Sexual Abuse Lawyers in Philadelphia Caring for Our Client’s Children
Whenever a child is subjected to sexual abuse, it is a terrifying and traumatic experience. They may feel they did something wrong or are to blame. Having a lawyer who understands what you are going through and who will fight for you and your family is crucial. The lawyers at Andreozzi + Foote have years of experience helping children who have been sexually abused and will work hard to get you the justice you deserve. We hold institutes and organizations accountable who may have allowed the abuse to happen.
At Andreozzi + Foote, we understand that these cases can be difficult on many levels. We will take the time to listen to your story and provide you with a compassionate, effective representation. Our lawyers are dedicated to helping children, and their families get the justice they deserve. We use our years of experience in the courtroom to develop strategies for success in civil sexual abuse cases.
What is Sexual Abuse?
Sexual abuse is a serious crime that involves any form of sexual contact or interaction with a minor without their consent. It can include physical touching, inappropriate verbal behavior, and the use of images or videos sexually exploiting the child. Sexual abuse can have devastating effects on children, leading to long-term mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Sexual abuse of children often occurs in institutions parents rely on to safeguard their children, such as schools, churches, and youth organizations. Our team holds these institutions responsible for the trauma inflicted on these innocent victims.
Our firm fights for victims of child sexual abuse to get justice and compensation for the harm they have suffered. We understand that when a client is seeking legal representation in cases involving sexual abuse, trustworthiness and confidentiality are essential. Our lawyers strive to create an environment where clients feel comfortable and secure discussing intimate details with their attorneys while ensuring aggressive advocacy throughout each case.
We have extensive experience handling cases involving child sexual abuse, and we know how difficult it can be to pursue a claim against those who have perpetrated it. Let us help you get justice and start the healing process for your family.
What are Common Signs of Sexual Abuse?
Child sexual abuse is a serious crime and can cause long-lasting psychological damage. It’s essential to be aware of the signs that may indicate a child has experienced or is currently experiencing sexual abuse.
Common signs of sexual abuse in children include:
Behavioral changes – A child may suddenly become withdrawn, aggressive, or have difficulty forming attachments with others.
Mood swings – The child may appear anxious or depressed, show sudden outbursts of anger, and display inappropriate behavior
Sleep disturbances – Children who are victims of sexual abuse often experience nightmares and difficulties falling asleep or staying asleep.
Changes in hygiene and physical appearance – The child may become overly concerned with their hygiene, avoid changing clothes or showering or have changes in weight.
Sexualized behavior – A child who has been victimized may display age-inappropriate sexual knowledge or behavior. They also may demonstrate a desire for excessive physical affection.
Self-harm – Victims of sexual abuse often engage in self-harming behaviors such as cutting, burning, or pulling out their hair
It is important to note that these signs can indicate other issues and do not necessarily mean the child has been sexually abused. If you suspect a child is experiencing sexual abuse, it’s important to reach out to our team to assess your potential case further.
What Evidence is Needed for a Sexual Abuse Case?
In a civil case involving sexual abuse, lawyers representing the victim must prove that the abuser is responsible for their client’s suffering. This means they must present evidence showing that abuse occurred and that the accused individual or organization caused it.
The most common types of evidence used in civil cases are testimony from witnesses and victims, medical records, police reports, and photographs of physical injuries. Additionally, since many abusers groom their victims to comply with them, emails or other communication between the victim and abuser can also be used as evidence.
Victims of child sexual abuse may also benefit from talking to a mental health professional who can provide counseling services and suggest treatment options for any trauma suffered due to the crime. This can aid the legal team in providing evidence of psychological damages, which may be compensated.
The lawyer representing a child sexual abuse victim must also consider limitations on when a civil suit can be filed since many states have statutes of limitation on filing such cases. Additionally, if an organization or institution employed an abuser, that entity may be held liable for failing to protect the victim from harm.
How Can an Experienced Sexual Abuse Lawyer Help?
The sexual abuse lawyers from our law firm understand the sensitive and complex nature of these cases. We are familiar with the legal process and how to navigate any issues that may arise, such as statutes of limitations and other procedural matters. An experienced lawyer on our team can provide invaluable advice and representation throughout the process, from researching potential claims and damages to consulting experts in mental health and medicine.
Call us today at 866-311-8640 for an initial consultation with our team.