Child Sexual Abuse Attorney

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Compassionate Child Sexual Abuse Attorneys Advocating for the Rights of Child Sexual Assault Survivors for Over 25 Years.

Unfortunately, child sexual abuse in the United States is an epidemic. Try watching the news to find a day without a story of a child being sexually assaulted or abused. Whether the abuse occurs at the hands of a family member, teacher, mentor, or any other trusted person in the child’s life, the effects will scar that child for life.

These children eventually become adults ready to seek justice against their abusers. They often find it difficult to trust anyone. They need a legal team that cares about them and knows the law. They need a team that will advocate for everything their abusers took away.

Over the past year, many states have passed laws that extend the time limit or statute of limitations for child sexual abuse victims. The extension allows victims to begin the healing process before facing their abuser in court.

We understand that this process is not like any other case. You were violated in the worst way. You have worked through the pain to get you to the point where you are ready to face your abuser. Now, let our former sex-crimes prosecutors help you fight for the justice you deserve.

What Is Child Sexual Abuse?

Child sexual abuse occurs when an adult (a person 18 or older) participates in sexual acts or performs sexual acts on a minor child under age 18.

Sexual acts mean more than intercourse. They include sexual contact, comments, voyeurism, and other verbal and physical sexual actions.

Examples of child sexual abuse include, but are not limited to:

  • Rape
  • Sexual Assault using foreign objects
  • Possession of child pornography
  • Taking nude photos of a child
  • Forcing a child to view pornographic material
  • Oral sex
  • Voyeurism
  • Flashing
  • Stalking
  • Touching a child’s genitals, breasts, or other intimate areas
  • Vaginal or anal penetration with a finger or penis
  • Discussing sexually specific things with a child
  • Sexting with a child
  • Cyberstalking
  • Exchanging sexually explicit images, photos, or conversations with a child through email, social media, or text messages

Can Child Sexual Abuse Occur Online?

In today’s technology-driven world, child sexual abuse can occur without ever meeting face-to-face. Many children become victims of child trafficking through social media and other online resources. Abusers groom the children they meet online by befriending them.

Often, the children think they are speaking with another child or a young adult they can trust. These adults eventually convince the kids to meet them. Then, these adults abduct the children into a life of sex trafficking or sexual abuse.

Other ways child sexual abuse can occur as online sexual harassment or abuse may include the following:

  • Sexual Bullying
  • Cyberstalking
  • Sexting
  • Sharing sexual videos, images, and websites with a child

Who Are the Victims of Child Sexual Abuse?

The statistics regarding child sexual abuse are appalling. As reported by the Crimes Against Children Research Center, the reality shows that 1 in 5 girls and 1 in 20 boys are sexually abused as children. Further statistics show that 16% of children ages 14 to 17 are sexually assaulted every year. The most vulnerable ages, according to these statistics, are children age 7 through 13.

Who Commits Child Sexual Abuse Acts?

Child sexual abuse is typically committed by a trusted adult. These adults are either trusted by the child because they are relatives and caretakers. Sometimes, society even says you can trust these individuals. Many times, highly regarded people within the community commit these horrific crimes.

Some of the most common child sexual abusers may be:

  • Clergy
  • Priests
  • Teachers
  • Babysitters
  • Caretakers
  • Scout leaders
  • Coaches
  • Family members (aunt, uncle, mother, father, cousin, brother, sister, grandparent, etc.)
  • Family friends
  • Daycare providers
  • Healthcare providers (doctors, nurses, dentists, therapists, etc.)
  • Society influencers (celebrities, business leaders, government officials, etc.)

Child sex abusers use their status as a trusted members of your inner circle or society to groom children. They gain their trust and take advantage of the relationship they create. As a result, victims become adults who do not trust others.

As a victim or survivor of child sexual abuse, you have the right to get justice. You deserve compensation for the life you lost because of your abuser’s actions. You have the right to heal and have them foot the bill. The child sexual abuse lawyers at the Derek Smith Law Group want to help you advocate for your rights that these monsters took away.

What Are the Rights of Victims of Child Sexual Abuse?

Until recently, victims of child sexual abuse had an extremely limited statute of limitations to file a lawsuit or criminal action. The statute of limitations has been changing across the country.

New York City was the first municipality to change the law. Other states and municipalities are quickly following suit.

Statistics show that many victims of child sexual abuse do not even come forward until the age of 52. Therefore, many laws now allow civil lawsuits against abusers to get filed until the victim reaches age 55.

If the victim wished to file a separate criminal action, New York City’s time limit is five years after the victim’s 23 birthday. Each state has its own laws regarding the statute of limitations.

Some key points to remember include:

  • You do not have to file or win a criminal case to file and/or win a civil case.
  • In criminal court, you are a witness and may get restitution.
  • The key result in a criminal case is to put the criminal in jail or provide an acceptable punishment.
  • In civil court, you are a party to the case. You are looking for compensation and justice.

The child sex abuse lawyers at the Derek Smith Law Group can help you file your child sexual abuse complaint in civil court. We will stand with you as your advocate. We will help you stand up against your abuser and fight for your rights from the moment you enter our office until the courts enter the final judgment.

Contact Our Experienced Team of Former Sex-Crimes Prosecutors for Your Free Consultation

You have a right to make your abuser face justice. You have a right to get help in paying your medical expenses as well as compensation for the horrors you endured. While no amount of money will erase what occurred, getting justice can help the healing process.

As the victim of child sexual abuse, the experienced team of former sex-crimes prosecutors at the Derek Smith Law Group in New York City, Philadelphia, Miami, New Jersey, and Los Angeles can help. Contact us today at (800) 807-2209 for your free consultation. We will never take a dime until we help you win your case.     

Were you a victim of child sexual abuse? Do you have questions about your legal rights? We want to help you get answers. Call us at 800.807.2209 with your questions.

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