There are no words to describe the physical, psychological, and emotional turmoil the survivor of sexual abuse has had to endure. It can be harder for younger children because they’re unable to communicate the specifics of their incident.
Unfortunately, there are many abuse survivors that sit in silence even after the abuse has stopped. This doesn’t stop the trauma from continuing, though. Every victim deserves the chance to be heard and seek justice for the abuse they’ve endured.
Regardless of whether the survivor is a child or an adult, seeking legal counsel can help. You should know your rights and what to do next. At Brown Chiari LLP, we know it can be tough to recover, and we’re here to help. Connect with a Rochester sexual abuse lawyer to learn more about your options.
Different Types of Sexual Abuse
Sexual abuse happens all too often, unfortunately. Pursuing charges against those that harm others is the best way to help stop them from hurting others. This may be tough for the victim to do, but can be worth it and healing for them, as well. But what counts as sexual abuse?
Many people are unclear about where the law stands on consent or whether their situation was serious enough to warrant a sexual abuse claim. If another person engaged in unwanted sexual contact with you, talk to your sex abuse lawyer in Rochester about your options.
Sexual abuse can be comprised of the following among others when preparing a Rochester sexual abuse claim:
Taking sexual pictures or videos of suspects without their knowledge or consent
Displaying sexual images or videos that were taken under a private context
If the claim is made for a child, the above are all things that can constitute sexual abuse, but children are also unable to legally consent. They are not of age to make sound decisions in this context. Thus, any sexual conduct with a child may be considered sexual abuse.
What If I’m Pressing Charges for a Rochester Sexual Abuse Case?
You may have already contacted the police about your suffering, and you may have even succeeded at trial. The abuser may be facing penalties related to the case. But you’re not receiving any compensation for the criminal case.
Criminal and civil cases are different and are handled in different branches of the Rochester court system. Because of this, you need to seek compensation through a civil claim.
Luckily, your lawyer can make this easier. Your attorney can use evidence from the criminal trial to show you’re due compensation. Keep in mind that you don’t have to prove your abuser broke the law to get compensated. You simply need to prove you were harmed by their actions.
Damages for a Rochester Sex Abuse Claim
Sexual abuse can leave survivors scared and emotionally unwell for the rest of their lives. This can also require mental health treatment, medications, and help that requires payment. Recovery from sexual abuse can be expensive, for example. This can include medical bills, therapy sessions, and medication.
In a Rochester sexual abuse claim, many of the damages that are requested are non-economic in nature. Non-economic damages are damages that help cover the costs of emotional and psychological pain and suffering, as well as the lasting emotional trauma that follows.
The victim may be afraid to be around people who resemble the person who abused them, have difficulty starting a romantic or sexual relationship with someone, have social anxiety in public areas, and have night terrors or insomnia. These emotional issues can leave a lasting toll on the victim.
You may even be due punitive damages. These damages aren’t there to compensate for specific losses but are instead meant to deter future actions like this. These damages can be tough to seek, so be sure to speak with a Rochester abuse lawyer for guidance.
Speak With a Sexual Abuse Lawyer in Rochester
Speaking out about the sexual abuse you suffered is difficult, but your attorney can help you receive justice and compensation for your suffering. When seeking help from Brown Chiari LLP, you can expect compassion and understanding in your particular situation.
When you’re ready to take the next step and learn more about your rights, call our office at 716-681-7190 or fill out the contact form below for a free consultation. We can set up a time to speak with you about your situation and what you may want to do next.