What is Sexual Abuse?
Sexual abuse is any type of nonconsensual or unwanted sexual act that occurs against another. Coercing, intimidating, pressuring, or forcing someone into doing something of a sexual nature that they don’t want to do is considered sexual abuse. Sexual abuse can exist between strangers, coworkers, family members, spouses, or friends. Several different nonphysical and physical acts can be considered sexual abuse, including:
- Kissing, hugging, or touching without consent
- Unwanted violent sexual activity
- Sexual contact with someone unconscious, drugged, or under the influence
- Physical molestation or sexual assault
- Statutory rape, rape, or attempted rape
Sexual abusers can target both adults and children. Abusive acts can be nonverbal or verbal. Sexual harassment or discrimination against another is a form of sexual abuse. If you are a survivor of sexual abuse of any kind, a qualified Queens sexual abuse attorney at Parker Waichman LLP can meet with you to discuss your case and how they can help hold your abuser accountable for the harm you have suffered.
Do I Need to Hire a Sexual Abuse Lawyer?
If you or a loved one suffered sexual abuse, you need the assistance of an experienced Queens sexual abuse lawyer who knows how to handle these types of complex cases. At Parker Waichman LLP, our legal team is ready to fight for you.
We have a track record of success that comes from our legal team tailoring each solution to the needs of each client. Our sexual abuse attorneys have several years of negotiation and litigation experience that they will bring to your case.
What Are Common Signs Of Sexual Abuse?
Sexual abuse is a deeply traumatic experience and may manifest in a variety of signs and symptoms. These signs and symptoms can vary from person to person. It’s important to note that on their own, these signs and symptoms don’t necessarily indicate sexual abuse. However, they can be a potential indicator that someone has experienced abuse.
Common signs include:
- Unexplained and sudden changes in personality, mood, or behavior
- Withdrawal from social activities
- Increased aggression
- Regressive behaviors, such as excessive clinging, thumbsucking, or bedwetting
- Age-inappropriate knowledge regarding sexual language or anatomy
- Increased fear and anxiety
- Nightmares
- Panic attacks or generalized anxiety
- Suicidal thoughts
- Insomnia
- Unexplained weight gain or weight loss
- Self-harming behavior
- Difficulty trusting others
- Engaging in risky behaviors
- Fear of physical contact
What Compensation Can Victims of Sexual Abuse Recover?
The amount you’ll receive from a settlement or award can vary based on the facts of a case. The long-term impact on the victim’s emotional and mental health, the extent of trauma suffered, and other variables will come into play when negotiating a settlement or when pursuing compensation and justice in court.
The victim of sexual abuse may be entitled to the following types of damages:
- Physical pain and suffering
- Past and future medical bills
- Past and future lost income
- Costs of therapy
- Mental anguish
And other economic and non-economic damages.
.svg){kind=small}
.avif)
.avif)