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Understanding Pedophilia: Protecting Children

Search Results for: grooming

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Pedophilia is a topic most of us find deeply uncomfortable, yet it’s a conversation we must have if we’re going to protect children from sexual abuse. Knowledge is our greatest weapon against those who exploit the most vulnerable among us.

The sobering reality is that many pedophilic offenders often start offending at an early age, and often have a large number of victims (frequently not family members).  70% of child sex offenders have between one and 9 victims, while 20% have 10 to 40 victims.

As a society, we’re failing to recognize the signs of predatory behavior, and that failure is costing children their safety, innocence, and well-being. We must do better.

What Does a Pedophile Look Like?

Pedophiles often live undetected within our communities. They don’t stand out; instead, they blend in, often appearing friendly, caring, and trustworthy. This facade is what makes them so dangerous.

The challenge is that many adult-child interactions that seem harmless—like hosting sleepovers or offering mentorship—can also be used by predators to target victims. While most adults engaging in these activities are well-intentioned, we need to understand how pedophiles operate to spot red flags.

Research and interviews with convicted pedophiles reveal some key traits and behaviors:

  • Many pedophiles were abused themselves as children and began exhibiting problematic behaviors during their teenage years.
  • They often pursue positions of trust or authority in organizations that serve youth, such as sports teams, nonprofits, or religious groups.
  • They are master manipulators, using charm to gain access to children and build trust with their victims.

Pedophiles exploit a child’s natural curiosity and trust in adults. They often give gifts, grant special privileges, and provide attention or affection to groom their victims. This grooming process is slow, calculated, and insidious, making it difficult for children or families to recognize the danger.

Grooming and Exploitation

The grooming process begins with building trust and gradually escalating behavior. Pedophiles test boundaries with subtle, “accidental” actions to gauge whether they can push further without raising suspicion.

Many target vulnerable children—those who are shy, emotionally neglected, or naïve. However, even children from loving, supportive families can become victims if they haven’t been taught how to recognize and respond to inappropriate behavior.

Pedophilia in Youth Organizations

Tragically, even organizations dedicated to helping children have been infiltrated by pedophiles. Big Brothers Big Sisters, for example, has faced allegations of sexual abuse dating back to the 1980s. While the organization has since implemented stricter screening and oversight, the damage to victims cannot be undone.

This pattern underscores the urgent need for vigilance and proactive measures in every organization that serves children.

Who’s Most at Risk?

Every child is at risk. While children from disadvantaged backgrounds are particularly vulnerable, no child is immune. Parents, caregivers, and organizations must remain alert to the possibility of abuse.

Any situation where an adult has significant, unsupervised time alone with a child should raise concern. Behavioral changes, unexplained gifts, or a child’s discomfort with a specific individual can all signal something is wrong.

What Can Parents Do?

Parents play a critical role in preventing child sexual abuse. Here are key steps you can take to protect your child:

  • Educate your child about body safety and boundaries. Tailor these conversations to their age and maturity level, updating the information as they grow.
  • Monitor for behavioral changes. If your child becomes withdrawn, anxious, or fearful of a specific person, don’t dismiss it.
  • Be cautious of gifts or privileges. Question any special treatment your child receives from adults outside the family.
  • Watch for one-on-one interactions. Avoid situations where your child is alone with a teacher, coach, or other adult in a closed-door setting.
  • Take action immediately if abuse is suspected. If your child shares that they’ve been harmed, contact law enforcement and ensure the claim is investigated.

Seeking Justice

If your family has been affected by sexual abuse, legal recourse is available. The team at Andreozzi + Foote specializes in representing survivors of sexual abuse. Our compassionate and experienced sexual abuse attorneys are here to help you navigate this difficult time.

Contact us for a free and confidential consultation. Together, we can fight for justice and protect other children from harm. 1-866-753-5458

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Addressing teacher sexual abuse is vital as so many cases continue to unfold. Ensuring the safety and well-being of students is paramount in any educational setting. While the majority of educators are dedicated professionals committed to the intellectual and emotional development of their students, instances of teacher sexual abuse have raised concerns about the need for comprehensive prevention measures. This article explores the prevalence of teacher sexual abuse, the importance of educating stakeholders on boundary violations, grooming, and sexual conduct, and the necessity for uniform policies across school districts.

Prevalence of Teacher Sexual Abuse:

Teacher sexual abuse is a serious issue that has garnered attention in recent years. While it is essential to acknowledge that the majority of teachers prioritize the welfare of their students, incidents of abuse underscore the need for preventive measures. The prevalence of teacher sexual abuse is rampant. While there is no national database of school sexual abuse cases, a watchdog group, the National Association of State Directors of Teacher Education and Certification, acts as a clearinghouse. They note that, on average, about 6,000 educators each year have adverse actions taken against their certificate or license for serious misconduct that deems them unsafe to be in the classroom. Most never see a courtroom, so there is no actual record, so they still have access to children.

Identifying Boundary Violations, Grooming, and Sexual Conduct:

Education is a powerful tool in preventing teacher sexual abuse. By understanding the signs of boundary violations, grooming, and inappropriate sexual conduct, educators, parents, and students can work together to create a safer learning environment.

Boundary Violations:
  • Teachers should maintain appropriate physical and emotional boundaries with students.
  • Signs of boundary violations may include excessive personal disclosure, favoritism, or an educator.
Grooming:
  • Grooming is a gradual process where an abuser gains a victim’s trust.
  • Awareness of gifts, special privileges, or increased attention can help identify grooming behavior.
Sexual Conduct:
  • Inappropriate comments, gestures, or physical contact are red flags.
  • Educate students and educators on recognizing and reporting such behavior.

The Need for Uniform Policies:

Despite the urgency of addressing teacher sexual abuse, there is a lack of uniformity in policies and procedures across school districts. Many policies are left to individual district discretion, resulting in inconsistencies in reporting mechanisms, investigation procedures, and consequences for offenders.

Legislative Intervention:
  • Advocacy for comprehensive legislation at the state or national level is crucial to establish consistent guidelines.
  • Legislative frameworks should define what constitutes abuse, standardize reporting procedures, and outline disciplinary actions.
Training and Awareness:
  • Mandatory training for educators, administrators, and students can promote awareness and understanding of appropriate conduct.
  • A standardized curriculum on recognizing and preventing teacher sexual abuse should be implemented across schools.

Reporting Mechanisms:

  • Establish clear and accessible reporting mechanisms to encourage individuals to come forward without fear of retaliation.
  • Prioritize anonymity and confidentiality to protect the well-being of the victim and the reporter.

Education on boundary violations, grooming, and sexual conduct is pivotal in preventing such incidents. Additionally, implementing uniform policies and procedures across school districts is essential to create a consistent and robust framework for safeguarding students. By prioritizing the safety and well-being of students through education and policy reform, we can work towards creating a secure and nurturing learning environment for all.

Andreozzi + Foote has represented many victims and survivors of teacher abuse and holds institutions accountable for their failure to screen teachers and protect children adequately.

 

Big Brothers, Big Sisters Sexual Abuse Lawyers Helping Victims Ensure Sexual Predators Are Held Accountable for Abuse

Youth mentoring programs can be a great way to show children they’re not alone and have caring people beside them to help guide them. One of the oldest and most well-known programs of this kind is Big Brothers Big Sisters, which allows adults to mentor children as young as five and stay in contact with them as they age. While this program has benefitted thousands of children for over 100 years, it has also created an opportunity for sexual predators to abuse the children and teens they agreed to mentor sexually.

If you or your child endured childhood sexual abuse while participating in Big Brothers Big Sisters, you should talk to a lawyer about how to seek justice through the legal system. At Andreozzi + Foote. We understand the importance of ensuring sexual predators and their enablers are held accountable for the devastating effects of child sexual abuse.

What Should You Know About Sexual Abuse in the Big Brothers Big Sisters Program?

Big Brothers Big Sisters was created in 1904 to mentor and protect children as they grew. This was meant to be especially helpful for youth at high risk of breaking the law and ending up in jail after having no one to guide them as they got older.

When the program began, local volunteers each selected a child to mentor. The point was for the adult volunteers to get to know their Little Brother or Little Sister while advising on friendships and relationships, helping with homework, and developing their interests in sports or hobbies as they grew. While this type of mentoring worked for many children, it unfortunately turned into years of sexual abuse for others.

After all, many sexual predators who can get away with abuse for a long time typically spend months or years grooming children first, such as by paying attention to them and giving them gifts. Once they’ve gained the trust of their victim, they take advantage of it by touching them inappropriately.

This was the case for many Big Brothers Big Sisters participants, especially those who had unsupervised visits and even sleepovers with each other. When children and parents started to report sexual abuse to the leaders of the organization, the concerns were dismissed and nothing was done.

It was determined that one of the main issues that allowed sexual abuse to run rampant was the lack of background checks for Big Brothers and Big Sisters mentoring children. A simple solution would have been implementing background checks to protect children, but that didn’t happen immediately. This meant years went by with more children being sexually abused within the Big Brothers Big Sisters program until the organization finally began conducting comprehensive background checks on volunteers.

How Can Youth-Serving Organizations Prevent Child Sex Abuse?

Youth organizations like Big Brothers Big Sisters have a lot of benefits to offer children, but they must find ways to protect them from childhood sexual abuse first. Fortunately, many groups of this kind have taken steps in the right direction in recent years after multiple reports of child abuse led to thorough investigations and consequences for leadership.

One of the most effective ways of reducing the widespread problem of sexual misconduct between Big and Little Sisters and Brothers is screening all adult volunteers who will have contact with children. More specifically, conducting comprehensive background checks that look at criminal records before allowing adults to become mentors is critical.
Another way to foster positive relationships without allowing children to be sexually abused is to create rules regarding interactions between Big Brothers and Little Brothers, as well as Big Sisters and Little Sisters.

These rules might state that meetings between adults and children must be in public places, such as at a community center where there are other adults, so the volunteers are never alone with the children. If they must meet in a room together, the door should remain open, and there should be video cameras or bright lighting to keep all interactions out in the open, not hidden from view.

Organizations like Big Brothers Big Sisters should also have clear rules against sleepovers, gifts, surprise visits, alcohol use, drug use, and other actions that could create an environment that allows child sexual abuse. They should ensure all staff members and volunteers know and agree to the rules. If they witness anyone breaking these rules, they should know precisely how to report it to ensure proper disciplinary action is taken.

In general, for youth organizations to be successful in assisting participants from childhood to young adulthood, they must take sexual abuse seriously. This requires them to be on the same page when it comes to preventing, identifying, and reporting any possible child abuse within the organization. If you’re worried that the youth organization that you or your child took part in allowed sexual abuse to occur, contact our legal team for a chance to pursue justice. Our lawyers have handled cases involving Big Brothers Big Sisters sexual abuse over the years, so we’re confident we can work toward the outcome you desire for your family when you initiate a legal claim.

What Should You Do After Identifying Child Sexual Abuse?

If you or your child were sexually abused while participating in Big Brothers Big Sisters or other youth organizations in Maryland, you’re not alone, as we’re here to help. We understand that it can be challenging to take the first step toward getting assistance, especially when you’re still trying to comprehend the magnitude of the situation. Child sexual abuse is devastating and can change your life, so we encourage you to get help handling it as soon as possible.

You should first report the crime to local law enforcement to ensure the sexual predator is held liable, along with the organization that enabled the abuse. Then, contact our Maryland law office for legal support for your civil claim. After all, any victim targeted by an abuser as a youth deserves to be compensated. No amount of money can remove the long-term effects that experiencing sexual battery, sexual violence, or abuse can have on you, but compensation can help in other ways.

For example, when you seek economic damages, you’ll get money to pay for your medical treatment if years of sexual abuse left you with physical injuries. You can also use the money from your sexual abuse lawsuit to pay for mental health counseling and time away from work as you try to come to terms with the consequences that abuse has had on your life.

Your lawyer can also seek non-economic damages for you, which will get you compensation to make up for mental anguish, pain and suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life. Finally, punitive damages will financially punish the sexual predator and the youth organization that failed to protect you or your child from sexual abuse. Contact us for legal guidance if you want compensation to help your family heal.

How Can Maryland Big Brothers, Big Sisters Sexual Abuse Lawyers Help You Pursue Justice?

At Andreozzi + Foote, we’re committed to helping child sexual abuse victims seek justice from anyone who abused them or covered up the abuse. When you hire our team, we’ll explain your legal options so you can seek compensation from the adult who harmed you and the youth program that enabled them.

We’ll also put you in touch with resources for Maryland survivors, such as HopeWorks of Howard County, Heartly House, Inc., and Family Crisis Center of Baltimore County. Reaching out to this type of organization can help you find therapists in your community who are experienced at counseling child victims and their family members who have suffered due to abuse. You deserve to get the assistance you need to begin recovering from child sexual abuse, and we’re here to provide you with the resources to get started.

If you’re ready to get a skilled lawyer’s guidance, contact us at 866-311-8640 to speak with a caring legal team. We’ll offer you a free initial consultation, and if you decide to initiate your case with us, you won’t pay any legal fees until we win a settlement for you. We look forward to helping you work toward justice through your civil lawsuit.

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The internet has become pervasive in people’s lives in ways good and bad. Unfortunately, the bad includes online sexual abuse and cybersex crimes that can have devastating effects on people’s lives. Today, there is more legal recognition of certain online activities as harmful and illegal. Here’s what you need to know.

How Are Online Sexual Abuse and Cybersex Crimes Defined?

There are many types of online sexual abuse and cybersex crimes, including but not limited to the following.

  • Revenge porn/nonconsensual pornography. This involves someone sharing sexual images or videos that were taken with the other party’s consent, but consent wasn’t given to share them with others. The term “revenge porn” refers to someone sharing these without consent to cause the other party harm.
  • Performing sexual acts or sharing pornographic images on video meetings without the consent of everyone involved or at an inappropriate time (such as during a work meeting).
  • Installing hidden cameras with the goal of seeing people unclothed without their permission (such as in a clothing retailer’s dressing room or a tanning salon).
  • Upskirting, which is the act of taking photos or videos beneath someone else’s clothing without their permission.
  • Communications are sent to someone who doesn’t want them regarding sexual activity or hate-based comments regarding their gender identity or sexual orientation.
  • Requesting nude photos, videos, or sexual acts performed on live video to people who don’t want them, whether the person is known to the requester or not.
  • Sending unrequested and unwanted sexual photos or videos to others, whether the sender knows them or not.
  • Any act that grooms children to engage in any type of sexual behavior online, including grooming them online to perform sexually offline.

Suppose you or someone you know has experienced one of these situations or another incident that may fit the category of online sexual abuse or cybersex crime. In that case, it’s highly recommended that you contact an experienced sexual abuse attorney.

What Are the Laws Against These Types of Crimes?

Both the state of Pennsylvania and the federal government have implemented laws meant to crack down on these types of cyber crimes. When the acts involve adults, one of the key factors is whether or not the person on the receiving end of the cyber communication consented to receive it or if anyone involved in the photos or videos consented to be filmed or to have those images or videos shared with others. Two consenting adults are allowed to engage in these behaviors. But if one or the other doesn’t consent, it may be a crime.

However, if a minor is involved, there are sharp differences. See below for more information.

The consequences vary based on several factors, including whether or not this was a first conviction and if minors were involved. In general, being convicted of an online sex crime in Pennsylvania can lead to jail time, fines that can reach thousands of dollars, and the possibility of the convicted person having to register as a sex offender.

What Is the Age of Consent in Pennsylvania?

The age of consent is a legal term that specifies when someone is old enough to give their consent for sexual activity without potentially engaging in or involving someone else in a crime. As noted above, adults have the right to consent to sexual activity. But those below the age of consent don’t have those same rights, meaning even if they agree, for example, to pose for a nude photo, it’s still illegal because they weren’t of age.

In Pennsylvania:

  • Children 12 and under cannot consent to any form of sexual activity.
  • Children 13-15 cannot consent to sexual activity with anyone four or more years older than they are.
  • People 16 and older can legally consent to sexual activity. However, if there is a power dynamic such as the adult being a teacher, coach, counselor, camp volunteer or any volunteer within a child serving organization there cannot be consent.

What Is Megan’s Law?

Megan’s Law was named after a child who was lured into a home by a sexual offender under the guise of seeing a puppy. The offender, who was previously twice convicted of pedophilia, then raped and murdered her. Megan’s grieving parents noted that if they’d known the new neighbor had that kind of criminal background, they wouldn’t have allowed her to roam freely.

Subsequently, laws in her name became enacted in numerous states, including Pennsylvania, that work to accomplish the following:

  • Identify sexual offenders who are predators (actively seek out victims and repeat the behavior) and allow courts to sentence them to be registrants on sexual offender registries and through police departments, sometimes for the rest of their lives.
  • Notify local communities when registered offenders plan to move into their neighborhoods.
  • A later amendment allowed all registered sexual offender information to be available publicly on the internet.

If you have a minor in your life that you worry has been subjected to online sexual abuse or cybersex crimes, contact us as soon as possible.

What Should I Do if I or a Loved One Has Been the Victim of Online Sexual Abuse or Cybersex Crimes?

Call Andreozzi + Foote at 866-311-8640 for a free, confidential consultation. We understand just how difficult and traumatic this has been for you. Our firm focuses on helping victims pursue civil actions to help them recover and move forward with their lives. We know how stressful even talking about what’s happened can be, and our team of experienced, knowledgeable attorneys prioritizes confidentiality and our clients’ wellbeing. We want what’s best for you and will work toward the best possible outcomes.

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Who is Father Nathan Brooks?

Father Nathan Brooks, 36, of New York’s Diocese of Syracuse, has been arrested on charges of sexual abuse, including that of a minor, for alleged incidents from 2019 to 2022. Charges include endangering the welfare of a child, forcible touching, and sexual abuse in the third degree.

It is believed he has groomed many children. What we know to be true of child sexual offenders is where there is one victim, there usually are more. Brooks works with four churches:

  • Church of the Nativity at St. Joseph in Lafayette
  • Immaculate Conception in Pompey
  • St. Leo in Tully
  • St. Patrick Mission in Otisco.

You are not alone.

Andreozzi + Foote lawyers offer experience and a trauma-informed approach when seeking justice for our clients.

How Can A Civil Lawsuit Help Victims Seek Justice For The Trauma They May Have Experienced Father Nathan Brooks?

There are many misunderstandings about why a survivor of sexual abuse would choose to file a civil lawsuit.   Child sexual abuse takes away so much from the survivors and families impacted. Our society still struggles to find ways to repair the harm done by individual perpetrators and institutions that have covered up child sexual abuse.  Outdated statutes of limitations across our country leave far too many survivors denied access to our criminal or civil justice courts.

Filing a civil case can be an essential step for survivors and their families in their journey to slowly rebuild their lives and create pathways to healing.  Motivation for filing a civil suit is often questioned and unfairly stereotyped as being “all about money. Filing a civil lawsuit can cast survivors as “money hungry” and is weaponized to shame and blame them even more. This couldn’t be further from the truth for survivors of child sexual abuse. The civil justice system offers victims more than just monetary benefits.  It gives survivors access to justice, validation, exposure, confrontation, and ultimately some resolution. The resolution allows survivors of sexual abuse to understand and process what happened and create a new path forward without confusion, questions, and fear.

Can I File A Lawsuit Against the Diocese of Syracuse?

Yes. You may have rights if you were a victim of Father Nathan Brooks while he was employed at the New York Diocese of Syracuse.

Andreozzi + Foote is the leading sexual abuse law firm in New York. Don’t hesitate to contact us today to discuss your possible legal rights.

We know it can be hard to talk about these experiences. Our compassionate school sexual abuse lawyers are here to listen and provide knowledgeable legal guidance. We provide free, confidential case evaluations where you can learn more about your rights and options under your state’s laws.

Contact us 24 Hours A Day, 7 Days a week.

866-311-8640

Info@vca.law

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The advent of the internet has brought about significant changes in the way we communicate, work, and interact with one another. While it has undoubtedly enriched our lives in many ways, it has opened the door to a darker side of human behavior: online sexual exploitation and harassment.

Online sexual exploitation and harassment encompass a range of behaviors that violate an individual’s privacy, dignity, and personal boundaries using digital platforms. These actions can target anyone, regardless of age, gender, or background, making it a widespread and deeply concerning issue.

Forms of Online Sexual Exploitation and Harassment

Online sexual exploitation and harassment manifest in various forms, including:

  • Non-consensual Sharing of Intimate Content (Revenge Porn): Posting explicit photos or videos without the subject’s consent, often in the context of a personal vendetta or breakup.
  • Cyberstalking: Relentlessly following, tracking, or harassing an individual online, including sending threatening messages, creating fake profiles, and spreading false information.
  • Online Grooming: Adults manipulate minors into engaging in sexually explicit conversations or actions, often with the intention of meeting in person.
  • Sextortion: Blackmailing someone by threatening to release explicit images or information unless they comply with the harasser’s demands.
  • Harassment in Online Communities: Bullying, intimidation, or persistent harassment within online spaces such as social media, forums, or gaming platforms.

The Prevalence of Online Sexual Exploitation and Harassment

Online sexual exploitation and harassment have reached epidemic proportions, with incidents occurring daily worldwide. Due to the nature of digital communication, these acts can be carried out anonymously, amplifying their impact. Victims often suffer in silence, fearing further humiliation or retribution.

The Impact on Victims

The consequences of online sexual exploitation and harassment can be devastating, affecting victims’ mental, emotional, and even physical well-being.

  • Psychological Trauma: Victims often experience anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) due to these traumatic experiences.
  • Social Isolation: The fear of being harassed further can lead victims to withdraw from online and real-world social interactions, potentially damaging their relationships and overall quality of life.
  • Career and Educational Impacts: Victims may face professional or academic consequences if explicit content or harassment becomes public, leading to job loss, academic struggles, or reduced career opportunities.
  • Legal Complications: In many jurisdictions, online sexual exploitation and harassment are illegal, and perpetrators can face legal consequences. However, navigating the legal system can be challenging for victims.

Perpetrators and Motivations

Understanding the motivations of online sexual exploitation and harassment perpetrators is essential to combatting this issue effectively. Perpetrators may engage in these actions for various reasons:

  • Personal Vendetta: Some individuals seek revenge or control over former partners, friends, or acquaintances by sharing explicit content or engaging in harassment.
  • Sexual Gratification: Online predators derive sexual pleasure from manipulating or coercing others into engaging in explicit activities.
  • Financial Gain: Criminal organizations or individuals may engage in sextortion for economic profit, exploiting victims’ fear of exposure.
  • Sadism and Control: Perpetrators may be driven to exert power and control over their victims, relishing the emotional distress they cause.

Social Media and Online Platforms: A Double-Edged Sword

While social media and online platforms have revolutionized communication and connection, they also serve as fertile grounds for online sexual exploitation and harassment. These platforms offer anonymity and a global reach, making it easier for perpetrators to target victims and evade accountability. However, they also present an opportunity for prevention and intervention.

The Role of Legislation and Law Enforcement

Governments worldwide are recognizing the urgency of addressing online sexual exploitation and harassment. Many countries have enacted laws explicitly targeting these offenses and increasing penalties for perpetrators. Law enforcement agencies are also enhancing their capabilities to investigate and prosecute such cases.

The Importance of Education and Awareness

Prevention is a crucial component of addressing online sexual exploitation and harassment. Educational programs, both in schools and online, can teach individuals about digital safety, consent, and responsible online behavior. Raising awareness about the issue helps empower potential victims to recognize the signs and seek help.

Support for Victims

Support networks, counseling services, and hotlines dedicated to assisting victims of online sexual exploitation and harassment are essential. These resources provide emotional support, guidance through legal processes, and strategies for dealing with trauma.

Technological Solutions

Tech companies are also taking steps to combat online sexual exploitation and harassment. Innovations in content moderation, reporting mechanisms, and AI-driven algorithms aim to identify and mitigate harmful content and behaviors.

Victims Rights

Victims of online sexual exploitation and harassment have certain rights designed to protect their well-being, dignity, and privacy. These rights may vary by jurisdiction, but in general, they encompass the following:

  • Right to Privacy: Victims have the right to online and offline privacy. This means their personal information, including intimate images and personal details, should not be shared or disseminated without their consent. Laws against invasion of privacy can protect this right.
  • Freedom from Harassment and Stalking: Victims have the right to be free from harassment, stalking, and intimidation, whether in physical or digital spaces. Many jurisdictions have laws in place to address cyberstalking and harassment.
  • Protection from Defamation: Victims have the right to protection from false and damaging statements about them online. Defamatory content can harm their reputation and livelihood.
  • Right to Consent: Consent is fundamental to sexual exploitation and harassment. Victims can decide who can access their intimate images and personal information. Non-consensual distribution of such content is illegal in many places.

Legal Rights

Victims can seek legal recourse against perpetrators. Laws have been enacted in many countries to criminalize various forms of online sexual exploitation and harassment, allowing victims to pursue charges and legal action. Victims can access support services, including counseling, therapy, and legal assistance. Many organizations and hotlines are dedicated to helping victims of online sexual exploitation and harassment.

Victims may sometimes be entitled to compensation for damages incurred due to online sexual exploitation and harassment. This may include financial losses, emotional distress, or medical expenses.

It’s important to note that while these rights exist in many legal systems, enforcement can vary, and victims may encounter challenges in seeking justice or support. Victims must consult with legal professionals and advocacy organizations specializing in cybercrime and online harassment to understand their rights and available options for protection and recourse. Additionally, public awareness and advocacy efforts are essential to continue improving the legal framework and support systems for victims of online sexual exploitation and harassment.

Online sexual exploitation and harassment are pervasive and deeply troubling issues in the digital age. As technology continues to evolve, so will the methods employed by perpetrators. A multi-faceted approach involving legislation, education, technology, and support networks is necessary to combat this epidemic. By working together, we can create a safer digital landscape for all and reduce the prevalence of online sexual exploitation and harassment.

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Who Is Abdurahman Milani?

Abdurahman Milani, 27, a teacher at Marshall Middle School in Houston, Texas, was arrested for inappropriate sexual contact with teenage girls at school. According to one of the victim’s mother, her daughter suffers from significant trauma and no longer wishes to attend school. Milani appears to have used classic power and control tactics while grooming the girls, promising good grades in exchange for sexual favors. 

Abdurahman Milani is charged with six counts of third-degree unlawful sexual misconduct with a minor.

Given Milani’s exposure to children as a teacher, other victims are highly likely. 

We realize how scary disclosing these types of crimes can be. You are not alone.

Andreozzi + Foote lawyers offer experience and a trauma-informed approach when seeking justice for our clients.

How Can A Civil Lawsuit Help Victims Seek Justice For The Trauma They May Have Experienced By Abdurahman Milani?

There are many misunderstandings about why a survivor of sexual abuse would choose to file a civil lawsuit. Child sexual abuse takes away so much from the survivors and families impacted. Our society still struggles to find ways to repair the harm done by individual perpetrators and institutions that have covered up child sexual abuse.

Filing a civil case can be an essential step for survivors and their families in their journey to slowly rebuild their lives and create pathways to healing. Motivation for filing a civil suit is questioned and unfairly stereotyped as “all about money.” Filing a civil lawsuit can cast survivors as “money hungry” and is weaponized to shame and blame them even more. This couldn’t be further from the truth for survivors of child sexual abuse. The civil justice system offers victims more than just monetary benefits. It gives survivors access to justice, validation, exposure, confrontation, and ultimately some resolution. The resolution allows survivors of sexual abuse to understand and process what happened and create a new path forward without confusion, questions, and fear.

Can I File A Lawsuit Against the Marshall Middle School?

If you were a victim of Abdurahman Milani while Marshall Middle School employed him and if they had prior knowledge and failed to act on their duty of care, you may have rights.

The skilled lawyers of Andreozzi + Foote have experience working with the law in Texas; Don’t hesitate to contact us today to discuss your possible legal rights.

We know it can be hard to talk about these experiences. Our compassionate school sexual abuse lawyers are here to listen and provide knowledgeable legal guidance. We provide free, confidential case evaluations where you can learn more about your rights and options under your state’s laws.

Contact us 24 Hours A Day, 7 Days a week.

866-311-8640

Info@vca.law

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Whether you’re a survivor of childhood sexual abuse yourself or the parent of a child, Pennsylvania child sexual abuse statute of limitations matters for your recovery.

That can affect how soon someone chooses to disclose the abuse and consider holding the institution that failed to protect them accountable. Knowing that delayed disclosure is the norm in child sexual abuse cases, many survivors are time-barred from seeking justice when they are ready to come forward. Our attorneys and the survivors we represent have sought to change this for years, and may finally change in Pennsylvania in 2023. Read on for what you need to know.

What Is Childhood Sexual Abuse?

Sexual abuse is a traumatic experience that can often leave victims feeling helpless. Whether it involves grooming, invasion of privacy, harassment, or unwanted physical touching, sexual abuse can have lasting physical, psychological, and emotional repercussions on its victims.

Child sexual abuse is any interaction between a child and an adult (or another child) for the sexual stimulation or gratification of the perpetrator or an observer. Sexual abuse can include both touching and non-touching behaviors. Non-touching behaviors can consist of:

  • Voyeurism (trying to look at a child’s naked body).
  • Taking inappropriate photos or videos of children.
  • Exposing the child to pornography.

Talk about the age of consent and power imbalance here.

What Is a Statute of Limitations?

A statute of limitations is a legal time frame in which claims or lawsuits can be filed. If someone waits until the statute of limitations period has passed, convincing a court to take up the case is nearly impossible. The opposing lawyer would quickly ask for a dismissal based on the statute of limitations, and most of the time, the judge will agree.

Each state has its statute of limitations for various crimes, so verifying the limits in the state you want to file in is good. Before 2019, the Pennsylvania statute of limitations for filing sexual abuse cases was just two years from the date of the abuse for adults. For children who are victims, they had until they turned 30 to file.

How Did the Statute of Limitations for Filing Childhood Sexual Abuse Claims Change in 2019?

In 2019, Pennsylvania extended the civil statute of limitations for child sexual abuse victims –– allowing victims to file civil suits until they turn 55. For individuals sexually abused between 18-24 years of age, the new law will enable them to file a civil lawsuit until they turn 30. Adults 25+ still only have two years to file a civil lawsuit in conjunction with their sexual abuse. However, these changes do not affect cases of abuse before 2019, which still fall under the previous civil statute of limitations.

It is important to note that these changes are not retroactive; the statute of limitations in your case may differ, given all the changes in the statute of limitations over the years. It is best to consult with an informed attorney is vital to know your rights.

What Could Happen to the Statute of Limitations for Childhood Sexual Abuse in Pennsylvania in 2023?

In early 2023, legislators advanced several bills that would open a two-year look-back window, meaning that people who previously fell into the category of being unable to pursue cases against their offenders and the institutions that knowingly failed to protect them would then have a two-year period to consult a sexual abuse attorney. 

There are two current paths the various pieces of legislation can take; one is a bill that must be passed by both the House and Senate and signed by the Governor or a constitutional amendment that must pass the House and Senate and then go onto an election ballot for the general public to vote on.

Why Is This Legislation Important?

Childhood sexual abuse is so traumatic that many people grow up unable to overcome their fear and shame, struggling with their mental health for much of their adult life. CHILD USA, an organization dedicated to research and advocacy for childhood sexual abuse victims, says that the average age someone reports childhood sexual abuse is 52. There are also estimates that only 20% of victims report abuse during childhood, and possibly up to 68% never report it. All of this proves what survivors have long said-there should be no time restrictions on disclosing child sexual abuse so the institutions that failed to protect them can be exposed and held accountable.

So far, in 2023, 20 other states are seeking to amend or eliminate criminal and civil statutes of limitations for sexual abuse victims. Those include Illinois, Iowa, Mississippi, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Utah, Rhode Island, Oregon, New York, New Jersey, Nevada, Nebraska, Montana, Minnesota, Massachusetts, Kentucky, Hawaii, Connecticut, California, and Arkansas.

Ten other states seeking to open some form of revival or “look-back” window are Indiana, Pennsylvania, Kansas, Maryland, Missouri, New Mexico, North Dakota, South Carolina, Texas, and Washington.

It is worth noting that the two states considered ground zero when it came to the exposure of the Catholic Church- Massachusetts and Pennsylvania have yet to successfully open “look back windows” for survivors.

What if My Child or I Was Sexually Abused?

Call Andreozzi _+ Foote at 866-311-8640 for a free, confidential consultation. We understand how deeply traumatic and stress-inducing this is for both the victims and their loved ones, not least of which because of how complex the laws are and how arduous the process can be. Our team of experienced, knowledgeable, and compassionate sexual abuse attorneys will endeavor to develop your case thoroughly while striving to keep the stress and anxiety minimal.

Many people fear contacting the police, mainly if the abuse occurred years ago. We can help victims with that. A police report begins the process of building a case and filing lawsuits. You don’t have to do it alone. We’re here, on your side, and want to help.

 

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Who is Instructor Steve Choi?

Steve Choi, 43 an instructor at Lion Choi taekwondo studio on the 2000th block of Annapolis in Hanover Maryland.  A 14-year-old child disclosed to the Child Advocacy Center that they had been sexually abused by Steve Choi. Police arrested Choi in August of 2022.  The affidavit of probable cause says he used classic grooming techniques to sexually abuse the child. In 2022 Choi pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 11 years in prison. 

There are likely more victims out there.

You are not alone.

Andreozzi + Foote lawyers offer experience and a trauma-informed approach when seeking justice for our clients.

How Can A Civil Lawsuit Help Victims Seek Justice For The Trauma They Experienced At The Hands Of Lion Choi’s and Steve Choi?

There are many misunderstandings about why a survivor of sexual abuse would choose to file a civil lawsuit.   Child sexual abuse takes away so much from the survivors and families impacted. Our society still struggles to find ways to repair the harm done by individual perpetrators and institutions that have covered up child sexual abuse.  Outdated statutes of limitations across our country leave far too many survivors denied access to our criminal or civil justice courts.

Filing a civil case can be an essential step for survivors and their families in their journey to slowly rebuild their lives and create pathways to healing.  Motivation for filing a civil suit is often questioned and unfairly stereotyped as being “all about money. Filing a civil lawsuit can cast survivors as “money hungry” and is weaponized to shame and blame them even more. This couldn’t be further from the truth for survivors of child sexual abuse. The civil justice system offers victims more than just monetary benefits.  It gives survivors access to justice, validation, exposure, confrontation, and ultimately some resolution. The resolution allows survivors of sexual abuse to understand and process what happened and create a new path forward without confusion, questions, and fear.

Can I pursue a case against Lion Choi and Steve Choi?

Yes. You would have rights if you were a victim of Steve Choi while employed at any organization if they had prior knowledge or failed to act on their duty of care for children.

The skilled lawyers of Andreozzi + Foote have experience working with the law in Maryland.  Don’t hesitate to contact us today to discuss your possible legal rights.

We know it can be hard to talk about these experiences. Our compassionate sexual abuse lawyers are here to listen and provide knowledgeable legal guidance. We provide free, confidential case evaluations where you can learn more about your rights and options under your state’s laws, contact Andreozzi + Foote today.