Sexual abuse is something that nobody should ever have to experience. When we extend our trust to people in positions of authority or power, the last thing we expect is that they will violate us. However, we know that sexual abuse happens, and you need to know where to turn if it has happened to you or a loved one.
The compassionate attorneys at Soloff & Zervanos, P.C. is ready to step in for you or your loved one and work to secure the compensation you deserve for your past, present, and future suffering. No amount of money will erase what happened, but it can help bring closure for your family and prevent this from happening to anyone else. When you need a New York City sexual abuse lawyer, call us today.
Under the New York Penal Code, sexually-based offenses are prosecutable under Part 3, Title H, Article 130. Sexual abuse may be a misdemeanor or a felony and is covered under Articles 130.52 through 130.70. Common charges include:
You may be confused as to what the difference is between sexual assault and sexual abuse. There is not much difference, but we generally use the term sexual abuse to describe what happens when a person in a position of power or authority over a person sexually assaults them in any way.
These cases happen in many ways. A few of them are children who have been abused by a(n):
These cases also include adults who have been abused, such as:
Sexual abuse takes many forms and can include:
We know that around one in 10 children will be sexually abused before their 18th birthday. This includes:
The effects of sexual abuse, whether it happens to a child or an adult, are usually lifelong. If you were abused as a child, it is not too late to seek justice. We know that stepping up now can be difficult, but shining a light on the abuse may help others in similar situations. A sexual abuse lawyer in New York City could help.
There are no words to describe the psychological, emotional, and physical harm that sexual abuse victims must deal with following the crime. Some choose not to tell anyone about this dark chapter in their life and live with it for the rest of their life.
While no sexual abuse lawyer or prosecutor will be able to undo what you had to endure, you can pursue justice. Yes, doing so is not easy. But with a sexual abuse attorney in New York City by your side, you can obtain some measure of closure to get a chance to move on and start a new chapter in your life.
Many sexual abuse victims do not know the difference between civil and criminal sexual abuse cases. In New York City, victims of sexual abuse and assault have the right to get justice through both a civil and criminal court.
In a criminal case, you can hold the perpetrator criminally liable for what he or she did to you. If your criminal case is successful, the abuser might go to prison and face other penalties.
Contrary to popular belief, a civil sexual abuse case is not just about obtaining monetary compensation for your economic and non-economic losses, which, by the way, can be tremendous.
Since civil claims are handled separately from criminal cases, filing a civil suit is often the only way for a victim of sexual abuse to hold the abuser accountable for committing the crime. In New York, a sexual abuse and assault survivor can get justice in a civil court even if the abuser has not been charged with a crime in a criminal case.
Rape, which New York law defines as forcing another individual to engage in sexual intercourse against their will, is the most common type of sexual assault. However, the state of New York also recognizes other types of sexual assault:
A victim of sexual abuse can feel humiliated, dehumanized, and ashamed of what happened even though none of it was their fault. Many victims may also feel scared to report sexual abuse because they fear retaliation.
Failure to come forward and speak up is wrong for two reasons. First of all, you are unable to obtain at least some degree of closure, and, second of all, you cannot get the justice that you so desperately need.
In fact, failing to speak up increases the likelihood that your abuser will continue abusing and victimizing other people in the future.
Reporting the act of sexual abuse sooner rather than later can also help you preserve the evidence that is necessary to prove the crime. The sooner you take action, the greater the likelihood of seeing your civil and criminal case succeed.
You might have heard about the Child Victims Act, which took effect on August 14, 2019. The Act will remain effective until August 14, 2020, and offers a unique chance for many sexual abuse survivors to seek justice.
Many people contact Soloff & Zervanos, P.C., and ask our lawyer to spell out what the Child Victims Act is all about and how it can impact their sexual abuse case. In a nutshell, the Act:
Do not waste your chance to get the justice you so desperately need to bring your life back on track. The Child Victims Act is a unique opportunity to find closure.
You may not know where to start if you or a loved one have been sexually abused. Soloff & Zervanos, P.C. is ready to help, regardless of whether the abuse recently happened or if you were sexually abused years ago. We want you to get justice for what happened to you.
We will work tirelessly to secure the compensation you deserve. This can include:
If you need a New York City sexual abuse lawyer, you can contact us.