The act of adults exploiting their position of trust to sexually molest children is utterly despicable. It might take years, even decades, for survivors of child sexual abuse to fully comprehend and accept their past experiences. The flood of negative emotions, including anger, guilt, embarrassment, and shame, continues to affect victims throughout their lives, often causing hesitation in speaking the truth.
If you or someone close to you experienced such abuse as a minor, don’t hesitate to reach out. Let the dedicated child sexual abuse lawyers at Libra Law Firm aid you on the path to justice. Contact us today at (404) 800-4009.
The Frequency of Child Sexual Abuse in Atlanta, Georgia
Unfortunately, child sexual abuse happens far more often than we wish to realize. Sobering data from Child Protect, an organization committed to aiding child abuse victims, confirms this:
- By the age of 18, one out of five boys and one out of three girls will suffer sexual abuse.
- Only a third of incidents of child abuse and neglect are actually reported and exposed.
- Millions of child abuse cases are reported across the United States each year.
Atlanta, Georgia is not exempt from this problem. The metro area sees thousands of reported child abuse cases annually, affecting families throughout Fulton, DeKalb, Cobb, and surrounding counties.
The Consequences of Childhood Sexual Abuse
The distressing repercussions of childhood sexual abuse can affect survivors well into adulthood. Such traumatic experiences may cause physical harm and often result in changes in brain structure as well. Enduring psychological or emotional outcomes could include:
- Major depression
- Anxiety disorders
- PTSD (Post-traumatic stress disorder)
- Psychosis
- Drug addiction
- Dissociative disorders.
Despite the trauma caused by child sexual abuse, there’s hope. With therapeutic interventions and nurturing environments, survivors can heal and become resilient individuals capable of living hopeful and fulfilling lives.
Understanding the Reality of Childhood Sexual Abuse in Atlanta
We are slowly gaining a clearer understanding of the common profile of a child molester. Childhood sexual abuse is predatory, but the predators are often much closer to us than we might imagine.
In our communities, individuals with easy access to children frequently target the most vulnerable. Alarmingly, up to 93 percent of molesters know their victims. These predators can be:
- Religious leaders
- Teachers
- Neighbors
- Foster parents
- Daycare workers
- Coaches
- Scout leaders
- Police officers
- Health care providers
- Family members
- Other youth workers.
Molestation is more than physical harm—it’s the betrayal of a child’s trust. Molesters employ manipulation and intimidation to silence victims, causing many survivors to feel they share blame for the abuse.
If you or your child has suffered sexual abuse in Atlanta or the surrounding area, seek counsel from an experienced child sex abuse lawyer. You may have the right to hold the abuser accountable. At Libra Law Firm, we have years of compassionate experience ensuring survivors can bring abusers to justice and gain closure.
Child Sexual Abuse and the Responsibility of Institutions in Georgia
Sexual molestation of minors is a sensitive topic many organizations prefer to ignore or conceal to protect their reputation. This has been seen in local churches, schools, sports organizations, and youth groups in Georgia.
Fortunately, these institutions can be held legally responsible for negligence in cases of abuse. Libra Law Firm works diligently to represent victims and their families, ensuring they receive proper legal remedies.
Empower Your Child and Protect Potential Victims in Atlanta
Discovering your child was sexually abused in a setting such as school, camp, or church is devastating. Alongside feelings of shock and anger, you may feel helpless in aiding your child’s recovery.
A critical step is to confront the abuser and the organization responsible for enabling the abuse. Filing a civil lawsuit related to sexual abuse can help achieve this. An experienced childhood sexual abuse attorney in Atlanta can guide you through this significant process.
The Role of a Lawsuit in Child Molestation Cases in Georgia
Child molestation is criminal, with offenders facing charges, fines, offender registration, and imprisonment. However, these criminal penalties focus on punishment and offer limited support to victims’ recovery.
Victims or their families can pursue civil lawsuits to seek financial reparations for pain and suffering caused by the molestation. Compensation can cover:
- Medical expenses related to the abuse
- Counseling and therapy costs
- Emotional trauma
- Pain and suffering.
Even if no criminal conviction occurs or the state declines prosecution, survivors can seek justice through civil cases, which require a lower burden of proof.
Filing a Lawsuit Against a Sexual Predator in Atlanta
As a parent of a sexually abused child, facing confusion, anger, and fear is natural. Taking legal action can empower you by:
- Exposing the abuser and holding them accountable
- Protecting future victims by raising awareness
- Forcing employers and organizations to be responsible and improve their screening and safety policies
- Pursuing justice against organizations that failed to report abuse
- Sending a message that harming or concealing abuse against children is unacceptable and punishable under the law.
Libra Law Firm Can Help – Child Sexual Abuse Survivor Attorney in Atlanta
Survivors and their families may suffer greatly due to both the abusers and institutions that tolerate abuse. But legal paths exist to hold these parties accountable.
At Libra Law Firm, our compassionate legal team helps survivors confront offenders and enabling organizations. You deserve control over your story and the right to be heard.
Taking legal action may not erase the pain, but it can change the course of your life. Your courage to seek justice can also help prevent future abuse in your community.
Contact a Skilled Child Sexual Abuse Victim Lawyer in Atlanta, Georgia
To learn more about how we can support you and your child, contact Libra Law Firm’s experienced child sexual abuse attorneys at (404) 800-4009. We offer free, confidential consultations to discuss your legal options, protect your privacy, and help you on the path to recovery.
