What Is Sexual Abuse?

Sexual abuse involves any type of nonconsensual or unwanted sexual acts against another. Coercing, intimidating, pressuring, or forcing someone to do something of a sexual nature that they don’t want to do is considered sexual abuse. Sexual abuse can exist between strangers, coworkers, friends, family members, and spouses.

Several different nonphysical and physical acts constitute sexual abuse, including:

  • Unwanted sexual touching
  • Unwanted violent sexual activity
  • Kissing or hugging without consent
  • Sexual contact with someone unconscious, drugged, or under the influence
  • Sexual contact with a minor or person with mental impairment
  • Rape, statutory rape, or attempted rape
  • Molestation or physical sexual assault

A sexual abuser can target an adult or child. Sexual discrimination and sexual harassment are also considered forms of sexual abuse. If you are a survivor of sexual abuse of any kind, an experienced sexual abuse lawyer at Parker Waicman LLP can meet with you for a free legal consultation to talk about your experience and how they can help you fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.

What Are the Warning Signs Of Sexual Abuse?

An individual who has suffered sexual abuse may not want to come forward or may not have the ability to come forward. Some survivors do not report the abuse due to their lack of understanding of what is considered sexual abuse, or out of fear of retaliation. Others may not report the abuse out of fear that they will not be believed or they are physically unable to do so. The warning signs of sexual abuse differ according to the age of the victim.

Signs of sexual abuse may include:

  • Unexplained injuries
  • Bloody undergarments
  • Bruises
  • Upset stomach
  • Trouble sleeping
  • Loss of appetite
  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • Rage or anger
  • Mood swings
  • Low self-esteem
  • Suicidal feelings or thoughts
  • Withdrawal from favorite activities
  • Outbursts
  • Decreased performance in school
  • Isolation from others
  • Alcohol or drug use
  • Bedwetting
  • Regression
  • Knowledge of sexual subjects

Criminal vs. Civil vs. Sexual Abuse Cases

Sexual abuse is a serious crime that should be prosecuted to the full extent of the law. Many sexual abuse cases go unreported and cannot be prosecuted years after the abuse takes place. This can be very frustrating for the survivor and their family. However, there’s still some recourse for survivors.

While it may be too late to prosecute the crime, survivors can still hold their abusers liable through a lawsuit. A lawsuit allows survivors to seek monetary damage awards for the harm the abuser caused.

Who Can Be Held Liable For Sex Abuse On Long Island?

In addition to your abuser, other parties can be held responsible. This may include the victim’s place of employment, a church, a school, a daycare center, a nursing home, a medical office, or a hospital. These facilities may be held negligent in their duties. For example, if they failed to conduct a background check, created unsafe conditions, or used hiring practices that led to the abuse, they can be held partially responsible for damages.

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If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident or have been injured by another party in some other way, we are here to stand up for your rights. Our personal injury attorneys have been representing injury victims and their families in Long Island and throughout the nation since the early 1980s.

How Can a Long Island Sexual Abuse Attorney Help?

Sexual abuse can be especially damaging to younger victims who may not realize that an adult they trusted is causing them harm. If you recently found out that your child was abused or if you’re an adult who suffered abuse, a Long Island sexual abuse lawyer at Parker Waichman LLP can provide the legal support and guidance you need during this difficult time.

During a free consultation, we can meet with you to discuss your case and your legal options, moving forward. Your sexual abuse attorney will work quickly to determine who is liable. In these types of cases, more parties than the abuser can be held accountable for what happened to you.

Organizations, companies, and people that allowed the abuse to occur, ignored the abuse, or tried to cover it up can be held responsible. At Parker Waichman LLP, our attorneys will conduct an in-depth investigation to uncover the truth and hold all negligent parties accountable. They will also thoroughly document how you have been affected by the abuse and demand the full compensation you deserve. They will also handle all communication and settlement negotiations, shielding you from any contact, while ensuring your privacy remains protected.

If your case proceeds to trial, our trial-tested litigators will fight aggressively for the justice and compensation you deserve.

Contact Us Today

Any form of sexual abuse is a serious crime that can have long-lasting effects on the survivor. A Long Island sexual abuse lawyer at Parker Waichman LLP can file a lawsuit against the abuser and pursue compensation on behalf of you or your child. Our law firm offers free legal consultations to discuss your case. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation to learn more about how we can help.

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