Sexual abuse of vulnerable patients in healthcare settings is a severe and alarming issue, violating trust and countless moral and ethical standards. These criminal actions have long-lasting impacts on the victims and their families, and underreporting is one of the unfortunate obstacles that hinders the collection of statistics on the current prevalence of violations.
If you or a loved one experienced sexual aggression in a medical setting, schedule a meeting with a compassionate Irvine healthcare child sexual abuse lawyer to discuss your case. The dedicated child sexual abuse attorneys at the Cifarelli Law Firm help people throughout Southern California and could ensure you and your loved ones get the justice you deserve.
Among several factors, the private setting and sensitive nature of medical care and examinations put young patients at higher risk of abuse.
Children are inherently vulnerable due to their young age, stage of development, and reliance on adults. These elements, combined with a lack of experience and knowledge, all increase their risk of experiencing sexual assault in medical settings in Irvine. While they may feel that something is wrong, children may not have the ability to comprehend or articulate what occurred. When a predator is in a healthcare setting and holds a position of authority, it heightens the child’s vulnerability.
Healthcare providers, such as pediatricians, doctors, nurses, and therapists, occupy a position of trust and authority, so children and their parents hold them to a higher standard. Sexual predators can exploit the expected safety of a medical setting and violate that trust.
Sexual abuse of all types involving people of all ages is underreported, and this is even more of an issue in healthcare environments. Minor victims may feel confused, ashamed, or afraid, while parents may feel shock or confusion.
Because we place doctors and other medical providers at a high level of trust, symptoms of abuse in a medical setting can be particularly challenging to detect. Signs may be subtle or altogether absent. If children exhibit emotional distress and behavioral changes, this could potentially indicate abuse.
Our Irvine attorneys could help in investigating potential sex crimes against minors by medical professionals and support your family through this challenging time.
When healthcare professionals take advantage of their position and sexually violate young patients, the impacts can be devastating. Victims may suffer from long-lasting injuries to their physical, developmental, emotional, and psychological health. Examples of the severe and lasting consequences include:
A seasoned Irvine attorney who understands the lasting impacts of childhood sexual trauma perpetrated by healthcare providers could aggressively advocate for you and your family and fight for a just outcome.
State lawmakers take their duty to protect the vulnerable seriously, particularly children. Over the last decade, legislation has been passed allowing minor victims greater opportunity to obtain the justice they need and deserve. Under the California Child Victims Act, survivors may file criminal abuse cases for offenses that occurred while they were minors for up to five years after they discover the psychological or mental damages they suffered from the abuse, or until their 40th birthday.
Among other protections, this legislation provides increased accountability and broadens the definition of sex crimes involving children. During your consultation, our legal team in Irvine could explain in detail the applicable laws concerning sexual violence against underage victims in healthcare settings and answer your specific questions and concerns.
Sexual abuse in healthcare settings is a grievous violation of trust, but sexual abuse involving minors, in particular, is a profound exploitation of the vulnerability of children and doctor–patient trust.
If your child fell victim to a predator who was working within the medical field, you must hold the perpetrator accountable. Contact our firm to speak with a skilled Irvine healthcare child sexual abuse lawyer today to learn more.
If you or your child has been a victim, talk to an Irvine child sexual abuse lawyer at The Cifarelli Law Firm. Our team is passionate about advocating for victims and helping them seek justice. We understand this is a difficult situation, and we strive to create a place where victims from all over California can feel safe and heard. Call The Cifarelli Law Firm today to schedule a free consultation.
(949) 502-8600
