow participants, which can have lasting impacts on their well-being.
- Military Institutions: Service members may encounter sexual assault or harassment, creating severe emotional and psychological challenges, like post-traumatic stress disorder.
- Hotels and Short-Term Rentals: Guests can be vulnerable to abuse in transient accommodations.
- Shelters: Individuals, especially those who are unhoused, may experience abuse within shelters.
Steps to Take If You Are a Victim
If you find yourself a victim of abuse, the immediate priority should be your safety and well-being. Here are critical steps that sexual assault victims should consider:
- Ensure Your Safety: Assess your surroundings and remove yourself from any harmful situation as quickly as possible. This may involve calling law enforcement and/or finding a safe place to stay.
- Document the Abuse: Keep a detailed record of all incidents, including dates, times, locations, and descriptions of what occurred. Photographic evidence of injuries, messages, or other corroborating materials can be invaluable in supporting your case.
- Seek Legal Help: Contact a qualified attorney who specializes in cases of sexual violence. Sexual abuse lawyers can provide you with guidance on your legal options and what to expect during the process. Be prepared to discuss the details of your experience candidly, which will help your attorney build a strong case on your behalf.
- Utilize Available Resources: Numerous support groups and organizations can offer assistance. For instance, RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network) provides both emotional support and resources for legal advice. [1] Consider reaching out to their National Sexual Assault Hotline for guidance and community support.
Compensation for Sexual Abuse Victims
Sexual abuse survivors may be entitled to various forms of compensation, which can include:
- Medical expenses
- Mental health treatment
- Emotional distress damages
- Lost wages
Monetary compensation is often influenced by several factors, such as the severity of the abuse or sexual assault incident, the impact of being sexually abused on the victim’s life, and the financial losses incurred because of the sexual assault crimes.
Notable Settlements Achieved by Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers
Success stories illustrate the potential outcomes for sexual assault survivors who take legal action. Below are a few of our most notable case results from sexual abuse claims:
An 8-figure confidential settlement was reached for a teenage boy who experienced repeated sex abuse in an inpatient facility with a known history of similar complaints.
In another notable case, four boys who were sexually assaulted by a youth sports coach—who had prior allegations lodged against him—our sexual abuse lawyers secured a settlement of $3.2 million.
A woman who was raped by a hotel worker who improperly accessed her room received $3 million in compensation.
It’s crucial for survivors to consult with experienced sexual assault attorneys to explore their options, which may include a civil lawsuit and/or reporting these cases to law enforcement to pursue criminal charges and criminal prosecution.
Liability in Sexual Abuse Cases
Understanding liability in sexual assault and abuse cases is crucial for innocent victims seeking justice. Liability can be attributed to both individual perpetrators and the organizations that may have enabled or failed to prevent the abuse.
Individual Perpetrators
At the core of sexual assault and abuse cases is the accountability and legal duty of the individual perpetrator. These individuals can be held criminally liable for their actions, facing criminal prosecution and severe criminal penalties, including incarceration. The defendant can also be held liable in civil claims, where the sexual assault victim can be awarded financial compensation because of the harm they’ve experienced.
Institutional Liability
Schools, churches, and youth organizations can sometimes be found responsible under certain legal rules, like vicarious liability. Under this rule, institutions face consequences for their employees’ behavior if it happened while they were working.
Negligence in Prevention
Institutions may be found liable for negligence when they fail to take reasonable steps to prevent adult and child sex abuse. This includes:
- Insufficient Background Checks: Failing to conduct thorough background checks on employees and volunteers can lead to individuals with a history of abuse being in positions of trust and power.
- Poor Supervision: Inadequate monitoring of staff and activities creates opportunities for abuse, particularly in settings where children or vulnerable individuals are present.
- Inadequate Response to Complaints: Institutions that do not take complaints seriously or fail to act upon them contribute to an environment where abuse can flourish unchecked can be held liable.
Legal Grounds for Institutional Liability
Institutions can face liability based on specific legal standards:
- Title IX Regulations: Under Title IX, educational institutions must respond appropriately to reports of inappropriate or illegal sexual conduct. Failure to comply can result in liability for damages.
- Power Dynamics in Religious Communities: In many cases, religious institutions have unique power dynamics that can complicate liability. Victims may feel pressured to remain silent due to fear of spiritual repercussions or disbelief by authority figures.
By understanding these legal principles, victims can better navigate their options and seek justice against both perpetrators and the institutions that may have contributed to their victimization.
How to Prove a Sexual Abuse Case
Establishing liability in a sexual abuse case requires a thorough and methodical approach. The following outlines the steps involved in proving such cases:
Gathering Evidence
One of the fundamental steps in proving a sexual abuse case is gathering substantial evidence. This can include physical evidence such as medical records, photographs of injuries, and any relevant documentation indicating the occurrence of abuse. Additionally, witness testimonies and statements from others who may have relevant information can bolster a case.
Proving Negligence or Intentional Misconduct
To establish liability, it is essential to demonstrate that the perpetrator acted either with negligence or intent when they engaged in sexual misconduct. Legal professionals can help determine the elements of negligence or intentional conduct necessary to build a solid case.
Demonstrating the Link Between the Abuse and the Harm Suffered
A critical aspect of any sexual abuse case is proving the link between the abuse and the damages experienced by the victim. This involves demonstrating how the abuse has resulted in physical injuries, emotional distress, or other psychological harm. Expert testimony from mental health professionals or medical experts may be required to substantiate claims regarding the impact of the abuse on the victim’s life.
The Role of Legal Experts and Investigators
The roles of legal experts and investigators are crucial when building a strong civil case for sexual abuse. Lawyers specializing in personal injury and sexual assault cases offer invaluable guidance on navigating the complexities of civil law. They are responsible for developing legal strategies, representing their clients’ interests in court, and ensuring that evidence is properly presented.
Investigators work alongside these legal professionals to gather comprehensive evidence needed to support the claims made by survivors. This can include collecting physical evidence, interviewing witnesses, obtaining medical records that document injuries and trauma, working with forensic experts, and uncovering any history of past misconduct by the perpetrator.
By following these steps, victims can effectively establish liability in sexual abuse cases, ensuring that justice is pursued with the diligence it deserves.
The Role of a Sexual Abuse Lawyer
As a sexual abuse lawyer, we play a critical role in empowering victims following an incident of abuse. Here’s what you can expect when you reach out to us:
Initial Consultation
We start by providing a confidential and compassionate initial consultation. During this meeting, we listen to the sexual assault victims, assess the details of the case, and explain the legal options available.
Evidence Collection
One of our primary functions is to assist in gathering and preserving crucial evidence. This may include medical records, witness testimonies, and any documentation related to the abuse and sexual contact.
Filing the Claim
When it comes time to file a claim for sexual violence, we guide our clients through every step of the process. This includes completing the necessary paperwork, adhering to legal protocols, and ensuring compliance with the relevant statutes of limitations.
Negotiating Settlements
In many instances, cases may be resolved through out-of-court settlements. We negotiate with the opposing party to secure compensation for our clients. Drawing on our experience and knowledge of relevant laws, we aim to achieve settlements that adequately reflect the harms endured by the victim.