Derek Smith Law Group / Child Sexual Abuse Attorney / Child Sexual Abuse Attorney Philadelphia, PA

Child Sexual Abuse Attorney Philadelphia, PA

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Child sexual abuse in Philadelphia and the remainder of the US seems to be rampant.

Whether it is the recent stories of Priest sexual abuse, the Sandusky news from 2017, or stories of teachers and coaches engaging in sexual acts with minor students and athletes, there is a need to help protect our children now more than ever.

For the past 25 years, the attorneys at the Derek Smith Law Group have worked with victims of child sexual abuse in Philadelphia to help get them the justice they deserve.

What is Child Sexual Abuse in Philadelphia?

Child sexual abuse in Philadelphia is a serious crime that leaves lasting psychological and physical scars on its victims. The following violations are all considered child sexual abuse:

Vaginal, anal, or oral penetration with a penis, finger, or other objects
Rape
Flashing
Voyeurism
Sexual contacts such as touching breasts, genitals, or other intimate areas
Taking nude photos or videos of a child
Forcing a child to perform sexual acts
Possession of child pornography
Showing a child pornographic material
Discussing sexually explicit things that developmentally inappropriate for a child’s age

What are the Effects of Child Sexual Abuse in Philadelphia?

Child sexual abuse will leave scars, both emotional and physical, on its victims for many years. If the victim never receives the proper therapies and help to overcome the scars, the final effect can be dire. Many child sexual abuse cases occur because a trusted adult took advantage of a child. It is often a person the child knows well and wants to trust or is told he or she can trust. As a result, the child often feels frightened and believes he or she is the cause of the abuse. The child develops deep-seated trust issues as well as extremely low self-esteem and a victim mentality.

Additionally, a child sexual abuse victim often struggles with night terrors and severe nightmares and develops severe depression, anxiety disorder, substance abuse issues, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Some victims have even developed schizophrenia as a way to separate their conscious mind from the abuse as it occurs.

As a result of these effects, many victims of child sexual abuse do not report the abuse. They are often either unaware that they are actually victims who are not at fault for the horrors they endured, or they are too scared to face their abuser in court as they come to terms with the reality that was their childhood.

Who are the Victims of Child Sexual Abuse in Philadelphia?

Child sexual abuse does not discriminate. Anyone can be the victim of child sexual abuse, no matter where they come from, what their race is, what they look like, or what their gender or gender identity is. Any person between the ages of 0 and 17 can be a victim of child sexual abuse.

As a matter of fact, according to the child sexual abuse advocacy site, Darkness to Light, 1 out of every 10 children has been or will be sexually abused before his or her 18^th birthday. More specifically, that means about 1 in 6 girls and 1 in 25 boys will be sexually abused by the time he or she turns 18.

Of those children, 60% never tell anyone that they were or are being sexually abused. The statistics only get worse. 20% of children who have sexually abused experience this fate before they reach 8 years of age. These children spend their entire lives wondering what they did wrong, when in fact, it was the adults in their lives that are meant to protect them that did so much wrong.

What Rights Do Child Sexual Abuse Victims Have in Philadelphia?

The victims of child sexual abuse have some rights in Philadelphia. Any child who chooses to come forward before they turn 18 will be able to press criminal charges and sue in civil court. Pennsylvania laws were updated in 2002 to allow a longer statute of limitations to file your case in criminal and civil court. Under the new laws, a victim of child sexual abuse can file a criminal action against the perpetrator up until the victim reaches age 50.

In addition, if the abuse occurred after August 27, 2002, the victim can bring a civil lawsuit against the perpetrator up until the age of 30. However, if the abuse occurred before August 27, 2002, the victim’s time limit to file a lawsuit will typically be 5 years after he or she turns 18, which is the person’s 23^rd birthday.

Who are the Most Common Perpetrators of Child Sexual Abuse in Philadelphia?

As discussed, most child sexual abusers are trusted individuals. They are coaches, parents, family members, doctors, teachers, and clergymen, to name a few. These people have easier access to a child and can coerce a child into participating because the child knows them and is taught to trust them. Any of the following person may be a perpetrator of child sexual assault:

Scout leaders
Medical doctor
Dentist
Therapist
Daycare worker
Teacher
Coach
Priest or other Clergy members
Religious leaders
Aunts, Unless, parents
Society influences, such as celebrities.

Who are the Accomplices that Contribute to the Culture of Child Sexual Abuse in Philadelphia?

Children are vulnerable. It is our job in society to protect children in Philadelphia from child sexual abuse. Sometimes, a person who has a duty to protect the public and children drop the ball and do not do what they know they need to in order to protect these children, they can be defendants in the lawsuit filed for child sexual abuse. The acts of negligence may have been the window the sexual abuser needed to begin or continue the acts of sexual abuse against a child. Some of these types of people would include:

Therapists who did not report the abuse or thoughts of abuse
An agency or government entity that ignored reports of suspected sexual abuse
Property owners who did not install required security equipment
School administrators who ignored reports of sexual misconduct and abuse
Adults charged with supervising children and adults that did not supervise properly
A person who encouraged or aided in the continuance of child sexual abuse

Testimonials

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During the time that I really needed a good counselor and I was approaching different attorneys unfortunately before they heard the problem they were demanding a retainer fee. A friend of mine introduced me to the Derek Smith Law Group and I was very fortunate to be answered by Matt Finkleberg who was very polite and understanding and gave me a lot of confidence without asking for any fees in f... Read Full Testimonial

Sambiz Amini

Matt Finkleberg is by far the best attorney I’ve ever hired!

Tanya Scheer

Matt Finkelberg is an outstanding attorney. It was a pleasure to have him represent me for my employment case. He was very easy to talk to. He was very supportive and knowledgeable throughout the whole process. He explained the entire process to me and kept me informed every step of the way. Matt fought diligently throughout my case to make sure my case was represented best. I am very gratef... Read Full Testimonial

Phyllis Parker

Matt Finkelberg is a top notch lawyer. He is very easy to talk to and truly cared about me as his client. He definitely earned my trust and confidence in his capabilities to represent me in the most professional respects. I give Matt and his firm the Derek Smith Law Group my highest recommendation to anyone who is seeking legal help for employee/employer related matters.

Wally Peczon

Matt Finkelberg is a life saver. During this whole process not only did I have a great lawyer but I also made a great friend. Matt was very attentive to my case, and mental health. Matt helped me during probably the darkest time of my life and for that I am forever grateful to have came across the Derek Smith law group. As a past client, I 100% recommend Matt Finkleberg. Matt provides a safe sp... Read Full Testimonial

Tali Loya

It was a pleasure to have Casey represent and help me for my employment case. It was my first time needing an attorney, so I was a bit apprehensive at first – Casey took the time to answer all of my questions and fully explain everything to me, which really put me at ease. He was very attentive, supportive, and knowledgeable throughout the whole process – Casey would ask questions to ensure... Read Full Testimonial

Corey Kientz

matt is an excellent attorney. he handled my case with the utmost care and highly exceeded all expectations. i could not recommend derek smith and esp. matt finkelberg enough

Seedie Whiser

Corey Kientz

You will be in great hands at this firm! Alyssa the managing paralegal is an absolute professional who excels at what she does. You can tell she truly cares about providing the best service possible, and is passionate about helping her clients. With Alyssa at the helm, this firm is a top-notch choice for anyone seeking assistance. Highly recommend!

Marissa Shander

Matt Finkelberg is Amazing and Devotional! It was a pleasure to have Matt represent me for my employment case. He was very attentive, supportive, and knowledgable throughout the whole process. Whenever I reached out he responded promptly which I greatly appreciated. Matt fought diligently and hard throughout my case to make sure my case was represented best. Thank you again Matt for everything.... Read Full Testimonial

jessica gonzalez

Olivia is absolutely outstanding! She understands the emotional side of your case while being able to find the legal aspects of holding the employer accountable for breaking the law! Made a really terrible situation a little easier by explaining everything and helping me get everything in order and in the right hands. I would not use anyone else! Call them for any sexual harassment case... You ... Read Full Testimonialwon't be disappointed! 10/10

Rae Millstone

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What Type of Justice in Criminal Court is Typically available to Victims of Child Sexual Abuse in Philadelphia?

Victims of child sexual abuse become witnesses in criminal court. They are seeking justice that their abuser will never be able to hurt another child. The punishments for child sexual abusers who are found guilty in Philadelphia can vary. They can be any of the following:

First-degree misdemeanor which holds a sentence of a maximum 5 years in prison and up to $10,000 in fines
Third-degree felony which holds a sentence of a maximum 7 years in prison and up to $15,000 in fines
Second-degree felony which holds a sentence of a maximum 10 years in prison and up to $25,000 in fines
First-degree felony which holds a maximum of 20 years in prison and up to $25,000 in fines

What Remedies are Available in Civil Court for Victims of Child Sexual Abuse in Philadelphia?

Civil court abides by a different set of laws. First, the child sexual abuse victim is the plaintiff. This means he or she is at the helm of the case and a party to the process. In civil court, the child sexual abuser does not need to be found guilty beyond a shadow of a doubt. Instead, the plaintiff just needs to show there is enough evidence that it could have happened in the manner in which the jury or judge was informed. Therefore, the remedies from the court are also different. Some remedies may include:

Medical expenses
Expenses for therapy and counseling
Loss of income
Reimbursement for stolen or damaged property
Attorney’s fees
Pain and Suffering
Emotional Distress
Punitive damages

Verdicts & Settlements

Our results speak for themselves

$4.9 Million Settlement

Case Handled by The Derek Smith Law Group Attorney Catherine Lowry Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania The Derek Smith Law Group secured a $4.9 million settlement on behalf of multiple employees of Schuylkill County who came forward with allegations of sexual harassment,…

$1.5 Million Settlement

Case Handled by The Derek Smith Law Group Attorney Derek Smith Supreme Court of the State of New York, County…

$2.78 Million Jury Verdict

Case Handled by The Derek Smith Law Group Attorney Zachary Holzberg United States District Court, Eastern District of New York…

$4.050 Million Jury Verdict

Case Handled by The Derek Smith Law Group Attorney Derek Smith Supreme Court of the State of New York, County…

$1.6 Million Jury Verdict

Case Handled by The Derek Smith Law Group Attorney Derek Smith Supreme Court of the State of New York, Appellate…

What Resources are Available for Victims of Child Sexual Abuse in Philadelphia?

The US had gotten better on realizing that it takes a village to raise a child. therefore, the village has developed resources to help victims of child sexual abuse get the help they need to recover and provide a community they need to help them learn they are not alone in this struggle. Some of the best resources available are:

Lauren’s Kids. Lauren’s Kids help victims of child sexual abuse find the guidance and education necessary to help them heal.
RAINN. The Rape, Assault, Incest National Network includes a national hotline as well as thousands of providers that can help victims of child sexual assault move forward in life.

Darkness to Light. Darkness to Light can help victims of child sexual abuse find reputable therapists and organizations trained to help you heal from your child sexual abuse trauma.
The National Child Traumatic Stress Network. NCTSN helps children through therapy and evaluations heal from the abuse they endured.
Stop It Now. Stop It Now directs adult survivors of child sexual abuse to the organization best suited to help them heal.

Contact Our Experienced Philadelphia Child Sexual Abuse Attorneys for a Free Consultation

Child sexual abuse is a horrific ordeal that no child should ever have to undergo. However, if it did happen to you, you are not alone, and you have rights. If you have been the victim of child sexual abuse in Philadelphia, the experienced attorneys at the Derek Smith Law Group can help. Contact us today at (215) 391-4790 for a free consultation. We do not accept any money until you win your case.

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