Decatur, Illinois Sexual Abuse Lawyer

Sexual abuse can have long-term effects on your life. You may feel alone, scared, or guilty for what happened and unsure how to start talking about it.

You may also worry that no one will believe you if you talk about the abuse because of who your abuser was in the community or their societal position. The Decatur sexual abuse attorneys at Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, LLC can help you hold your sexual abuser legally and financially accountable.

Contact our Decatur, IL, personal injury lawyers at (888) 424-5757 (toll-free phone number) or use the contact form today for immediate legal advice and schedule a free consultation. All confidential or sensitive information you share with our legal team remains private through an attorney-client relationship.

The Devastating Personal Injury of Sexual Assault

According to RAINN (Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network), an American is sexually assaulted every 98 seconds. This statistic reveals that over 293,000 victims of sexual assault in the United States every year.

Unfortunately, these numbers may be even higher because many sexual assaults go unreported.

Often, sexual assault victims feel a sense of betrayal, shame, and guilt, believing they were somehow responsible for their attack. Whether you are a victim or a victim’s family member, it is essential to realize that the perpetrator should be held accountable for their actions, not the victim.

Unfortunately, sexual assault victims do not always receive the justice they deserve because attackers usually leave no physical signs of rape. However, if you or a loved one has been sexually assaulted, it is essential to remember that the assailant cannot deny the truth and will be held accountable for their actions.

Illinois sexual abuse attorney Jonathan Rosenfeld and his legal team have worked for years helping victims of unlawful sexual conduct to ensure they are held accountable, even in cases with a solid criminal defense.

Our outstanding lawyers can resolve legal issues through aggressive representation, even in sexual abuse cases where the victim was assaulted decades ago.

Sexual Abuse in Nursing Homes

Sadly, many nursing home residents are the victims of neglect, abuse, and sexual assault by caregivers, visitors, family members, friends, and other patients at the facility.

According to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), sexual abuse is unwanted sexual contact with an older adult. Sexual abuse can include touching, fondling, kissing, rape, and sodomy.

Sexual abuse can have a devastating impact on the victim. The National Institute on Aging (NIA) reports that victims of sexual abuse often experience psychological problems such as depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). They may also have physical health problems, including sexually transmitted infections and chronic pain.

In many cases, the victim is unable or unwilling to step forward and speak out about what is happening. However, others, including the victim’s family members and friends, should file a formal complaint with the nursing home and notify Adult Protective Services and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).

Typically, an investigation will reveal whether or not sexual abuse, sexual violence, or unwanted sexual touching has occurred. Nursing homes that are found to have inadequately protected residents from sexual abuse can be fined, penalized, and even closed down.

It is important to remember that nursing home residents are our most vulnerable citizens. They should be able to trust the caregivers entrusted with their care and not have to worry about being the victims of sexual abuse.

If you suspect that your loved one is being sexually abused in a nursing home, do not hesitate to speak out and get help.

For more information on sexual abuse in nursing homes, visit the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services website.

What to Do If You Suspect Sexual Abuse

If you suspect a loved one is being sexually abused in a nursing home, it is vital to take action. The first step is to talk to the nursing home staff. They may be able to investigate the situation and take steps to protect your loved one.

If you are not happy with the response of the nursing home staff, you can contact the state health department or the police.

Talking to your loved one about what is happening is also essential. Talking can be challenging, but it is vital that your loved ones feel they have someone they can confide in and who will believe in and support them.

An attorney with experience representing nursing home abuse victims may be able to help you take steps to protect your loved one and recover damages for any harm that has been done.

Childhood Sexual Abuse

According to RAINN, there are over 57,000 reported cases of child sexual abuse in America every year. That is a severe problem that needs to be addressed with the seriousness it deserves. Unfortunately, however, many more cases go unreported or undetected.

The numbers may seem overwhelming; according to the CDC, one in four girls and one in six boys will be sexually abused before they turn 18. That is a staggering statistic that should frighten everyone.

However, what is even more frightening is that many victims of childhood sexual abuse never receive the help they need. Instead, they often suffer in silence, afraid of being shamed or blamed for what happened to them.

And this is a perfectly understandable response. After all, nobody wants to be seen as the dirty one who did something wrong. So, it is much easier to pretend that it never happened and try to move on.

But this is not the healthiest or most productive way to deal with something that has likely traumatized you for life. If you have been sexually abused, it is vital to seek help. Many people want to help you, and there is no shame in admitting that you need their assistance.

Sexual Assault and Religious Organizations

The devastating reality of sexual abuse has recently involved religious organizations like the Roman Catholic Church, the Baptist Church, seminars, and mosques.

Some independent research studies have shown that approximately 4% of children report being abused by a religious authority figure. Unfortunately, even this figure is too high, as many instances go unreported, and the victims feel ashamed, embarrassed, or guilty.

When sexual abuse occurs in a religious setting, it can be especially damaging to the victim.

The Catholic Church

Church officials in charge of running the Catholic Church have paid billions of dollars in financial compensation to injured victims who were sexually assaulted by religious leaders decades ago.

The church has raised funds to pay compensation for clergy abuse by selling off real estate and other assets.

The cover-up of sexual abuse by the Catholic Church is one of the biggest scandals in recent memory. For years, church leaders have been accused of moving priests accused of sexual abuse to new parishes where they could continue their crimes.

In some cases, the church has even paid off victims to keep them quiet. However, since the issue came to light, Pope Francis has worked hard to change the church’s approach and justice for those victimized.

The Baptist Church

The Baptist Church has also had its share of scandals involving sex crimes by church officials. In one highly publicized case, Baptist church volunteer Matthew Barnett pleaded guilty to sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl in 2014.

The number of high-profile cases involving religious organizations seems to be increasing. In a recent case, a mosque imam in Queens was charged with the sexual abuse of a young girl.

Sexual abuse in a religious setting could have a devastating impact on the victim. The victim may feel ashamed, embarrassed, or guilty and have done something wrong.

Sexual Assault and Youth Organizations

Volunteers and leadership admitting youth organizations have been accused of sexual misconduct involving minors under their authority. The following is the list of known sexual abuse organizations in the spotlight.

• The Boy Scouts of America have been in the news lately due to numerous sexual abuse and misconduct allegations. The organization has since revamped its safety policies and created a child abuse hotline to encourage more people to come forward and file reports if they have experienced any abuse.
• The Girl Scouts of America has also been spotlighted for similar allegations. A recent lawsuit was filed against the organization after a former leader raped an eleven-year-old girl under his supervision. This incident resulted in the victim’s mother receiving no response from the organization when her daughter confided in them.
• The Big Brothers/Big Sisters organization has also been accused of sexual abuse. A former mentor admitted to molesting a young boy matched with through the organization.
• The YMCA and YWCA have also been involved in sexual abuse allegations. In one particular case, a YWCA employee was convicted of sexually abusing many teens that came to the center for after-school programs.
• American Heritage Girls is currently under heavy scrutiny as well due to the leader of the organization having sexual relations with a 15-year-old girl in his leadership program.
• Glenbeigh, an organization similar to the Boy Scouts, has also been accused of sexual misconduct. In addition, a mother recently filed a lawsuit against this organization after a group leader allegedly molested her son.
• Camp Brotherhood, a Christian organization, has also been involved in allegations of sexual abuse. Two leaders supervising young boys attending the camp were recently arrested on sexual assault charges involving minors.
• Pretty Prairie Fellowship Church is currently being sued due to a former pastor who allegedly molested some children. It is unknown whether these organizations will face additional sexual abuse allegations.

The Effects of Sexual Assault

Sexual assault can have a devastating impact on victims, both mentally and physically. Sex crime survivors could suffer from psychological problems, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and anxiety.

They may also have difficulty trusting others and formulating healthy relationships.

Physical effects of sexual assault can include pain, injury, sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), and unwanted pregnancies. Sex crime survivors may also struggle with chronic pain, gastrointestinal problems, and difficulties sleeping.

If you have been a victim of sexual assault, it is vital to seek help. Many resources are available to sex crime survivors, including counseling, support groups, and legal assistance.

You do not need to suffer in silence because legal advice and help with the legal process are available! Our Decatur, IL, law offices have been helping survivors of sexual violence for years!

Filing a Sexual Abuse Compensation Claim

Our sexual abuse lawyers are here for you 24/7 whenever you are ready to take action against your abuser and get justice for yourself.

Our law firm wants sex crime survivors like yourself to know they don’t always need a lawyer, just courage, resources, and determination. Our law firm will guide them through the legal process to get justice against their abuser and help other victims come forward too!

Our law offices know how hard it can be to pursue a sexual abuse claim. Because of that, our super lawyers offer free consultations and convenient payment plans, so you don’t have to worry about the financial burden.

We also work on a contingency basis, so you only pay us if we win your case. So, contact us today to get started on your sexual violence compensation claim!

What Can I Expect If I File a Sexual Abuse Claim?

If you decide to file a sexual abuse claim, you can expect a lot of questions. Our sexual abuse lawyers will guide you through every step of the process and answer any questions.

First, we must gather evidence to support your personal injury claim. The evidence might include photos and medical records, but we also want to know the history of your relationship with the abuser for context.

Here are some things you can expect when filing a sexual abuse claim:

• Many cases take years to settle; however, most personal injury claims are resolved in less than two years
• have you might have to go to trial (data shows that 95% of all cases are resolved through negotiated settlements)
• The alleged creditor might attempt to countersue you; however, judges tend to side on behalf of the injured victim
• You might be awarded financial compensation to cover all of your bills, including medical expenses, mental health care, pain, and suffering

Sexual abuse is a heinous crime and should not be tolerated. If you have been sexually abused, don’t hesitate to contact us today to start your civil claim. We will work closely with you and provide the personal attention and commitment your legal issues deserve.

Hiring a Decatur Sexual Abuse Lawyer to Resolve Your Sex Crime Compensation Case

Are you the victim of sexual assault, or did a predator sexually abuse someone you love? The sexual abuse attorneys at our law firm have a successful track record of resolving cases similar to yours, ensuring that our clients receive maximum compensation for their damages.

Contact our law firm today at (888) 424-5757 (toll-free phone number) or use the contact form for immediate legal representation and schedule a free consultation. Our compassionate personal injury legal team is ready to hear your story in a confidential setting.

We accept all sexual assault cases on a contingency fee basis. This promise ensures you pay nothing until your experienced attorney resolves your sex crime case through a jury award or negotiated settlement.

All confidential and sensitive information you share with your Decatur sexual abuse lawyer will remain private through an attorney-client relationship.

Decatur Sexual Abuse Lawyer Resources:

• Child Help – Child Abuse
• RIANN – Healing After Childhood Sex Abuse