If you or a loved one is a sexual abuse survivor, it is common to experience many emotions, from fear to grief and even denial. It is completely understandable to go through this roller coaster of reactions and to resist making a formal report to law enforcement.
There are many reasons why survivors of sexual abuse delay reporting. However, it is important for victims to get the justice they deserve and to hold the perpetrator responsible.
Some survivors wait until later in life to reveal that they have been sexually abused, and doing so is actually a very common response to this form of violence. Whether the individual believes the attack was their fault or they are afraid of the consequences if they do come forward, simply surviving this trauma may be first and foremost in their mind.
Many survivors want to forget that the sexual abuse ever happened. They may be in denial and refuse to accept that the trauma they experienced was real, going about their day to day as if nothing happened. In some cases, they may turn to drugs and alcohol to help put the incident behind them.
Asking for help and reporting sexual abuse may seem impossible to survivors. Beyond the fear of having to relive the incident with every retelling, will admitting the violence occurred even help the victim recover? We believe it will, yes. Being brave enough to confide in a loved one, file a police report, or seek help for PTSD, may still leave a victim with the concern that no one will believe them anyway. But, speaking up really means that the survivor no longer has to live in silent pain.
Promptly reporting the crime has many benefits, including immediate protection for the victim. It also gives law enforcement the opportunity to collect evidence from the scene, investigate the case, and hold the offender responsible. The penalties for sexual abuse (A.R.S. § 13-1406) in Arizona are harsh, as they should be, including a maximum sentence of up to 14 years for this class 2 felony.
There are many heartbreaking reasons why survivors of sexual abuse delay reporting. If you or your loved one experienced violence of this kind, you need a compassionate legal professional to guide you. Let us help you hold the wrongdoer responsible.
With locations across the state of Arizona, Phillips Law Group is nearby to better serve you. Our team of skilled personal injury attorneys have dedicated the last 30 years to ensuring justice for survivors, and because we are not afraid to litigate on your behalf, you never have to settle for mediocrity. So, make an appointment for your free and confidential case evaluation with a member of our team now.
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