The physical and emotional trauma of childhood sexual abuse can stay with victims for the rest of their lives. While filing a civil claim for compensation may be the last thing victims or their families want to think about, a civil claim could provide compensation to pay for medical and psychological treatment to help victims.
If you or someone you love is a survivor of childhood sexual abuse, we offer a completely confidential and free consultation to evaluate your potential legal options and determine how we may be able to help. We can also help organize counseling and other services to support victims’ recoveries. Our firm has nearly three decades of experience representing the best interests of Arizona injury victims.
We operate on contingency, so you pay us nothing unless we are successful in recovering compensation for your damages.
Call us to learn more about your rights. Ph: 602-222-2222
What is Child Sexual Abuse?
Child sexual abuse is a crime involving forced sexual activity between an adult and a child. Perpetrators are often people who victims trust and who have some type of authority over them.
Abuse could go on for years before the child says something or the abuse is discovered by others. Children may be afraid to say anything, thinking they are somehow to blame. They may also stay silent because the perpetrator intimidated them into keeping quiet.
Examples of child sexual abuse may include:
Touching a child sexually, both clothed and unclothed
Making a child touch or perform a sex act on another
Forcibly raping a child with a body part or foreign object
Sexual abuse does not always involve physical touching. Abusers may intimidate, coerce or manipulate victims into exposing themselves or looking at pornographic content (pictures, videos, etc.). Perpetrators may also expose their genitalia to victims.
If your child suffered any form of sexual abuse, you may be eligible to take legal action. You can contact Phillips Law Group to schedule a free legal consultation. No upfront fees.
Call 602-222-2222 anytime, night or day to speak to a member of our legal team.
Can I File a Case for Child Sexual Abuse in Arizona?
This is a complicated question that our attorneys would need more information to properly answer. There are many factors involved in child sexual abuse cases that need to be considered.
Some people wrongly assume they cannot file a civil case because they filed a criminal case and it was unsuccessful. However, you may still be able to file a civil case.
Our Tucson child abuse lawyers offer a confidential and discreet consultation to explain how we may be able to assist you.
Who Can Be Held Liable for Acts of Child Sexual Abuse?
In addition to the person who violated a child, there are multiple other parties who may be held accountable for acts of child sexual abuse. Examples could include:
Churches
Schools
Daycare facilities
Summer camp programs
Dance organizations
Sports clubs or any organization where children are supervised or cared for by another adult other than the child’s family member
These cases can become very complicated, and you could greatly benefit from being represented by an experienced attorney.
The Tucson child sexual abuse lawyers at Phillips Law Group are available to discuss your situation in a free consultation. We are here to help.
Types of Compensation in Child Sexual Abuse Cases
Every case is unique, and the amount of compensation is determined by many factors. Some of the forms of compensation that may be available are:
Past, present and future medical bills
Ongoing therapy and counseling
Lost wages
Pain and suffering
Punitive damages (further financial punishment to the perpetrator that is paid to the court)
What is the Deadline for Taking Legal Action?
In the spring of 2019, H.B. 2466 was signed into law by Arizona’s governor. The new law extends the statute of limitations for filing a child sexual abuse civil action against the perpetrator. Victims now have 12 years from the date they turn 18 to file a claim.
The law also provided an extension to the original two-year statute of limitations for those who missed the deadline. They were given until Dec. 31, 2020 at midnight to file.
If you have questions about the deadline for taking legal action, you can ask our Tucson child sexual abuse lawyers in a free legal consultation.
Emotional and Physical Injuries from Child Sexual Abuse
Victims often suffer lifelong mental and physical disorders that make everyday life very difficult to manage.
Common Emotional Symptoms Survivors May Exhibit include:
Anxiety
Depression
Post-traumatic stress disorder
Various types of personality disorders
Relationship and intimacy issues
Somatic disorders
Suicidal tendencies
Child sexual abuse victims also frequently experience impaired physical health as a direct result of the abuse, including:
Gynecological injuries or reproductive health issues
Physical pain
Obesity stemming from a poor self-image
Poor gastrointestinal health
Cardiopulmonary disorders
We encourage you to call our qualified lawyers to see how we may be able to help you. Call us 24/7 for a confidential consultation.
Warning Signs of Child Sexual Abuse
One of the most tragic truths about child sexual abuse is that it often goes undetected. Perpetrators often get away with it because they:
Threatened the victim with bodily harm or public humiliation
Convinced the child that no one would believe him or her
Manipulated the victim into believing he or she was to blame
However, even if a child is unable to speak about his or her abuse, there are some physical and emotional signs that may indicate something is wrong.
Emotional signs of child sexual abuse may include:
A sudden fear of being alone, or of being around a particular person
The unexplained onset of nightmares and bedwetting
A mature understanding of sexual acts or using unexpected language, given the age
Developing an eating disorder
Attempts to inflict self-harm
For older children, drug or alcohol abuse
Becoming withdrawn, anti-social or aggressive
Acting unnaturally secretive, angry or fearful when using a cellphone or computer
Physical signs that your child has suffered sexual abuse may include:
Soreness, bleeding or bruising around the genitalia
Anal bruising or bleeding
Bloody stools
Discomfort when sitting or moving around
Recurring urinary tract infections, especially in girls
Where Can Sexual Abuse Victims Find Help in Arizona?
There are many local and national resources for victims of child sexual abuse ”“ including those who are now adults – and their families, including:
Darkness to light – This organization is committed to providing resources for identifying, reporting and empowering others for the ongoing prevention of child abuse.
Stop it Now ”“ Another resource to help others learn how to recognize child sexual abuse, as well as providing help for families and victims.
Contact a Tucson Child Sexual Abuse Attorney for Help
During this difficult time, having an experienced attorney at your side who is focused on your best interests can be an important step in the recovery process.
At Phillips Law Group, we have more than 27 years of experience representing tens of thousands of clients. Our support staff is prepared to get to work investigating and building a case against the perpetrator of your abuse.
Our phone lines are always open, and we offer a free and confidential consultation to discuss how we may be able to help you pursue compensation for the damages you have suffered. If you decide to move forward with a civil lawsuit and we represent you, there are no fees charged unless we recover damages on your behalf.
Contact Phillips Law Group at Ph: 602-222-2222 to get started.
Available 24/7