Sexual abuse is the ultimate violation. Unfortunately, far too many people are victims of sexual abuse, and the majority of those victims are children. For a multitude of reasons, many cases of sexual abuse are never reported to people in a position of authority and even when they are, many are reported years after the incidents take place. Understandably, even in today’s society, many victims fear negative reactions from others, and worse, may fear further harm by their abusers. If you are one of the hundreds of thousands of victims of sexual abuse or want to help a loved one who has been victimized, the attorneys here at Friedman Schuman are here to listen and fight with you. Whether you are a victim of public/private schooling abuse, daycare abuse, clergy abuse, domestic abuse, or otherwise, you can depend on the compassionate and skilled Pennsylvania Sexual Abuse lawyers from Friedman Schuman to stand by your side. Contact us today so we can hear your story.
Sexual Abuse Lawyers | Fighting for Survivors throughout Pennsylvania & New Jersey
Our firm is here to help you move forward and pursue justice. Unfortunately, victims of sexual violence often feel as though they have nowhere to turn, but they can turn to our team of attorneys, whose experience and expertise can assist you in navigating the process of sexual abuse litigation. We are here to be on your team, fight for you and with you, and to hold the appropriate parties accountable for their actions.
Examples of Sexual Abuse
There is a wide range of actions that qualify, under the law, as sexual abuse. Just some of the most common are as follows:
- Rape
- Incest
- Sexual abuse of children (often referred to as child molestation)
- Sexual assault (which can come in various forms)
- Intimate partner sexual abuse, also known as domestic sexual abuse
Where Sexual Violence Can Occur
Acts of sexual violence can occur in a wide range of places, including the following:
- Religious institutions, most commonly within the Catholic Church
- School
- Daycare centers
- Foster homes
- Group homes
- In certain clubs
- Hospitals or hospice care
- Public venues, such as bus stops or train stations
- Nursing homes
- Shelter homes
Though these are some of the most common places where instances of sexual abuse occur, it can happen virtually anywhere.
Providing Civil Recovery for Sexual Assault Victims in PA & NJ
It is not uncommon for survivors of sexual assault to struggle to overcome the trauma they experienced as a result of the assault. Oftentimes, this journey requires therapy and medical treatment to help overcome the physical and emotional trauma victims have endured. Many victims of sexual abuse also have to relocate to help avoid geographical triggers of their trauma pertaining to the assault.
Here at Friedman Schuman, we feel those responsible for these crimes should be held accountable, even if criminal court fails to deliver justice. Victims should be compensated for economic, non-economic, and punitive damages in civil court. Our legal team is here to seek that compensation on behalf of survivors across the state of Pennsylvania.
Don’t Wait to File Your Claim
Something as traumatic as an act of sexual abuse often results in victims forcing it out of their minds in an effort to move on with their lives. Unfortunately, this can potentially result in the statute of limitations for bringing a civil claim against their perpetrators expiring. That said, in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, for victims of child sexual abuse (meaning they were under the age of 18 when the abuse occurred) there is no statute of limitations in place. However, for victims of rape who were 18 years of age and older when the incident occurred, the statute of limitations is currently 12 years.
Contact our Sexual Abuse Lawyers Today
Our firm has significant experience representing and fighting for victims of sexual abuse here in the state of Pennsylvania, and we are ready to put that experience to work for you as well. If you need help, you can turn to us. We are here to get the justice you deserve. Contact Friedman Schuman today to schedule your free initial consultation with our firm.
