What Is Sexual Abuse?
Sexual abuse involves any type of nonconsensual or unwanted sexual acts against another. Coercing, intimidating, pressuring, or forcing someone to do something of a sexual nature that they don’t want to do is considered sexual abuse. Sexual abuse can exist between strangers, coworkers, friends, family members, and spouses.
Several different nonphysical and physical acts constitute sexual abuse, including:
- Unwanted sexual touching
- Unwanted violent sexual activity
- Kissing or hugging without consent
- Sexual contact with someone unconscious, drugged, or under the influence
- Sexual contact with a minor or person with mental impairment
- Rape, statutory rape, or attempted rape
- Molestation or physical sexual assault
A sexual abuser can target an adult or child. Sexual discrimination and sexual harassment are also considered forms of sexual abuse. If you are a survivor of sexual abuse of any kind, an experienced sexual abuse lawyer at Parker Waicman LLP can meet with you for a free legal consultation to talk about your experience and how they can help you fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.
What Are the Warning Signs Of Sexual Abuse?
An individual who has suffered sexual abuse may not want to come forward or may not have the ability to come forward. Some survivors do not report the abuse due to their lack of understanding of what is considered sexual abuse, or out of fear of retaliation. Others may not report the abuse out of fear that they will not be believed or they are physically unable to do so. The warning signs of sexual abuse differ according to the age of the victim.
Signs of sexual abuse may include:
- Unexplained injuries
- Bloody undergarments
- Bruises
- Upset stomach
- Trouble sleeping
- Loss of appetite
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Rage or anger
- Mood swings
- Low self-esteem
- Suicidal feelings or thoughts
- Withdrawal from favorite activities
- Outbursts
- Decreased performance in school
- Isolation from others
- Alcohol or drug use
- Bedwetting
- Regression
- Knowledge of sexual subjects
Criminal vs. Civil vs. Sexual Abuse Cases
Sexual abuse is a serious crime that should be prosecuted to the full extent of the law. Many sexual abuse cases go unreported and cannot be prosecuted years after the abuse takes place. This can be very frustrating for the survivor and their family. However, there’s still some recourse for survivors.
While it may be too late to prosecute the crime, survivors can still hold their abusers liable through a lawsuit. A lawsuit allows survivors to seek monetary damage awards for the harm the abuser caused.
Who Can Be Held Liable For Sex Abuse On Long Island?
In addition to your abuser, other parties can be held responsible. This may include the victim’s place of employment, a church, a school, a daycare center, a nursing home, a medical office, or a hospital. These facilities may be held negligent in their duties. For example, if they failed to conduct a background check, created unsafe conditions, or used hiring practices that led to the abuse, they can be held partially responsible for damages.
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