Nationwide Child Molestation and Sex Abuse Lawyers
Seeking Justice for Victims of Sex Abuse in California and Beyond
What is Sexual Abuse?
Sexual abuse and molestation go far beyond what is normally considered sex.
Sexual abuse, in any form, is not easy to talk about whether it happened recently or decades ago. When someone has been sexually abused, assaulted, harassed, or molested, it can be difficult to comprehend, let alone to seek justice. That is where the Law Offices of Mark Yablonovich comes in to help.
Sex abuse of children is a pervasive problem throughout the United States. The Child Molestation Research & Prevention Institute has found that at least one in five girls and one in ten boys will be sexually abused before they become teenagers. Given the difficulty in reporting such abuse, the numbers are likely even higher. Sadly, most abuse is perpetrated by adults that a child knows, such as a relative, teacher, religious leader, coach, or mentor. Countless organizations serving children have failed to take the steps necessary to protect them from sexual abuse and misconduct. Such organizations are finally facing legal responsibility.
California takes the protection of children against acts of sexual abuse very seriously. The laws in place to protect children, prevent abuse, and punish those who commit it are powerful tools for seeking justice. These laws cover a wide range of sexual activities and inappropriate behavior, including:
- Fondling or touching a child’s private areas
- Making a child fondle or touch an adult’s sexual organs
- Grooming a child for sexual contact
- Indecent exposure in front of a minor
- Allowing a child to be exposed to pornography or other explicit materials
- Sexual exhibitionism in front of a child
- Penetrating a child’s vagina or anus with any object without a valid medical purpose
- Forcing or soliciting a child into prostitution
- Using a child to produce pornography
If you suspect abuse or if your child reports abuse, listen. Don’t let abusers excuse their behavior by saying that it was an accident or a joke. The truth is, if it makes you or your child feel uncomfortable, it is likely abuse. To learn what action you can take against the abuser, speak with an experienced child sex abuse attorney today.
We give our clients a strategic advantage by partnering on many of our cases with another distinguished law firm that has recovered over $225 million for its clients. With the opportunity to secure two aggressive and committed law firms, your case can harness remarkable results.
Signs of Sexual Abuse, Assault, or Molestation
The sad truth is that far too many cases of sexual abuse go unrecognized and unreported.
Children often feel shame, fear, and uncertainty in the wake of abuse and may not know how to verbalize what has happened to them. That is why it is imperative for parents to notice when something may be wrong with their child. Signs of sexual abuse may include:
- Anxiety, especially around certain people
- Sudden changes in mood, including anger, depression, and withdrawal
- Changes in appetite and eating habits
- Increased OCD-type behavior
- Urinary tract infections
- Bedwetting
- ·Increased interest in or knowledge of sex
- ·Interest in sexually explicit material
- ·Sexual behavior inappropriate for the child’s age
Removing your child from any situation you feel is unsafe is the most important step. It is important, then, to get your child to speak about what has happened. Children may feel more comfortable speaking with a therapist or other professional before speaking with their parents or guardians about the abuse. It is important to allow children to go at their own pace. Once the safety of your child is secured, speak to an experienced sex abuse attorney about the steps you can take to punish the abuser and prevent further abuse.
If you suspect abuse, it is important that you take action immediately.
The Long-Term Effects of Child Sexual Abuse
The effects of child sexual abuse can be profound and long lasting.
Many victims don’t recognize these effects until they are adults. Some victims relive the trauma of the abuse for decades after the assault. Common long-term effects of sexual abuse include:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (CPTSD)
- Drug Abuse
- Social Anxiety
- Isolation
- Change in Appetite
- ·Fatigue
- ·Irritability
- ·Feelings of Guilt
- ·Hopelessness
- ·Difficulty Concentrating
- Sexual Dysfunction
Who Is Liable for Child Molestation?
Child sexual abuse can occur in a variety of circumstances.
Depending on the identity of the abuser and how the abuse occurs, there may be many parties who are ultimately responsible for the suffering caused by abuse.
Organizations serving young people have a vital duty to ensure the safety of their participants. When an institution knew or should have known about the risks of abuse and failed to take appropriate steps to keep children safe, the institution, along with the individual abuser, may face liability for the harm caused.
The following organizations and individuals have been held responsible in sexual abuse cases:
- ·Churches and synagogues
- ·Employers
- School districts
- Boy Scouts of America
- Clergy members
- ·School teachers
- ·Athletic coaches
- Colleges and universities
- ··Hospitals
- Nursing homes
- ·Youth sports leagues or clubs
It is critical to determine all possible liable parties when pursuing justice for sexual abuse and molestation. Speak with an experienced sex abuse attorney today to understand who may be responsible for your injuries.
Criminal vs. Civil Sex Abuse Cases
Sexual battery, sexual exploitation of a minor, prostitution and solicitation, and other sex crimes commonly involve the criminal justice system.
The prosecutor’s office has the choice of whether to investigate allegations and file criminal charges for sexual misconduct involving children. These cases are important to directly punish the abuser, but they are often inadequate to hold the organization accountable and to help victims recover from abuse and cover their losses.
A civil lawsuit, on the other hand, allows victims to seek compensation, including:
- Medical expenses
- ·Pain and suffering
- ·Lost opportunities
- ··Punitive damages
While no amount of money can erase the harm caused by sexual abuse, adequate compensation can help you and your family move forward with healing and a sense of justice. Civil lawsuits can also help protect others from sexual abuse by encouraging institutions to implement policies to prevent further abuse from occurring.
Statute of Limitations for Child Sexual Assault
Many victims of sexual abuse still have time to pursue legal action against their abusers.
Each state has its own statute of limitations. The statute of limitations sets the time that survivors have to initiate legal proceedings from the date of an offense.
State legislatures have allowed some adults to sue for sexual abuse that happened when they were children. But the ability to sue is set to expire in some states. Given the narrowing window of time for survivors to sue, it is imperative for them to consider legal recourse before it is too late.
Often, survivors don't realize they may have decades after the abuse to bring such claims against the abusers and those who allowed the abuse to take place (i.e., churches, schools, youth organizations, or any other organizations). Please contact us today to learn more about your options before it is too late.
About the Law Offices of Mark Yablonovich
Compassionate Lawyers Dedicated to fighting for Child Sex Abuse Victims.
When choosing a lawyer to represent you and/or your child it is important to have a team that you can trust. The attorneys at the Law Offices of Mark Yablonovich are dedicated and skilled advocates with a passion for obtaining justice for victims of sexual assault in all forms. The Law Offices of Mark Yablonovich has a consistent track record of victory for its clients and brings experience that is both professional and personal in the realm of child sex abuse.
You’re not alone. We are here to walk you through this difficult time both inside and outside of the courtroom.
Let's talk about how we can help
We serve individuals across the country, and we are here to listen to your story.
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