Sexual abuse is never okay at any age or stage of life. In the aftermath of sexual abuse, it is essential to understand that you have legal options. Your perpetrator may face criminal charges that the District Attorney brings against them. They could face fines and jail time depending on what happened. However, as a sexual abuse survivor, you also have the option to pursue compensation from those responsible. Bringing an action in civil court allows you to seek compensation for the sexual abuse you experienced. A Sacramento sexual abuse lawyer from Greenberg Gross is ready to review any evidence, listen to any witnesses, and help you with your case.
Our Sacramento Attorney Will Advocate for You
Victims of sexual abuse are entitled to justice. When you work with our California sexual abuse lawyers, we will fight for your rights and help you hold all at-fault parties accountable. Our team will:- Make you feel as comfortable as we can: It can be difficult for survivors of sexual abuse to discuss the details of their case. We can offer confidential consultations to learn more about the details of your situation.
- Help you keep your identity anonymous: Sometimes, victims of sexual abuse do not feel comfortable making their identity known while they seek justice. Our Sacramento team understands this, and we can help you keep your name private while we work against those responsible for your abuse.
- Provide compassionate support: While we need to understand the details of your case, we won’t push you to talk about any details until you feel ready.
Defining Sexual Abuse
Sexual abuse is a broad term that encompasses many inappropriate acts that are sexual in nature. The World Health Organization (WHO) gives the following definition of sexual abuse: “Actual or threatened physical intrusion of a sexual nature, whether by force or under unequal or coercive conditions.” Sexual abuse can happen in many circumstances: at school, at work, in religious settings, or at home. Anyone can experience sexual abuse, and anyone can be a perpetrator. An intimate partner, a work colleague or boss, a counselor, or a coach could be guilty of sexual abuse. Sexual abuse may involve ongoing, forced sexual actions.Who Is Responsible for Sexual Abuse?
The perpetrator is ultimately responsible for the sexual abuse. However, people surrounding the situation may also be responsible. For example, if a company or group tried to cover up the abuse or failed to disclose the abuse, that group might also bear some blame. Other times, entities may be responsible for failing to maintain safe environments.Getting to Safety After Sexual Abuse in Sacramento
Remember that in cases of sexual abuse, your safety is the priority. If you are able, remove yourself from any immediate danger and contact law enforcement. It is also essential to get appropriate medical treatment after experiencing sexual abuse.Civil vs. Criminal Action in a Sexual Abuse Case
Perpetrators of sexual abuse may face several criminal charges based on the nature of the sexual abuse. For example, they could face criminal charges for rape or sexual battery. The criminal court system works to charge your perpetrator with the appropriate crime based on their actions and the laws in place. However, as a survivor of sexual abuse, you also have the option to pursue compensation after experiencing sexual abuse. The civil court system handles cases where you can recover monetary compensation after an incident of sexual abuse. While this is a type of personal injury case, it can help to work with an attorney that is uniquely qualified to handle sexual abuse cases.Compensation in a Sexual Abuse Case
The exact amount of compensation you can recover in a sexual abuse case varies. Every case is unique. However, once our legal team has had a chance to review what happened in your specific circumstances, we may be able to provide you with an estimate of how much you could recover in compensation. Depending on your situation, you may be able to recover compensation for the following:- Your medical bills related to the sexual abuse, such as emergency medical care, counseling services, and medical follow-up treatment
- The physical, emotional, and mental pain and suffering you experienced because of the sexual abuse
- The income you lost if you were unable to work after experiencing sexual abuse