Recognizing the effects of sexual assault and abuse
Sexual abuse is any unwanted sexual activity against another person without consent. Sexual assault or abuse can be one of the most horrifying experiences in a person’s life, and the long-term effects of sexual abuse can vary. Most victims experience some of the following:
- Constant fear
- Depression
- Emotional pain
- Extreme anxiety
- Flashbacks
- Panic attacks
- Physical pain
- Relationship difficulties
Many victims feel humiliation and stay quiet, secretly dealing with their sexual abuse. Doing so prevents you or your loved one from getting the help needed and deserved.
Why do victims wait to report acts of sexual abuse?
Shame or denial often causes victims to wait to report sexual abuse, and many victims even blame themselves. Victims of sexual abuse can quickly find themselves challenging their own reality of what actually happened. They may even minimize or justify the actions of their attacker.
Sexual abuse victims may also fear backlash of reporting the incident, especially from an employer or industry. Whether you or a loved one has been sexually abused or assaulted recently or years ago, remember that you have the right to bring forth information about the incident and it’s not too late to take legal action.
Why you should hire a Los Angeles sexual abuse attorney
Victims of sexual assault have two paths they can take when confronting their attacker: criminal and civil. Criminal sexual abuse cases in California must be brought within six years of the attack unless the attack was rape, in which case there is no statute of limitations.
With civil claims, a victim can file a case within eight years of the age of majority, which is 26 years old in California. Civil sexual abuse claims may also be brought if sexual abuse was discovered within the last three years. California is one of 28 states with this discovery extension to the statute of limitations. Victims may be young children and suppressed the memory or failed to realize they suffered sexual abuse. Once this determination is made, these victims have three years to bring a civil action.
The laws surrounding sexual abuse are complex and evolving, and it is crucial to have a trusted and experienced sexual abuse attorney on your side to navigate the emotional and challenging process. With our help, you may be able to recover the following damages:
- Emotional distress
- Loss of companionship
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Past, present and future medical bills
- Therapy
Committed to obtaining justice for sexual abuse victims
Individuals between the ages of 12 and 34 are at the highest risk for rape and sexual assault. In many cases, teenagers and young adults are victimized by people of authority or people entrusted to care for them such as clergy, doctors, coaches, teachers or school administrators. Many victims feel embarrassed and remain quiet, preventing them from getting necessary help. When organizations fail to safeguard individuals from sexual abuse, they must be held accountable.
Since 1993, the sexual abuse lawyers of McNicholas & McNicholas, LLP have been assisting victims of sexual assault, molestation, sexual violence and rape who may not have the resources or strength to go after the perpetrator and any other parties that should be held liable for their gross negligence, misconduct or intentional harm.
Our results are not just about compensation. We make a strong statement to organizations that fail to protect individuals from these horrible acts. If you or a loved one were the victim of sexual abuse, you deserve justice, support and the best chance at moving forward with your life.
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