Child Victims of Sexual Abuse Deserve Justice
One in 4 girls and 1 in 7 boys will be sexually abused before they reach the age of 18 and the sexual abuse is often perpetrated by someone a child knows. In fact, over 90% of child sexual abuse occurs with someone a child has an established and trusting relationship, with such as a volunteer, coach, clergy person, teacher, mentor, or neighbor. Only about 1/3 of the 90% occurs with a family member.
It was not surprising for us to hear the results of a Pennsylvania grand jury report that revealed that there have been over 1,000 victims of child sexual abuse in Pennsylvania Dioceses alone. Sexual abuse is often perpetrated by someone your child know such as priests and others who work hard at establishing trusting relationships with you and your family only to gain access to your child to sexually abuse them.
Victims of child sexual abuse may suffer serious long term emotional and economic harm. They often go on to suffer depression, issues in relationships, substance abuse, eating disorders and other emotional turmoil in an attempt to cope with what happened to them.
Most children do not disclose their sexual abuse for a number of reasons and often wait until they are an adult before ever telling anyone. If you were sexually abused as a child or if your child is a victim of sexual abuse you may be able to seek a civil remedy. Criminal statutes may limit your ability to seek criminal charges but civil remedies may offer you an opportunity to seek redress depending upon your state statute of limitations for civil claims. Many jurisdictions are seeking to change those limitations - please contact me for updated information so you do not miss important deadlines.
You never chose to be a victim of child sexual abuse but you have important choices to make now and I can help. I not only know the law as an Attorney, but am a State Licensed Social Worker who has worked with thousands of sexual assault survivors and have a unique depth of knowledge, perspective, understanding and respect for what you have been through as a survivor of clergy, youth sports sexual abuse or a victim of an adult in a position of trust.
For over 20 years I have fought for over 5,000 child sexual abuse victims, adult rape victims, and adult survivors of child sexual abuse as a local and national crime victim advocate. For over 15 years I have been at the forefront of the fight for transparency and accountability in the Catholic Church’s response to sexual assault by members of the clergy and for the rights of sexual assault survivors.
Others may work for you, but I will work with you. You never chose to be a victim, but you have a choice now. Call me for a free confidential consultation to discuss your legal rights and options.
