Upholding the rights of sexual abuse victims

Children who are suffering from sexual abuse cope the best they can, which often involves attempting to ignore their feelings and staying silent. But the pain and shame do not go away when the abuse stops. It surfaces in other ways, from depression and eating disorders to substance abuse and risky behaviors.

Sometimes, it takes years for victims to recognize the link between the sexual abuse they suffered as a child and their current problems and challenges, from difficulty maintaining relationships to an inability to finish school or hold a job. Alternately, children may suppress memories of abuse for many years, with the realization of what occurred dawning on them at a much later age.

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Statute of limitations for sexual abuse cases

As of January 2020, survivors of childhood sexual abuse have until they reach the age of 40 or 5 years from the discovery of the abuse, to file a civil lawsuit. The newly updated law also allows for a three years window to revive claims that were originally barred because of the statute of limitations.

Furthermore, “In cases where a child becomes a victim of sexual assault as the result of an effort to cover up past assaults,” victims may be entitled to treble damages in their claims.

Long-term effects of childhood sexual abuse on adult survivors

The effects of childhood sexual abuse often last well into adulthood. Many survivors struggle for years, unaware of the link between the abuse they struggled with and their current challenges, such as fractured relationships, substance abuse, eating disorders, suicidal thoughts, self-destructive behavior, inability to finish school or hold a job, and more. According to an Atlantic article, victims of sexual assault are three times more likely to suffer from depression, six times more likely to suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder, 13 times more likely to abuse alcohol, 26 times more likely to abuse drugs, and four times more likely to contemplate suicide.

Our attorneys are familiar with the long-term effects of childhood sexual abuse. In seeking monetary compensation, we look at how the abuse has impacted all areas of the victim’s life and relationships. The harm is usually dramatic and substantial. That is why many of these lawsuits ultimately settle for millions of dollars. That amount reflects the tremendous amount of harm that was inflicted.

The Importance of Choosing the Right Legal Counsel for Your Needs

Seeking guidance from a lawyer experienced in handling the nuances of child sex abuse cases is imperative. At Justice For Abuse, we can help you navigate the intricacies of filing a civil lawsuit against your abuser and the institutions that shielded him or her. Don’t miss out on your opportunity to obtain closure and justice for yourself and others like you. Contact Justice For Abuse by calling (213) 422-5061 to arrange a free confidential consultation.