Annapolis Sexual Abuse Lawyer
Sexual abuse is a major problem in society, and it is important for survivors to understand they may have legal options at their disposal. Some abuse survivors may be able to obtain compensation for their suffering in a civil court, even if their perpetrator is found not guilty in a criminal court. This is because the burden of proof in civil court is not as great as the burden in criminal court.
If you are ready to fight back against a sexual abuser, it may be in your best interest to hire an experienced Annapolis sexual abuse lawyer to help you fight. Work with a compassionate and determined attorney that could work to hold your abuser responsible.
What Constitutes Sexual Abuse?
There are many different types of sexual abuse, but they all have one thing in common – they exist to terrorize individuals and strip them of their humanity. Sexual abuse is often committed against the most vulnerable members of society, and many abuse survivors are intimidated into silence by their victimizers. Sexual abuse comes in a myriad of forms, but the following crimes are almost always classified as forms of sexual abuse:
- Sexual assault
- Rape
- Sexual harassment
- Child molestation
- Sexual battery
Instances of spousal and date rape are relatively common, and individuals may file a lawsuit against their spouse or romantic partner if they are guilty. Individuals who were sexually abused as minors may still be able to file suit as an adult.
The Emotional Trauma of Sexual Abuse
Sexual abuse is a very serious crime, and it has the potential to leave physical and emotional scars that can never heal. Sexual abuse survivors are often left with deep psychological wounds that develop into full-fledged mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder.
These conditions can be debilitating, and at their worst, they can prevent a person from working, attending school, or participating in life. This loss of income, independence, and happiness can be profound, and to treat such serious mental health conditions, abuse survivors will more than likely need medical help from a psychologist or psychiatrist.
Financial compensation can never erase the pain survivors must deal with on a daily basis, but it can help them pay for treatment and maintain some semblance of normalcy. Annapolis sexual abuse lawyers could help individuals pursue the compensation that they deserve.
Establishing Legal Liability
Perpetrators of sexual abuse should take sole responsibility for their actions, but from a legal perspective, abuse survivors may be able to hold other parties liable for their ordeal.
Doing this is not easy, but with help from an Annapolis sexual abuse lawyer, the survivors of abuse may be able to hold those who create an atmosphere or environment for abuse liable.
Sexual abuse can occur anywhere at any time, but if abuse occurred in at a place of business, residential building, school, or public place, the owners or administrators of such locations may be viewed as complicit.
For example, if a person visits a poorly lit apartment complex with inadequate security, they can hold the owners of the complex liable if they are sexually assaulted. By installing lights and hiring adequate security, the apartment complex could have potentially prevented the assault.
Consulting an Annapolis Sexual Abuse Attorney
If you have been victimized by a sexual abuser, it is important to understand that you may be able to hold your abuser financially and legally accountable in civil court.
By working with an attorney who knows how to handle such cases, you can obtain the compensation you are entitled to compensation for your immense emotional pain and suffering. Get in touch with an Annapolis sexual abuse lawyer to discuss your case.
