According to statistics, around 463,000 cases of rape and sexual assault are reported each year in the United States involving victims ages 12 and above. Regrettably, there are far too many instances where victims are too afraid to come forward and, instead, suffer in silence. If you have been the victim of sexual abuse, it is important that you understand your rights. As a victim, you may be entitled to recover compensation for your injuries and losses. Here is what you need to know.
What Is Sexual Abuse?
In general, sexual abuse is any type of sexual activity that occurs without the consent of the victim. Sexual abuse can be as simple as unwanted touching of any area of the body and does not have to involve penetration or making direct contact with the genitals. In some cases, sexual abuse can be verbal, which includes the use of written or spoken words to evoke, express, or imply sexual content.
Recovering Damages After Sexual Abuse
The hardest part of exercising your rights is that, like any other type of case, you must be able to prove that someone injured you, whether verbally or physically. If someone forced you, you should go to the hospital immediately and ask for a rape counselor and rape kit. As for other types of sexual abuse that may not have physical evidence, witnesses, recordings, documentation, texts, emails, letters, and other forms of evidence can help you prove your case in civil court.
In some cases, what your abuser did to you may be a crime. If he or she is charged and has to go to criminal court for his actions, that can be helpful in your civil case. However, it is important to know that you do not need a conviction in order to file a claim against your abuser in civil court. You can still win a settlement or litigation in civil court if you can prove you suffered physical, emotional, and financial damages at the hands of your abuser.
If you are a victim of sexual abuse, you should contact our sexual abuse lawyer right away. We can help you protect your rights and get justice while ensuring your abuser is held to account.
Speak With Our Sexual Abuse Attorney in Irvine, CA
The Cifarelli Law Firm has decades of experience helping victims in Irvine, California, and across Orange County get justice after being harmed by others. Attorney Tom Cifarelli was selected as one of the top 500 plaintiff lawyers in America and the top 50 in Orange County. While working with Cifarelli Law Firm, you can rest assured knowing you are working with a skilled and experienced legal advocate who truly has your best interest in mind. To find out more about your rights as a victim of sexual abuse, schedule a consultation with our team today by calling 949-502-8600.
