Sexual abuse is not easy to confront legally. Laws exist to protect sexual abuse survivors of all ages and genders, but it’s equally important for a survivor to have a trustworthy legal advocate. A sexual abuse lawyer should help fight for justice while providing the sensitivity needed in this situation.
The consequences of sexual abuse or assault, which include lifetime psychological distress for survivors, extend beyond the criminal justice system. Civil law provides additional recourse for survivors to secure financial remedy.
Whether or not the perpetrator is found guilty in criminal court, a survivor’s civil action may still provide compensation. While no amount of money can undo the traumatic experience, compensation from a civil claim can be helpful for the survivor to live their life fully going forward.
If you or someone close is a sexual abuse victim, contact Libra Law Firm at (404) 800-4009. We’re ready to assist you in obtaining justice and receiving due compensation for the traumatic experience you’ve suffered.
Advocating for Sexual Abuse Survivors in Atlanta
Sexual abuse is a prevalent issue that can impact individuals regardless of their age, gender, or socio-economic background. The Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN) has reported this year that on average, a US resident is subjected to sexual assault every 68 seconds. A child falls victim every nine minutes.
The sexual abuse lawyers at Libra Law Firm bring deep experience to manage even the most challenging litigation. We recognize the damaging impact of sexual abuse on the victim. This understanding motivates us to provide our clients with empathetic and thorough legal support in their civil lawsuits.
We collaborate with medical professionals who can present evidence in court about the medical consequences of a sexual abuse incident. This input helps illustrate the extent of the plaintiff’s damages to the judge and jury.
Sexual abuse survivors deserve a legal ally who’s aggressive when fighting for their rights, but family-like when caring for them. This is the kind of legal service we provide at Libra Law Firm. We invite you to consult confidentially with us. Call (404) 800-4009 today.
Definition of Sexual Abuse
From a legal standpoint, sexual abuse is described as any non-consensual or illicit sexual interaction between two parties. Several actions can be classed as sexual abuse, including forced oral intercourse and inappropriate touching of another individual’s private parts.
Besides physical contact, there are other types of sexually abusive behavior that are challenging to identify, especially when it happens to children. Examples are exposing a child to pornographic material, or photographing a child in sexually suggestive poses.
It’s crucial to acknowledge that non-physical sexual abuse can also inflict significant harm on the victim. Similarly, these cases can also warrant compensation through legal means.
What is Regarded as Sexual Abuse in Georgia?
Sexual abuse is framed by several laws in Georgia. While sexual crimes are prosecuted in a criminal case, a survivor may also pursue a civil case seeking compensation. Examples of sexual abuse under Georgia law include, but are not limited to:
Rape
This is the crime of engaging in sexual intercourse with another individual without their consent. It may include the use of violence or force, exploiting an intoxicated person, targeting an unconscious individual, or targeting a person incapable of providing consent due to mental or physical disability. Spousal rape is also prosecutable under the same circumstances in Georgia.
Sexual Battery
This crime is characterized by an individual touching the intimate parts of another without their consent. It does not require penetration.
Child Molestation
This offense involves sexual acts performed on a child, typically under age 16, and can include sexual battery, rape, or other acts prohibited by law.
Aggravated Sexual Assault
This crime includes sexual acts committed with aggravating factors such as the use of a weapon, causing serious physical injury, or involving a minor.
Sexual abuse victims might feel uncertain about the legal choices open to them. Our compassionate attorneys at Libra Law Firm can examine your case and guide you to the most beneficial line of action. We provide a non-judgmental environment throughout the evaluation and during the entire legal procedure.
Types of Child Sexual Abuse
Sex offenders often target innocent individuals, leaving the victims feeling helpless with no adult assistance to seek justice. Forms of child sexual abuse include:
- Sexual abuse in youth sports
- Abuse in foster care
- Boy Scout abuse
- Sexual abuse by clergy
Have you or a family member suffered sexual abuse as a child? The Georgia child sexual abuse attorneys at Libra Law Firm have a personal commitment to hold child sex offenders accountable. We want to bring to justice both the sexual predators and the people who support them. Please don’t hesitate to contact us for a confidential consultation.
Warning Signs of Possible Sexual Abuse
Various indications may suggest that an individual has been a victim of sexual abuse. These include physical, behavioral, and emotional signs.
Physical Indications:
- Genital area pain or itchiness
- Bruising or bleeding in the genital area
- Diagnosis of sexually transmitted infections
- Disturbed sleep or frequent nightmares
- Loss of appetite
- Regular urinary tract infections
- Clothing that is torn, stained, or bloodied
Behavioral Indications:
- Increased complaints about physical discomfort
- Disturbed sleep patterns
- Anxiety around specific individuals or locations
- Reverting to juvenile behaviors like thumb-sucking or bedwetting
- Inappropriate interest in sexual matters for their age group
- Engaging in sexual activities with toys or peers, including mimicking sexual behavior
- Using new terminology for body parts
- Unwillingness to discuss a certain “secret”
Emotional Indications:
- Reduced self-confidence
- Sudden mood changes
- Unexplained fear of certain people or places
Steps to Follow If You Have Suffered Sexual Abuse
Recovering from sexual abuse, or aiding someone else in their recovery, can be a significant challenge. Please recognize that reaching out for professional help is not a show of weakness—but demonstrates tremendous courage.
Your first task is to guarantee your safety by removing yourself from any potentially dangerous situation. Seek the assistance of a trusted individual and look for medical support, while considering police assistance as well. If you’ve been a victim of recent sexual assault, visiting a hospital is imperative to collect DNA and blood samples for potential evidence.
Overcoming the trauma of sexual abuse cannot be achieved by ignoring it. We understand that it might take time before you can openly discuss your experience. It’s also key to explore possible legal repercussions for the abuser. Whether or not the sexual abuse offender is penalized through the criminal court system, you may still be able to pursue a civil lawsuit against them.
Pursuing Justice: Criminal vs. Civil Cases
Sexual abuse survivors have the option to lodge a claim in either civil court, criminal court, or both, depending on their desired outcome.
In criminal proceedings, the compensation survivors receive is generally less than in civil court because a criminal case is between the state and the accused. Survivors usually have less input and may act only as witnesses. If found guilty, the offender is typically convicted and incarcerated.
In civil courts, survivors file a case against the abuser with a lawyer’s help. The lawyer seeks compensation from the offender and any parties who may have enabled the abuse. The civil case focuses on compensating the survivor, which can be broader than in criminal trials.
Filing a Civil Lawsuit for Compensation
Filing a civil lawsuit can empower sexual abuse survivors to regain control of their future. Civil lawsuits require proof by a preponderance of the evidence, meaning the claim is more likely true than false. Civil suits can succeed even if criminal charges were dismissed or the defendant acquitted.
While no amount of money can erase the harm, successful civil claims can provide resources to rebuild life, including compensation for:
- Medical care expenses after the assault
- Mental health therapy fees
- Lost income
- Potential loss of future earnings
- Pain and suffering
Additionally, survivors’ legally recognized spouses or partners may seek “loss of consortium” damages for the impact on intimacy, companionship, and emotional support.
If you have been subjected to sexual abuse, contact an experienced Georgia sexual abuse lawyer. They can guide you on your rights to sue the perpetrator or any associated parties, including organizations.
Statute of Limitations for Sexual Abuse Claims in Georgia
Georgia’s statute of limitations for sexual abuse claims depends on the nature of the abuse. Recent changes allow extended deadlines in many child sexual abuse cases, with certain claims allowed years after the victim reaches adulthood.
It’s critical to consult a local sexual abuse attorney promptly to avoid missing filing deadlines that could prevent recovery.
Schedule a Consultation With Us
If you’re considering filing a sexual abuse lawsuit, our dedicated attorneys at Libra Law Firm in Atlanta are ready to bring your abuser to justice for the suffering they’ve caused you. We know legal victory cannot change the past but can help provide closure and the financial support you need to move forward.
Contact our Georgia sex abuse attorneys at (404) 800-4009 when you’re ready to arrange a confidential consultation. Your path toward justice starts here.
