Sexual Abuse in Pennsylvania Youth Organizations

Youth organizations in Pennsylvania have long provided important opportunities for our youngsters to grow, develop, and enrich their lives.

Unfortunately, with all the positive stories of success, there are also troubling tales of abuse.

Child sexual abuse in Pennsylvania youth organizations is more common than most of us imagine. Disturbing revelations have followed those from Penn State, the Catholic Church and other organizations, which have paid millions in compensation to sexual abuse victims in recent years.

The devastating emotional and psychological effects for victims are often experienced long after the physical abuse ends.

At Andreozzi & Foote, our child abuse lawyers are committed to providing support for victims, while holding perpetrators and the institutions that harbor them accountable for their actions.

Sexual Abuse by Teachers in Pennsylvania Schools

Sexual abuse in any context is a dreadful thing to confront but when it happens to children under the supervision of teachers in school, it is particularly abhorrent.

Unfortunately, abuse is more common in U.S schools and universities than most parents know.

In many cases, the offender has a prior history of sexual abuse and the educational system has failed to put to a stop to their conduct.

Victims coming forward, reporting their abuse and holding the teachers, schools, and school districts accountable is not only an important part of protecting others from abuse. It can help in the healing process.

At Andreozzi + Foote, our sexual abuse lawyers are good listeners as well as seasoned litigators. We can walk you through the steps towards justice, regardless of whether the abuse occurred recently or in the more distant past.

Sexual Abuse by Youth Coaches in Pennsylvania

There are laws in Pennsylvania that are intended to protect children from sexual abuse. Despite these laws, abuse has occurred far too many times at the hands of sports coaches and other adults in positions of authority in educational settings.

Often, the understandable reluctance of victims to come forward promptly has hampered both criminal prosecutions and civil cases.

The federal Title IX law prohibits any type of sexual harassment or abuse in an educational setting almost anywhere in the U.S. So, if a sports team is part of a school program, its leaders and coaches are bound by the provisions of Title IX.

If sexual abuse occurs and the victim is aged under 18, a school is required to contact law enforcement.  Additionally, if a sexual assault or rape is reported to a teacher, administrator or coach, he/she may be required to notify the police even if the victim is over the age of 18.

The requirement for mandatory reporting of suspected abuse by certain individuals in positions of authority is intended to prevent further abuse from occurring. It can also reduce the number of perpetrators of abuse who go unpunished for their crimes.

Unfortunately, it is increasingly clear that predatory coaches have been allowed to remain in positions of authority across the country. Institutions must proactively guard against allowing coaches with a history of abuse from engaging in these horrific acts against children.

In Pennsylvania, the following individuals must follow mandatory reporting requirements if abuse is suspected:

• School administrators
• Teachers
• School nurses
• Social services workers
• Coaches
• Childcare or foster care workers

So, coaches (like the other professionals listed) must report abuse if they witness it or suspect it or they could be held partly responsible for it.

Child Sexual Abuse Lawyers in Pennsylvania

Carrying dreadful experiences into adulthood is a stark reality for many victims of child sexual abuse in Pennsylvania.

Sexual abuse is, unfortunately, more widespread than most people realize.

However, there is hope in recent and proposed legislation to make it easier for victims to come forward and hold perpetrators and their institutions accountable. Finally, more victims can get the justice that has escaped them.

The child sexual abuse lawyers at Andreozzi & Foote are committed to helping victims move on with their lives and will guide you through the first essential steps, starting with a free case evaluation.

Read More → The Grooming Process – How Sexual Predators Con You and Your Child.

UPDATE: HB 963 to extend the statute of limitations on sexual abuse
Pennsylvania Statute of Limitation Update 12/15/2020

What Is Child Sexual Abuse?

Child abuse takes many forms – from neglect of a child’s needs to violence against a child.

One of the most vile forms is sexual abuse, and because of the unpalatable nature of such crimes, it is a topic that is difficult for people to confront.

Child sexual abuse can be physical or non-physical. It involves contact between an adult or minor (a person aged under 18) and a child (aged under 16), resulting in sexual stimulation/gratification for the adult or minor.

Greater acknowledgment and awareness of the problem is required so that more parents recognize its tell-tale signs and more people who witness it come forward.

It is our public duty to hold abusers accountable for their actions against the most vulnerable members of society – notably children, the elderly, the disabled, and the sick.

What Types Of Sexual Violence Are Children Exposed To In Pennsylvania?

We need to be more aware of the types of sexual abuse that occur in our society. Violence comes in many forms.

Remember, a child cannot legally give consent to sexual activity, so sexual abuse can never be considered a child’s fault.

Following are all examples of child sexual abuse that we have encountered in Pennsylvania:

• Rape of a child
• Sexual assault of a child
• Incest with a child
• Touching or fondling of a child
• Grabbing or groping of a child
• Forcing a child to be photographed in an obscene manner (pornography)
• Sexual harassment of a child
• Causing or allowing child trafficking (generally for prostitution)
• Using a controlled substance to impair a child for sexual exploitation
• Sexual or anti-LGBTQ bullying
• Exposure and voyeurism

The above actions can all be punished by law. Any party that fails to make a reasonable effort to prevent the abuse of a child can also be prosecuted, depending on the circumstances.

Are There Social Environments That Foster Child Sexual Abuse?

It may be hard to stomach, but 90 percent of sexual abuse cases are perpetrated by a family member or someone the child knows – often within the family:

• 37 percent of abusers are biological parents
• 23 percent of abusers are non-biological parents or parents’ partners
• 40 percent are other people the victim knows (friends, childcare professionals, teachers, clergy, sports coaches, etc.)

(Source: Sedlak et al., 2010)

There is no question that child sexual abuse is more common in some social environments. Understanding the social context that fosters abuse is essential. Generally speaking, we see it most commonly where:

• Violence is condoned
• Power and authority over others is granted
• Few checks and balances exist for positions of authority
• Vulnerable people are dependent on adults
• Masculine hierarchies exist
• Women are subjugated
• A policy of silence and secrecy exists

In short, oppressive environments where power can be exploited promote child sexual abuse more than environments that are free and open – mainly because they provide a “cloak” behind which perpetrators can hide their actions.

Sexual Abuse: Children And Teens Are At Most Risk

While sexual abuse can occur at any age, children and teens are especially at risk.

Abusers prey on the vulnerable, and children are often unable to understand what is happening or repel the risk.

A few alarming statistics highlight the dangers posed:

• 3 percent of female victims of rape were first raped when they were ten or younger
• 8 percent of male victims of rape were first raped when they were ten or younger
  (Source: Black et al., 2011)

How Can You Recognize A Child Abuser?

Many serial child abusers have honed their behavior into a well-developed system that preys on their victims.

Their actions often follow a pattern. Individuals may work themselves into positions of trust and look and act like trustworthy people.

Often, they target vulnerable individuals and begin a “grooming” process. Offenders lavish attention on their victims, earn their trust, and actively blur the boundaries between what is acceptable and what is not.

People who abuse frequently isolate their victims and test boundaries by noting reactions to inappropriate suggestions or even mild abuse before committing more severe acts. Therefore, carefully covering their tracks and avoiding suspicion.

They are so accomplished at doing this that parents and coworkers often do not notice the signs.

However, as a parent or colleague, you should be alert to some of the most obvious warning signs of behavior that could lead to abuse, such as:

• Insisting on physical contact with a child (hugging, touching, tickling or wrestling)
• Offering to babysit for free
• Requesting sleepovers with particular children
• Making unusual and repeated requests that isolate children from their parents and others
• Bringing up age-inappropriate topics
• Excessive staring at children, significantly while changing clothes
• Dressing inappropriately around children
• Socializing more with children than with adults
• Buying expensive gifts or giving money to children
• Excluding other adults from activities

What Are The Long-term Effects And Symptoms Of Child Sexual Abuse?

Unfortunately, the victims of child sexual abuse must often carry the emotional pain of their ordeal into adult life long after the physical signs of abuse are gone.

This can leave a lifelong mark on victims that some never wholly recover from. Attaining justice and having the courts recognize that they were wronged helps many heal.

Some of the long-term symptoms experienced by child sexual abuse victims include:

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Eating disorders
• Personality disorders
• Post-traumatic stress disorder
• Relationship and intimacy issues
• Sleep disorders

Victims may also suffer physical severe effects long after the abuse, such as:

• Reproductive health problems
• Gastrointestinal health problems
• Pain
• Cardiopulmonary symptoms

Studies show that victims of child abuse are more likely to suffer from ill-health in adult life.

Jeremy, you had a section with the header: What do Pennsylvania sex offenders look for in children?

I have excluded this as it is unnecessary for the word count and seems to be going a little too deep into this for a service page – maybe a blog topic if the client wants this subject covered.

How Can You Protect Your Child From Abuse In Pennsylvania?

There are some steps you can take to minimize the risks of your child being the next victim:

• Please encourage your child to talk openly with you about what happens in their day
• Urge your child to let you know if anyone hurts or frightens them in any way
• Educate your child about physical boundaries – what is acceptable and what is not during contact with another adult
• Build a trusting relationship where a child is not fearful of an angry response if they tell the truth
• Be vigilant of all adults who teach, supervise, or monitor your child
• Refuse to leave your child in the presence of someone you have doubts about – regardless of who it is
• Provide permission for your child to refuse to obey an adult if they think the request is wrong
• Follow through with your “gut instincts” – if you have concerns, make sure you speak to someone

Call Our Pennsylvania Child Sexual Abuse Lawyers Today

If you would like the child sexual abuse lawyers at Andreozzi & Foote to evaluate your case, please call 1 (866)-694-2307 for a free consultation.

All the information you provide, including your identity, will be treated confidentially.

Boarding School Sexual Abuse Lawyers in Pennsylvania

Parents in Pennsylvania should be able to feel confident that when they send their children to school. Unfortunately, that is not always the case.

Some statistics suggest that as many as one in ten students from kindergarten to high school around the U.S. will experience sexual misconduct of some description in their lives. Public and private school students of all ages have suffered abuse from teachers, other staff members, coaches, guidance counselors, and fellow students.

If you or your child is a victim of boarding school sexual abuse in Pennsylvania, the experienced team of lawyers at Andreozzi + Foote can help you take the first steps towards justice. We hold the school accountable, and claim the compensation you are entitled to.

Boarding School And Private School Abuse

People in Pennsylvania have become increasingly aware of the widespread sexual abuse of private school students with high-profile cases involving the Catholic Church.

While these cases make the news headlines, abuse cases have occurred in private schools of all types – related to religious institutions, charitable organizations, and other establishments.

At boarding schools, students generally live in close quarters with one another and staff in dormitories or on-campus residences. Providing security and educators, administrators, and facility staff are often in more immediate contact with students than at other public and private schools. School staff routinely spend most of the day with these children and may even supervise at night.

This environment appears to be a magnet (and a breeding ground) for sexual predators.

Boarding school students spend most of term time away from their families, and so are less likely to be able to report the abuse and stop it from happening.

Many have suffered in silence. Alarming numbers have been sexually molested, harassed, or sexually assaulted, leading to lifelong psychological damage.

With religious institutions generally expected to uphold high moral standards, parents often trust and let their guard down when sending their children to such schools. If abuse does occur, the institutions have often rallied around and protected the school’s reputation before the interests of the victims.

Reasonable Family Expectations Of Private & Boarding Schools

It is reasonable for Pennsylvania parents to expect their child to be safe and well cared for when entering a boarding school environment – especially those considered the most prestigious in the area.

Many schools provide residential programs that promise shelter, security, and safety for the children on campus.

Parents tend to have higher expectations and may let their guard down.

Boarding school administrators and teachers are seen as surrogate parents, watching out for their kids’ well-being and education in their absence. A duty of care to students is a reasonable expectation for parents.

Unfortunately, the reality behind the scenes can be very different.

The main problems are:

• Poor hiring practices with a lack of background checks
• Failure to retain the best staff and desperation to fill positions
• Negligent supervision of children in boarding schools by the school faculty, employees, and teachers

How Will Legal Action Affect My Child?

Students or their parents can hold a boarding school liable for sexual abuse if it occurs as a result of the actions (or inaction) of an employee.

However, there is a reasonable fear for parents that taking a sexual predator to court could be hard on the child.

Alternatively, it can empower a child to experience a sense of justice for the misdeeds perpetrated against them. The legal action may also help prevent abuse from occurring to others.

The local court and your attorney will attempt to shield your child from any adverse psychological trauma. Victim support groups are available to assist you and your child.

Why Are Boarding School Sexual Abuse Cases Covered Up?

That boarding school sexual abuse occurs at all is shocking to many Pennsylvanians. The fact that it is then covered up makes the crime even worse. Cover-ups happen primarily to avoid negative publicity for the school. 

Sometimes, strong rumors have gone uninvestigated. At other times, plaintiffs were told to use an outside school consultant rather than seeking proper legal advice.

Perpetrators have often been allowed to remain on paid leave during investigations. They are resigning from their position at the school after a conviction.

Boarding schools protecting their interests instead of those of child victims can be held liable under Pennsylvania’s child abuse laws.

Examples Of Predatory Behavior

Some typical examples of predatory behavior include:

• Building trust with victims
• Encouraging reliance on the abuser
• Gift-giving and acts of kindness
• Strategies to isolate the victim (private tutoring or training)
• Gradual sexual interaction, starting with touching/fondling
• Maintaining secrecy and cultivating feelings of shame, guilt, and fear/threat

Boarding Schools Enabling Sexual Predators

Grooming victims is common for sexual predators in boarding schools and elsewhere. A predator earns a child’s trust and tests them to see what they can get away with before a pattern of stronger abuse takes hold.

Some abusers are adept at this strategy, targeting vulnerable individuals who may feel lonely or have low self-esteem. Many specialize in making the victim feel partly to blame for the abuse, so they unwittingly shield the perpetrator by not reporting it.

The close-knit community in boarding schools provides plenty of opportunities for predators to target easily accessible victims.

Reporting Boarding School Sexual Abuse In Pennsylvania

School administrators and school owners must report any inappropriate sexual activity involving students under federal and state laws. If boarding school officials fail to report sexual abuse, criminal charges and civil litigation may follow.

Some predators slip through the system as schools nationwide are not required to share information about child abuse with other educational institutions. Many have moved interstate and found new employment.

Fortunately, with greater awareness of the problem of sexual abuse the legal loopholes for sexual predators are slowly closing. As more victims come forward, it should help to protect more children in the future.

Help For Boarding School Sexual Abuse Victims In Pennsylvania

If you want the sexual abuse lawyers at Andreozzi + Foote to evaluate your case, please call 1 (866)-694-2307 for a free consultation.

All the information you provide will be treated confidentially, including your identity.

Pennsylvania Big Brothers Big Sisters: Preventing Childhood Abuse in Youth Organizations

Big Brothers Big Sisters are not immune to allegations of child sexual abuse. Daily we confront child sexual abuse as more reports come out. Looking away is not an option.

Unfortunately, studies have shown that children are far more likely to be the victim of abuse than adults.

One in four girls, one in 13 boys, abuse occurs before age of 18.(CDC)

Children today face enough challenges as they grow without having to worry about being abused by the very people charged with looking after their welfare.

Whether it’s in a religious, sporting, educational or youth setting, child abuse should not be tolerated by anyone.

Learning about it, confronting it, and calling it out is the first step to putting a stop to it.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of America helps establish one-on-one mentoring between adult “Bigs” and their “Littles.” By the nature of Big Brother Big Sister programs, much of the “Big” and “Little” one-on-one contact is unsupervised. Sadly, child predators often infiltrate youth-serving organizations like Big Brothers Big Sisters that provide unmonitored contact with children. Child sexual abuse is an inherent risk in youth-serving programs for this reason.

Failure to Protect Children

By the 1970s, the Big Brothers Big Sisters knew of the risk of sexual abuse and began to study child sex abuse within the organization. In fact, Big Brothers Big Sisters has acknowledged for decades that “Littles” are at high risk of abuse.

Despite Big Brothers Big Sisters awareness of this problem, not until recently did the organization publicly acknowledge the sexual abuse risk children faced as “Littles.” Also, if Big Brothers Big Sisters did not adequately screen a “Big” with a history of sexual misconduct or other red flags, the organization can be liable for abuse suffered by a “Little.”

Who Are Most At Risk Of Child Sexual Abuse?

In approximately six out of 10 cases of child sexual abuse, the perpetrator is known to the child but they are not related.

There are certain places where predators have easy access to their victims – and if policies and procedures in these organizations do not protect children adequately, the risks can be severe.

Perpetrators are known to “groom” their victims in roughly half of all cases of child sexual abuse, often with the unwitting assistance of the institutions that employ them.

The subjects of abuse in educational establishments and religious organizations are dealt with elsewhere but one of the other main locations for child abuse in North America is in youth organizations.

Even some organizations that set out to help protect young people are guilty of fostering environments where sexual abuse can thrive.

This is an uncomfortable truth that parents are increasingly having to face around the world.

Big Brothers Big Sisters: What Is The National Safety Record?

Big Brothers Big Sisters is an organization that set out to protect young people when it was founded in 1904.

The organization is known for its mentoring network, whereby children aged five and above (“Littles”) are partnered with adult volunteers in their community (“Bigs”). Its stated goal is to help children develop through a system of mentors and confidants.

While this is an admirable goal, it is easy to see how sexual predators could gain access to their victims.

After all, many of the “grooming behaviors” practiced by sexual predators (e.g. hosting sleepovers) are similar to normal adult and child interactions and there is a high degree of trust placed in the adults who act as mentors.

Awareness In The Organization That Problems Exist

The Big Brother Big Sister organization claims the following:

“Nationally, over our organization’s history, reports of child sexual abuse in a local Big Brothers Big Sisters program have been much lower than the rate of child sexual abuse in our society — and lower than the rate of sexual abuse identified in all youth-serving organizations across the U.S.”

However, more cases have come to light recently, dating as far back as the 1980s. What is perhaps even more concerning is that the leadership of the organization was aware that problems existed but did little to investigate them. Worse, it may have attempted to cover them up, thereby facilitating further abuse.

It turns out that the vetting and supervisory processes for staff and volunteers were not as stringent as they should have been, allowing some sexual predators easy access to their victims.

For whatever reason – lack of funding, laziness, or naivety – this is unacceptable for an organization that parents entrust their children to and which purports to facilitate safe interactions between adults and children.

The organization has taken steps recently to correct the vetting and supervisory aspects within the organization but victims are still coming forward.

How To Prevent Sexual Abuse In Youth Organizations

Any youth organization that is serious about preventing sexual abuse needs to view it as the crime that it is, be vigilant, and introduce the right measures to monitor the staff and volunteers in its charge.

Parents and employers need to understand more about the grooming process. Children also need to know about what might constitute abuse and what personal boundaries are.

Specific steps that youth organizations can take to help prevent abuse include the following:

Screen employees/volunteers

Background checks (including criminal records and actually calling previous employers to check the reason for leaving) are essential.

This should include other teens and minors as many cases of child abuse are perpetrated by other minors.

Clean background checks do not preclude the possibility of sexual abuse but it should at least mean that known offenders are not placed in a position where they can cause further harm.

Introduce Strict Codes Of Conduct

Youth-serving organizations must be clear about what constitutes positive interactions between adults and youth and what are harmful ones.

Introduce employees to your code of conduct and have them sign off annually.

Most incidents of child sexual abuse happen between one adult and a minor. It’s a good policy to ensure that two adults are always present (no one-on-one interactions). Prohibit meetings outside of the organization’s direct environment, and to impose clear rules about permitted physical contact.

Closely Monitor Staff/volunteer Behavior

Staff and volunteers must adhere to the strict codes of conduct and rules must be enforced. This will require some degree of monitoring to check for violations of conduct. And report filed via a clear chain of command.

Youth organizations should protect themselves by documenting the steps taken to monitor their people. They should note where guideline violations.  They should document inappropriate behavior e.g. meeting out of hours, giving gifts, one-on-one meetings, etc.

Unscheduled observations of employees and volunteers as they engage with youth members should be part of any supervisory role.

Investigate And Discipline Undesirable Behavior

Human resources takes action on low level policy violations. However, for serious breaches or in cases of clear grooming behavior, law enforcement or child protection services may need to be notified to investigate the allegations or suspicions.

Internal investigations may harm the legal process so it’s best to:

• Create a series of policies for investigating reports with the collaboration of a lawyer
• Clearly define appropriate, inappropriate, and harmful behaviors
• Define which violations are investigated internally and which should involve the authorities
• Be clear on the confidentiality and community/press notification responsibilities of your organization
• Introduce policies for how to handle a staff member/volunteer while they are under investigation for sexual abuse
• Nominate a particular person to report instances of child abuse to the authorities
• Document all reports and investigations

Create Environments That Deter Abuse

Youth organizations can introduce changes to their environment that help prevent abuse, such as:

• Installing security cameras in areas hidden from view
• Making sure there are clear lines of sight at all times
• Making lighting brighter
• Locking closets/storerooms
• Having open-door policies
• Fitting windows into all doors
• Ensuring safety in toilets, showers, and changing rooms

Provide Ongoing Training

Ongoing (at least annual) training for Big Brothers Big Sisters employees, volunteers, and youth members about sexual abuse is a key component to preventing it.

Include information about:

• Sexual grooming and warning signs of child sexual abuse
• Definitions of appropriate and inappropriate conduct
• Organizational policies regarding child sexual abuse prevention
• How to report instances of abuse

Prevent child abuse in youth organizations: report it!

Do not downplay sexual abuse. It is a crime and it needs to be treated as such.

Report violations of policy or concerns of child abuse immediately to the appropriate staff member. For more serious instances seek the help of a local child abuse lawyer or report directly to local law enforcement.

Covering up child abuse or harboring abusers requires accountablilty.

If you or a loved one was a victim of sexual abuse within the Big Brothers & Big Sisters, call us to schedule a consultation at 866-694-3103

Pedophilia in Youth Organizations: What You Need to Know

Pedophilia: it’s a topic that most people find unpalatable. Nevertheless, understanding more about it is the key to uncovering potential risks and preventing more children from suffering sexual abuse.

The horrific fact is that most pedophiles who are caught offend over 200 times before being stopped. Most are never caught: the FBI reports that one out of ten cases of child sexual abuse are reported to law enforcement.

Our society is clearly not well set up to identify the signs and we could and should be doing more.

What Does A Pedophile Look Like?

Pedophiles live amongst us undetected.

The problem is that many innocent adult-child interactions that look and feel normal to the average observer are similar to actions that a pedophile takes to prey on a victim.

A good example is hosting sleepovers. To a parent, hosting sleepovers of their child’s friends is a perfectly normal activity. Even to a sports coach, a child sleeping over with the permission of the parents might seem innocent enough if there is a valid reason.

To a pedophile, however, this may represent a golden opportunity.

So how do we recognize when normal adult-child interactions become something else?

We need to understand more about pedophiles and what they “look like”. A lot of information has been compiled over the years by interviewing convicted pedophiles and building up profiles. We can use this to help identify red flags.

Most pedophiles are males who have been abused as children. Their undesirable behavior often begins in the teen years. For individuals caught early, rehabilitation has often been successful.

Many perpetrators are charming and friendly, which gives them easy access to “prey”, building trust with their victims over time. Young children are taught to trust the word of adults so it is often impossible for them to distinguish between a lie and the truth.

Many pedophiles start to gain positions of power and authority where they are in charge of organizations that provide assistance or services for youth, such as nonprofit organizations, sports or religious groups, and so on.

Pedophiles often use the position of perceived power to create opportunities for time alone with their victims, manipulating and lying to gain these opportunities. In return, the child victim receives gifts, special “privileges”, recognition, attention, and affection which may or may not be absent from the family home.

This preys on the child’s vulnerability and gullibility – two qualities that pedophiles often seek in their victims. Perpetrators may build up the self-esteem of vulnerable individuals and appeal to their need to be understood and valued. This highly manipulative behavior is a way to win the affection and trust of the child.

Many pedophiles are practiced at this and extremely skillful in exploiting situations to get what they want. They effectively “control” their victims, who trust their word and are naturally curious, making them incapable of sensing the danger they may be placed in.

The grooming process is generally slow and gradual, which makes it even more difficult for the child or their family to spot. Pedophiles are often patient and build relationships that engender the trust they need for everything else to follow.

They are aware that any sudden moves might raise red flags and tend to “test” their victims with progressively more suggestive behavior. They will often make moves “accidentally on purpose” to give themselves an excuse if challenged.

Pedophiles In Youth Organizations

Pedophilia is such a problem in the U.S. and worldwide that even many of the organizations that warn against it are victims of it.

Youth organizations like Big Brother Big Sister have even been afflicted by cases of pedophilia.

This organization started in 1904 with the noble intention of serving youth and developing youngsters by partnering them with adult mentors.

In recent times, allegations of sexual abuse from inside the organization going back to the 1980s have forced the leaders to take evasive action by introducing more thorough screening processes and making other procedural changes.

Who’s Most At Risk From Sexual Abuse?

In the simplest terms – every child.

It’s not just deprived orphans with a poor upbringing who are in danger of falling into the hands of a pedophile, though they are a high-risk group.

Any shy, vulnerable, or naive child (with or without a disability) and any child who has been neglected emotionally is at risk.

However, even children from “normal” families can be seduced if they are vulnerable and have not been taught what the warning signs are and how to deal with sexual abusers.

If an adult from outside of the family is granted significant time alone with a child, the guard should instantly go up. Families and leaders of organizations need to be on the lookout for undesirable behavior, policy violations by their staff and volunteers, and unexplained behavioral changes in children.

This is the very least that needs to be done. There is considerably more that should be done.

What Can Parents Do To Prevent Child Sexual Abuse?

The first responsibility lies with parents to be observant and to carefully educate their children about the reality of pedophilia:

• Teach your child about personal body safety and personal boundaries according to their age – as they grow the education needs to be updated: a five-year-old needs different advice to a 10 or 15-year-old.
• Observe your child closely for unexplained behavioral changes or negativity towards a particular individual – especially male neighbors, friends, or other community members.
• Be wary and ask questions of any special gifts or privileges that your child has received from any of these individuals.
• Be cognizant of the risks posed if there are frequent one-on-one closed-door meetings between your child and a teacher, coach, youth group leader, babysitter, or other person placed in a position of responsibility with your child.
• If your child makes statements that suggest he or she may have suffered abuse, call 911 immediately and have the complaint investigated.

If you require legal assistance with a pedophilia complaint, contact the sexual abuse lawyers at Andreozzi & Foote. Start with a free and confidential consultation.

Sexual Abuse Lawyers in Pittsburgh Supporting Our Clients Every Step of the Way

Sexual abuse is a devastating experience that can have long-lasting psychological, emotional, and physical effects on survivors. Victims of sexual abuse often feel a mix of emotions, including shock, disbelief, betrayal, and shame. They may also struggle with depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Feelings of guilt or responsibility for the abusive behavior can compound the trauma of being sexually abused. Survivors may blame themselves for not recognizing the signs or speaking out sooner. This self-blame can lead to feelings of inadequacy and difficulty trusting future relationships. Survivors may also find it difficult to fully express their emotions while simultaneously trying to make sense of what happened to them.

Victims of sexual abuse face unique challenges in their path to recovery. They must cope with the effects of trauma and navigate legal proceedings that may involve testifying against their abuser in court. The fear and distress survivors face as they relive their traumatic experiences during the justice system process can be overwhelming and intimidating.

At Andreozzi & Foote, we understand how difficult it is for victims of sexual abuse to pursue legal action against an attacker or negligent party responsible for allowing abuse to occur unchecked. We strive to provide professional legal representation with sensitivity towards your experience while helping you seek justice through civil proceedings, regardless if there was an outcome through criminal proceedings or not. Our team will work together at every stage while pursuing your case, including building evidence, filing paperwork, and representing you in court when necessary, all while providing sound advice throughout the process so you are fully informed as far as any potential risks associated with litigation as well as any available remedies available under civil law that might be applicable in your case.

What is Sexual Abuse?

Sexual abuse is any form of unwanted sexual contact or attention. This includes, but is not limited to, rape and other forms of sexual assault, sexual exploitation and grooming, and other forms of exploitation. It can occur between adults and children and may happen at home, in the workplace, or even in public places.

The most common perpetrators of sexual abuse are people with power over the victim—like parents, teachers, or coaches—or those the victims trust—like family members or friends. Sexual abuse can also occur when an abuser manipulates a vulnerable person into situations where they feel unable to give consent.

Sexual abuse does not always leave physical evidence; it often leaves psychological trauma that can cause long-term emotional damage. Common signs include depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, suicidal thoughts, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Victims of sexual abuse may also suffer from physical health problems such as chronic pain and fatigue due to the trauma they experienced.

Survivors need to be aware that lawyers can represent them if they decide to pursue civil action against an abuser. Survivors should seek legal representation early on so that they can make informed decisions about pursuing a case while still accessing necessary healing resources throughout the process. Furthermore, talking with a lawyer allows survivors to explore all aspects of taking legal action, including how much support may be available from state or federal compensation programs for victims of crime. Let us help you get the justice you rightfully deserve.

What are Common Signs of Sexual Abuse?

Sexual abuse is a disturbing and often traumatic experience for victims. While every case of sexual abuse is different, some common signs may indicate that someone has been the victim of such an attack. Victims can experience physical, psychological, and emotional symptoms due to their ordeal.

Physical signs of sexual abuse include unexplained bruises or scratches, sexually transmitted diseases, pregnancy, or bleeding from the genital area. In addition to these physical signs, psychological and emotional distress are common in people who have experienced sexual assault or other forms of abuse. Symptoms such as depression, anxiety, sleep disturbances, flashbacks, and nightmares can all be indicators that someone has suffered some form of sexual violence.

Victims may also exhibit behavior changes, which could indicate that something has happened. Such changes may include becoming withdrawn, avoiding certain people or places, or displaying a decrease in self-esteem and confidence.

Ultimately, it’s vital for victims of sexual abuse to know that they are not alone and that professional legal representation can help them find closure and regain control over their lives. With the right legal team on your side, you will have the peace of mind you deserve.

What Evidence is Needed for a Sexual Abuse Case?

When a lawyer represents a victim of sexual abuse in a civil case, they must prove that the perpetrator is legally responsible for damages caused by their behavior. The evidence needed to build a successful case can vary from situation to situation but generally includes medical records, police reports, and witness testimony.

Medical records are essential for victims of sexual abuse because they provide tangible proof of an injury or other trauma experienced as the result of the assault. When doctors document physical injuries related to the assault, it creates an indisputable level of evidence that can be used in court proceedings. Similarly, psychological evaluations obtained following an incident offer evidence regarding any emotional distress suffered due to the incident.

Police reports are also critical when pursuing civil action against a perpetrator of sexual abuse. These reports provide an objective account of what happened and offer additional evidence to support a victim’s claim. Police reports also help lawyers prove that the accused perpetrator knew about the incident and would be legally liable for damages caused by their actions.

Finally, witness testimony is invaluable when pursuing a case against a perpetrator of sexual abuse in civil court. Witnesses who observed or experienced the abuse can provide first-hand accounts that are incredibly helpful when building a solid legal case against an abuser.

By collecting this type of evidence during their investigation, our lawyers are better able to build strong cases and maximize potential compensation for our clients.

How Can an Experienced Sexual Abuse Lawyer Help?

Though it is not always possible to seek justice through criminal proceedings, especially if an abuser has died or is no longer living in the same jurisdiction, survivors still have options for seeking civil justice through sexual abuse lawyers like Andreozzi & Foote in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Civil law allows victims to pursue financial compensation from perpetrators or organizations responsible for the negligence that contributed to the abuse occurring or continuing unchecked. This type of lawsuit serves both practical financial needs resulting from medical care and other expenses associated with recovery. Perhaps more importantly, it provides a sense of closure for many victims who previously felt powerless over their situation due to a lack of criminal accountability. Call us at 866-311-8640 to learn more about how we can help.