Los Angeles Sexual Abuse Attorney
Page Contents:
Sexual Assault: What to Know
The Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network, a non-profit focused on anti-sexual-violence efforts, defines sexual
assault as:
- Unwanted touching of a sexual nature
- Forcing someone to perform sexual acts
- Attempted rape
- Rape, or forcible penetration of the body
After a sexual assault occurs, the survivor may be unsure
about what to do next. They often also worry about how they can heal from
their injuries, which may be both physical and emotional. Recovering from sexual
abuse varies from each individual’s circumstances and could take
weeks, months, or even years.
In addition to criminal charges, survivors of sexual assault can sue the perpetrator in civil court for damages. While criminal charges can result in severe legal fines and
jail time for someone who commits sexual assault, civil charges are
a
way
for survivors of sexual assault to potentially hold their attacker responsible
for the medical costs associated
with their own personal healing.
These costs could include hospital or doctors’ visits, as
well as counseling
or therapy.
Who an individual can bring a civil lawsuit against is dependent upon the
facts of each case. In some instances, a plaintiff can sue more
than one party for the assault. For example, if a sexual assault
occurred
at a college, a plaintiff may sue the university administration or
a department head for allowing the assault to happen under their watch.
If you or someone you know has been sexually abused, it is often
wise to seek guidance from a personal injury lawyer as well
as a
criminal attorney. A sexual assault civil claim might
be tough to
prove because of the evidence that is required and
the
different parties
that may be involved. Even so, know that a dedicated injury
lawyer
will fight diligently
to hold the party at fault liable for actions.
You are not alone. Schedule a free and confidential consultation to discuss your
rights and legal options with our Los Angeles sexual abuse lawyer by calling
(626) 323-8351 or contacting us online.
Consequences for Sexual Battery in California
Examples of sexual abuse that are specifically made illegal under California state
law include rape, molestation, and unwanted touching. Specifically, California
Penal
Code §243.4 states that a misdemeanor sexual battery conviction carries
up to six
months in jail and up to a $2,000 fine, or $3,000 if the abuser was
the employer
of the person assaulted). A felony sexual battery conviction can
result in imprisonment
for up to one year and a fine up to $10,000.
However, a criminal judgment against an abuser does not preclude their victim from
filing a civil lawsuit as well. A California sexual abuse lawyer can help an individual
seek compensation for any and all losses and injuries—both physical and psychological
in nature—they suffer. In certain cases, punitive damages may be available as well.
Types of Sexual Abuse
Any type or amount of unwanted sexual attention, contact, or activity can qualify
as sexual abuse. Specifically, sexual abuse can include any of the following actions:
- Taking and/or distributing sexual photos or videos without permission
- Making unwanted sexual requests
- Exposing genitals to someone or forcing someone to expose themselves
- Forcing someone to view pornographic videos or photos
- Unwanted oral sex performed on or by someone
- Forcing someone to touch genitalia, or to allow the abuser to touch them
- Forced penetration of or by another non-consenting individual
Some of our society’s most vulnerable members are forced to experience these behaviors,
including children and teens. They are often made to feel powerless by their abusers or
are taken advantage of by someone in a position of power.
Where Sexual Abuse Often Occurs
Unfortunately, sexual abuse can occur anywhere at any time, and often where victims
least expect it. For example, survivors of sexual assault frequently report abuse
takes place at:
- Medical facilities, including hospitals and nursing homes, by healthcare professionals
like doctors and nurses
- Schools by teachers and administrators
- The workplace by co-workers, who may include managers and supervisors
- Religious institutions by priests, ministers, and other members of the clergy
- Community organizations by nonprofit leaders and coaches
- Colleges, including in sorority and fraternity houses, by other students
- Home in violent domestic relationships
In addition to civil and criminal charges faced by the perpetrator of sexual abuse,
organizations that harbor or assist such abusive acts can be held liable in civil
court as well under certain circumstances. A California sexual abuse lawyer can
explain
more about what options a person may have to pursue compensation from
organizations
that aided or abetted sexual abuse.
Potential Perpetrators
Many times, abusers are individuals traditionally thought of as trustworthy. They
use their positions and reputations to take advantage of the vulnerable. Counselors,
teachers, members of the clergy, and coaches are all trusted members of the community
who have unique relationships with youth. Tragically, they may also be enablers
or
perpetrators of sexual abuse.
When individuals are abused by such individuals, they are sometimes caught between
feelings of loyalty and admiration of the perpetrator. In some cases, abusers
may
threaten the other party, making them feel afraid of sharing their abuse for
fear
of retribution or additional abuse. Those who have survived sexual abuse
deserve
help. A California sexual abuse lawyer can work to ensure the voices of
abused individuals
are heard, and that they receive the justice they deserve.
Warning Signs of Abuse
It is important to keep in mind that the consequences of abuse can manifest in individuals
in different ways. If a case involves a child, then there can be a wide range
of
differences in their behavior or personality. If they were calm and peaceful
in
the
past and their behavior becomes erratic and sexual in nature, this could
be
a warning
sign of abuse. This can be particularly concerning if it is a small
child
who has
never before shown interest or displayed sexual behaviors in the
past. This
is an
indication that there could be some kind of sexual abuse occurring.
If the case involves a teen or adult, the signs can be less clear. People act in
very different ways. They could stop talking about certain subjects, or be evasive
when one brings up a related topic. An individual should not hesitate to reach
out
to a professional California sexual abuse lawyer as soon as they think that
a loved
one has been sexually abused.
How a California Sexual Abuse Attorney Can Help
You have the right to live life to the fullest despite the pain another person may
have caused you. In addition to other kinds of personal injuries suffered as a
result
of negligence or carelessness, this same principle also applies to cases
in which
another person committed an act of sexual abuse against you. A
California sexual abuse lawyer
can help you stand up for your rights and move positively into the future. To
schedule a consultation
and start exploring your legal options, call today.
We take these cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning you owe our firm no legal
fees unless we win. Call (626) 323-8351 or contact us online to schedule your free and confidential case evaluation. Se habla español.
