Sexual abuse is a crime that should not go unpunished. Therefore, it is essential to acquire the help of an experienced sexual assault attorney to help with your case.
What is Sexual Abuse?
Sexual abuse is more than just rape or other violent crimes. It includes any non-consensual sexual act, molestation, and even sexual harassment in the workplace. The offender uses sexual abuse to control another person. When sexual assault occurs within a marriage or domestic partnership, it falls under the category of domestic abuse.
Sexual abuse is a rampant crime, and 1 in 4 men and 1 in 3 women have reported being the victim of physical, sexual abuse.
Types of Sexual Abuse
Sexual abuse happens in a few different ways. Some common types of sexual abuse include:
Verbal Abuse
Sexual harassment in the workplace is common, but this crime may also happen online, in social situations, and even in the home. For example, when someone uses verbal or written words to convey unwanted sexual content to another, it may constitute verbal sexual abuse. It might include teasing, jokes, explicit sexual language, sexting, unwanted advances, and stalking.
Physical Abuse
Physical sexual abuse includes unwanted contact such as fondling, touching, tickling, kissing, molestation, rape, other non-consensual sex acts, as well as stalking.
Covert Abuse
Covert sexual abuse usually occurs without the victim’s knowledge. Whenever someone follows another person, observes them privately, stalks them on social media, or photographs them, this is covert sexual abuse. The abuser gets sexual satisfaction from spying on another person. Sometimes this escalates to cyber sexual harassment or worse.
Overt Visual Abuse
When someone is forcibly exposed to explicit sexual images and ideology, it may constitute abuse. Examples may include sexting, flashing, improper dress at work or home, exhibitionism, and witnessing sexual acts.
Statistics of Sexual Assault
Sadly, sexual assault and abuse are very common in the U.S. Some shocking sexual abuse statistics include:
- Every 68 seconds, an American is sexually assaulted.
- Every 9 minutes, a child is sexually victimized.
- 60,000 children are sexually assaulted each year.
- 80,600 inmates are sexually assaulted every year.
- Each year, 433,648 Americans (over the age of 12) are sexual assault victims.
- 18,900 military personnel experience unwanted sexual contact annually.
- 1 out of every six women have been victims of rape or attempted rape.
- 3% of men have experienced attempted or completed rape.
- 66% of sexual assault victims are between the ages of 12-17.
- 55% of sexual assaults occur in or near the victim’s home.
- 90% of rape victims are female. 10% were male.
- 8% of sexual assaults occur on school property.
- 48% of sexual assault victims were sleeping or performing another activity while at home when victimized.
Civil vs. Criminal Sexual Abuse Cases
Although sexual abuse is a criminal offense, it can also be prosecuted in civil court. An experienced assault lawyer can help obtain damages for medical treatment related to the assault, psychological trauma, any loss of employment or work time, spousal suffering, counseling, and other reparations related to the case.
In some cases, you may also be able to sue a third party for their involvement in the sexual abuse or their failure to protect you. For example, a boss or company that did not perform a proper background check before hiring a worker who assaulted you. There are many options to consider, and you can discuss your particular case with your attorney.
Even if many years have passed, you may still have the option of proceeding legally against your abuser.
Sexual Assault Resources
Victims should always report sexual assault incidents. RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network) is the country’s nationwide anti-sexual violence resource and where to turn for help. They have been in business for 27 years and have helped 3.7 million sexual abuse survivors. They have a toll-free number you can call from anywhere in the U.S. – 800-656-HOPE (4673). The hotline is available 24/7, and you can instantly speak with a live person.
Sexual assault victims should also hire an attorney experienced in these types of cases.
How a Lawyer Can Help with Your Sexual Abuse Case
Sexual abuse cases are emotionally charged and require compassion and understanding. Your sexual assault lawyer with Baron, Herskowitz, and Cohen will provide you with the utmost confidentiality, privacy, and respect. Whether you need help with a criminal sexual abuse case or a civil lawsuit, we can help with both. We can offer expert knowledge of these types of cases, assistance determining damages, filing legal motions and court paperwork, representing you in court, and providing a buffer for you, as well as assistance pursuing settlements.
If you are the victim or survivor of sexual abuse, we understand how sensitive this matter is to you. Please call us today to discuss your case confidentially in a private setting. We offer free consultations.
