Modeling has its glamorous aspects, but models are forced into a dependency on the agencies that represent them and the photographers they work with. Some are predators who use their positions of power to exploit the models sexually.
The attorneys at Phillips Law Group work to find justice for sexual abuse survivors across the country. If you are a survivor of sexual abuse in modeling agencies, talk to us about reclaiming your power and seeking accountability.
The term sexual abuse covers a wide range of sexually motivated behavior. Depending on the circumstances, any non-consensual conduct that is sexually gratifying to the more powerful person can be considered sexual abuse.
Being touched inappropriately, pressured to pose seductively, or to appear partially or fully nude can constitute sexual abuse. A sexual abuse attorney could argue that being forced to do photo shoots with a photographer who is known to behave inappropriately with models is sexual abuse.
Recent cases brought by models against their agencies reveal that they feel pressure to comply with the requests of agencies and photographers to avoid being labeled difficult. Their income depends on being in demand. Any sexual activity a model engaged in because they felt they did not have the option to refuse also could be sexual abuse.
Models often start in the business in their early to mid-teens. The models with the most potential often move to major cities without a parent and are housed and chaperoned by the modeling agency. They may have little guidance or supervision and are vulnerable to sexual predators.
The agencies have the contacts and resources to help models build their portfolio and get exposure before the people in a position to hire them. There are indicators that many agencies are aware of the predatory tendencies of photographers and others adjacent to the industry, but do not do enough to protect their models. In some cases, the person running the agency is a predator.
If you were sexually exploited when you were modeling, speak with an attorney with Phillips Law Group. They can explain whether you have any recourse against the perpetrator and the agency that represented you and failed to keep you safe.
A civil action for sexual abuse is a form of personal injury lawsuit. You can sue the perpetrators and any person, company, or institution that enabled the abuse for financial damages. In a civil case, you do not need proof beyond a reasonable doubt, you only need to show that it is more likely than not that the abuse happened and you suffered actual losses because of it.
Sexual abuse often has a severe long-term impact on the survivor. There is almost always significant psychological damage that may require years of therapy. You may find that the abuse has affected your ability to perform well in school or at work. Many survivors report trouble finding and maintaining trusting intimate relationships.
There are legal time limits on lawsuits, and those may hinder you if the abuse happened a long time ago. However, many states are extending and even eliminating the statutes of limitations for civil sexual abuse claims. Check with an attorney at Phillips Law Group to find out whether a sexual abuse claim is feasible in your circumstances.
If you experienced sexual abuse in modeling agencies, your agency and others may be liable to pay you financial damages. Schedule a free consultation with an intake specialist at Phillips Law Group to find out how we can help you get accountability.
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