The psychological trauma sustained from sexual abuse in childhood can follow victims for the rest of their lives. Victims are often afraid to report what happened and many are unsure of where to turn for help.
The experienced attorneys at Phillips Law Group have been dedicated to pursuing justice for victims for more than 27 years. We understand the challenges sexual abuse victims face and are prepared to help them on their road to recovery. We can assist with organizing psychological counseling and other support services, in addition to managing the legal process on your behalf.
Schedule a free consultation with a Prescott child abuse lawyer today. There are no upfront fees for having us represent you. The consultation is entirely confidential, and we do not get paid unless we obtain compensation.
Complete ourFree Case Evaluation formonline today.
Defining Child Sexual Abuse
Child sexual abuse involves any form of sexual activity between an adult and a minor. Child sexual abuse often involves physical contact between the adult and the child, but there are many forms of abuse that do not involve physical contact.
Examples of child sexual abuse can include:
- Sexual intercourse (vaginal, anal or oral)
- Molestation of a child
- Raping a child with a body part or foreign object
- Exposing oneself to a minor
- Sharing pornographic images with a minor
- An adult fondling himself or herself in front of a child
- Sex trafficking
- Forcing a child to touch an adult or perform a sex act on him or her
- Obscene phone calls, text messages or internet messages
- Manipulating a child into exposing himself or herself to the adult
People who sexually abuse children are often trusted by the victim or in some type of authority position. In many cases, abuse goes on for quite a while before others discover it or the victim reports it. Many times, victims are afraid to tell anyone because they may either think they are to blame or have been intimidated by the abuser into keeping quiet.
If you suffered any form of sexual abuse or you have discovered your child is a victim of this type of abuse, our Prescott child abuse lawyers are prepared to discuss your situation in a free, confidential consultation.
Contact us 24/7 by live chat, online form or phone. 602-222-2222
Do I Have a Case?
This is a difficult question to answer until our attorneys have a chance to review the specifics of your situation. There are many factors involved in child sexual abuse cases.
The consultation with our lawyers is free and confidential. There is also no obligation to take legal action if you have a case. That means there is no risk in contacting us.
You can still file a civil case if you already pursued a criminal case and were unsuccessful. Some people mistakenly believe a civil case is not allowed if you already file a criminal case.
We are here to help victims and explain possible legal options.
Liability in Child Sexual Abuse Cases
One of the main focuses of a child sexual abuse case is holding the perpetrator liable for the damage he or she caused the victim. However, as many abuse cases involve authority figures, the organizations that employ them may also be liable for failing to properly monitor the perpetrator, failing to report abuse or other forms of negligence.
Examples of other liable parties in child sexual abuse cases could include:
- Sports clubs or organizations that manage sports teams
- Churches/religious organizations
- Summer camps
- Dance clubs/organizations
- Schools
- Daycare centers
Our Prescott child sexual abuse lawyers are dedicated to holding these types of organizations liable for negligence in the hiring or supervision of people who abuse children sexually. We not only want to recover compensation for the victims but help prevent future abuse in these organizations.
Liability is a complex issue you can discuss with our licensed attorneys in a free consultation.
Compensation for Sexual Abuse Victims
Victims may be eligible to pursue compensation for past, current and future medical expenses for injuries caused by the abuse. This may include psychological injuries that affect victims for many years.
While punitive damages are rare, they may be available in these types of cases. These are not linked to a specific damage suffered by the victim. They are meant to punish the perpetrator and help prevent future abuse.
The victim’s physical pain and emotional suffering may also be compensable in an injury claim.
Adults who are pursuing damages for abuse they suffered as children may be able to pursue compensation for wages they lost as a result of their damages.
Discuss the potential value of your claim in a free consultation with a Prescott Lawyer. Ph: 602-222-2222
How Long Do I Have to Take Legal Action?
Before Arizona’s governor signed H.B. 2466 into law, victims had just two years from their 18th birthday to file a sexual abuse claim. Victims who did not file a lawsuit within this time period were likely to lose their right to file a lawsuit.
However, the law signed by the governor extended the statute of limitations for victims to 12 years from their 18th birthday. The law also included a provision giving those who missed the original two-year deadline until Dec. 31, 2020 to file claims.
If you think you may have a case and are concerned about running out of time, contact Phillips Law Group today.
Injuries Often Caused by Child Sexual Abuse
Child sexual abuse can cause physical and psychological injuries. While physical injuries may heal over time, psychological wounds from abuse could affect victims for years to come and make it difficult to get through everyday life.
Examples of physical injuries from abuse could include:
- Gynecological impairment/injury
- Problems with reproductive or gastrointestinal health
- Injuries to the genitals
- Physical pain
The abuse can also result in psychological trauma that is very difficult for victims to manage, even with psychological counseling and/or psychiatric medication. Common examples of emotional issues caused by abuse include:
- Severe depression
- Post-traumatic stress
- Trouble sleeping
- Thoughts of suicide or attempted suicide
- Problems with intimacy and relationships
- Personality disorders
- Anxiousness
Possible Signs of Abuse
Children are often afraid to report abuse. Sometimes they feel it is somehow their fault or they are ashamed. There are also many times when perpetrators threaten children with physical abuse if they report what happened.
That is why it is critical for parents and other adults in children’s lives to notice potential signs of abuse. For example, physical signs to look for may include:
- Trouble sitting down
- Abnormal walk or gait
- Urinary tract infections in girls
- Bleeding from the anus
- Blood in stool
There are also emotional signs to watch for. For example:
- Eating disorders
- Engaging in self-harm
- Fear of being alone
- Fear of being alone with a specific person
- Unusual aggressiveness
- Bedwetting
- Social withdrawal
- Nightmares
- Depression
- Drug abuse (in older children)
- Mature understanding about sex acts that is inappropriate for the age of the child
Call a Prescott child abuse lawyer for a free consultation: 602-222-2222
Resources for Victims in Arizona
Fortunately, there are many resources for victims of child sexual abuse. These resources can offer support to victims and their families trying to deal with the aftermath of sexual abuse.
For example, Stop it Now is dedicated to the prevention of sexual abuse of children. The organization provides direct help to those who have questions or concerns about child abuse.
The Yavapai Family Advocacy Center is a project of Prevent Child Abuse Arizona that provides a safe and supportive environment for victims of abuse.
Call Our Prescott Child Sexual Abuse Attorneys for a Free Consultation
Sexual abuse cases can be some of the most emotional and complex injury cases. That is why victims should strongly consider being represented by a licensed attorney with a history of obtaining results for clients.
Phillips Law Group has a proven track record of recovering fair compensation for Arizona injury victims. Our firm has represented more than 155,000 consumer clients over more than 27 years. We have a dedicated legal team that is prepared to conduct a detailed investigation to help build a robust case for you.
There are no upfront fees for having our Prescott child abuse lawyers represent you. The initial consultation is 100 percent free of charge, and our attorneys are not paid unless our clients receive compensation.
Call Phillips Law Group today at 602-222-2222 .