Pennsylvania Sexual Abuse Lawyers

Sexual abuse is a traumatic experience victims have to live with for the rest of their lives. It can come in many forms, including physical, verbal, and emotional abuse, but no matter what form it takes, it can have lasting psychological and emotional repercussions on its victims.

The effects of sexual abuse range from depression and anxiety to post-traumatic stress disorder and even suicidal ideation or attempts in extreme cases. Victims may also suffer from physical injuries such as bruising or broken bones due to forced physical contact or from contracting sexually transmitted illnesses due to non-consensual sexual activities. Victims may experience guilt or shame due to the abuse perpetrated against them, which can manifest in many ways, like difficulty trusting others or forming intimate relationships. Survivors of sexual abuse deserve healing and the chance of justice and closure.

At Andreozzi + Foote, our attorneys have a great deal of experience handling Pennsylvania sexual abuse cases with compassion and professionalism. We understand how difficult it is for survivors to come forward, so we strive to make our clients feel comfortable throughout each step of their case while providing knowledgeable legal advice tailored specifically to their situation. Our team is dedicated to helping survivors gain closure by filing suits against perpetrators to obtain justice on behalf of our clients while holding abusers accountable for their actions through civil claims regardless of whether they are convicted criminally or not, thus allowing them some measure of healing by seeking closure through legal means available under Pennsylvania law.

Our firm is passionate about upholding your rights and advocating on your behalf tirelessly so that you get the justice you deserve without compromising your anonymity if desired. We pledge ourselves entirely towards achieving this goal using all resources at our disposal so that you won’t have to face this fight alone.

What is Sexual Abuse?

Sexual abuse is a term used to describe any form of unwanted sexual contact. It includes rape and other forms of sexual assault or exploitation, such as molestation, verbal harassment, stalking, and more. Sexual abuse can occur between two people of any gender or age. In some cases, the perpetrator may be someone in a position of power over the victim, such as an employer or teacher, making it more difficult for victims to seek help.

The repercussions of sexual abuse can go beyond the physical and mental levels, with legal ramifications being just as devastating. Victims of sexual abuse may have civil claims against their abuser ranging from assault & battery and intentional infliction of emotional distress to other types like false imprisonment and negligence. In some cases, they may also be able to seek punitive damages if the abuser acted maliciously or recklessly toward them.

Due to the sensitive nature of these types of cases, it is imperative that victims hire an experienced lawyer who has experience representing survivors of sexual abuse. We specialize in this practice area and have a deep knowledge of laws surrounding these types of cases and an understanding of handling sensitive matters with discretion and delicacy. Having a trusted legal advocate looking out for your best interests can be invaluable in providing you with the support system you need during this challenging time, so you don’t feel alone throughout the proceedings. Let us help you retake control of your life and get the justice you deserve.

What are Common Signs of Sexual Abuse?

No two experiences of sexual abuse are the same, but some common signs may indicate a person has been a victim of sexual abuse. It is essential to be aware of these signs as they can provide an opportunity for victims to come forward and seek help.

Physical Signs: Physical signs of sexual abuse include bruising or bleeding from the genitals, pain when urinating or defecating, unexplained soreness in genital areas, and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Other physical indicators could include changes in eating habits, difficulty sleeping, sudden weight gain or loss, and self-harm behaviors such as cutting.

Psychological Signs: Psychological signs of trauma may differ depending on age and development level; however, some common symptoms include depression, anxiety, fearfulness, flashbacks or nightmares, avoidance of people or places associated with the abuse, and regressed behaviors.

Parents should be aware that signs of sexual abuse may not always be immediately apparent and could manifest in unexpected ways. It is vital to have an open dialogue with your children about their bodies and feelings to discuss any concerns. If you are concerned that your child has been a victim of sexual abuse, it is crucial to seek help from a qualified professional who can provide support and guidance.

What Kind of Case Do I have as a Sex Abuse Victim?

As a victim of sexual abuse, you may have the option to pursue justice through a civil lawsuit. If your abuser has assets or insurance coverage, they can be held responsible for damages in civil court. A lawyer experienced in representing victims of sexual abuse will help you understand what kind of case you have and how best to proceed.

Two different types of cases can be brought against an abuser: personal injury claims and intentional torts. Personal injury claims involve physical injuries caused by the abuser’s actions, such as assault or battery. Intentional torts refer to other forms of harm that don’t involve physical contacts, such as false imprisonment, defamation, or invasion of privacy. Depending on the facts of your case, you may be able to bring either or both types of claims.

How Can an Pennsylvania Sexual Abuse Lawyer Help?

A lawyer experienced in representing sexual abuse victims can help you determine what kind of case you have, how best to pursue your claims, and any other legal options available. We can also advise you on the statute of limitations for each type of claim and help ensure that the evidence needed to prove your case is preserved. Additionally, an experienced lawyer from our law firm can provide emotional support during a difficult time.

Finding the right attorney to represent you is essential. When selecting a lawyer, it’s crucial to find someone with experience with cases involving sexual abuse and understands the nuances and complexities involved with these types of lawsuits. Call us today to learn more about your legal options moving forward.