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Schaumburg Sexual Abuse Lawyer
Sexual abuse is a serious crime that affects thousands of people. It can be hard to talk about it because you may feel embarrassed or ashamed. If you are sexually abused, the best thing you can do for yourself and others is speak up.
You deserve justice, but your abuser will only get away with the crime if not held accountable. The law offices of Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, LLC are legal advocates who fight aggressively on behalf of sexual abuse victims seeking justice and compensation from their abuser.
Contact our Schaumburg 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.
Defining Sexual Abuse
According to the National Sexual Violence Resource Center, sexual abuse is defined as "unwanted sexual activity with someone who is either much younger than you or who is not old enough to consent."
The U.S. Department of Justice defines sexual abuse as sexual contact that occurs without the victim's consent and includes psychological coercion, such as emotional manipulation used to keep the victim from refusing, and physical force.
Types of Sexual Abuse
According to Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network (RAINN), there are three types of sexual abuse:
- Completed or attempted forced penetration or contact
- Compelled exhibitionism or voyeurism
- Non-contact unwanted sexual experiences, such as verbal harassment or indecent exposure
- Unwanted sexual touching
- Unwanted exposure to pornography
Effects of Sexual Abuse
The aftermath of sexual abuse can be devastating for victims. They may experience a wide range of emotions, including shame, guilt, humiliation, anger, and betrayal.
Survivors may also have flashbacks, nightmares, and difficulty trusting others. They may feel numb or disconnected from their bodies. Some sex abuse victims cope by self-harming or using drugs or alcohol.
Sexual abuse can have a lasting impact on victims' physical health. In addition, they may experience reproductive health issues, such as sexually transmitted diseases and pelvic pain.
They can also develop eating disorders or chronic pain.
Long-Term Effects of Sexual Abuse
Many emotional, behavioral, and relationship problems stem from childhood sexual abuse. These include:
- Depression and anxiety disorders
- Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Eating disorders
- Substance abuse
- Self-injury
- Relationship problems
Sex abuse victims are also more likely to experience domestic violence and sexual abuse in adulthood.
Prevalence of Sexual Abuse
According to the National Sexual Violence Resource Center, one in five women and one in 71 men will be raped in their lifetime. In addition, one in four girls and one in six boys will be sexually abused before they turn 18.
Sexual abuse is a pervasive problem that affects millions of people each year. It can have a devastating impact on victims, both emotionally and physically.
If you or someone you know has been affected by sexual abuse, please seek help. There are many resources available, both online and in your community.
Sexual Abuse in the Military
The Department of Defense has released its latest report on sexual abuse in the military, and the numbers are staggering. According to the report, there were 6,172 cases of sexual molestation reported in 2018, a six percent increase from the previous year.
This report only includes reported cases, so the actual number of sexual assaults is likely much higher.
Sexual abuse is a serious problem in the military, and it needs to be addressed in the legal system, involving civil and criminal law.
Sexual abuse victims deserve to receive help and support while seeking compensation, and perpetrators need to be held accountable.
Several resources are available if you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted. First, you may contact the Safe Helpline at 877-995-5247 for confidential support.
Sexual Abuse in Churches
Although sexual abuse is a pervasive problem, it often goes unreported. It is especially true within religious institutions, where victims may feel pressured to remain silent for fear of being judged or shunned.
The Catholic Church has been plagued by scandals surrounding sexual abuse for decades. The most recent scandal occurred in Pennsylvania, where a grand jury report revealed that more than 300 priests had molested more than 1,000 children for several decades.
Victims and their families filed a lawsuit against the Vatican in February 2019, accusing the Catholic Church of creating a "playbook for concealing the truth" about sexual abuse.
Sexual Abuse in Schools
The #MeToo movement helped bring awareness to sexual harassment and assault prevalence. However, while it remains an important issue on college campuses, such as Columbia University and Florida State University, it's also a problem in K-12 schools.
In a survey of teachers, nearly half reported knowing a student who had been sexually assaulted. More than 90 percent of the victims were girls, and most of the perpetrators were boys.
Sexual abuse can have a devastating impact on students. It can cause them to feel insecure and unsafe, leading to anxiety and chronic health problems. It also affects their academic performance and social development.
The long-term effects of childhood sexual abuse may include self-destructive behaviors such as cutting or drug use, as well as psychological issues such as PTSD and depression. Therefore, victims should receive the help they need to heal physically and emotionally from the abuse they endured.
Sexual Abuse in Sports
Sexual abuse is a pervasive problem, both inside and outside the workplace. It can occur in any setting, and it's not limited to certain professions or sectors.
One of the most high-profile cases of sexual abuse in recent years involved allegations against Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein. However, sexual abuse is also a problem in the sports world.
In the United States, one in five girls is sexually assaulted before she turns 18. This number is even higher for female athletes, four times more likely to be sexually assaulted than their non-athletic peers.
Sexual abuse in sports can take many forms, such as unwanted touching or sexual coercion. It can also involve rape or other forms of sexual violence. Sexual abuse can leave victims feeling ashamed, guilty, and depressed.
To file a complaint about sexual abuse in your workplace or school, contact the United States Department of Education Office for Civil Rights at OCR.gov. You may also contact Safe Horizon at 800-621-HOPE (4673) to speak with staff trained to help victims of sexual abuse.
Sexual abuse is a pervasive problem that affects people of all ages, genders, and professions. It can take many forms, such as unwanted touching or sexual coercion. It can also involve rape or other forms of sexual violence.
Victims of sexual abuse often feel ashamed, guilty, and depressed. They may also experience physical and emotional symptoms, such as flashbacks, nightmares, and anxiety.
If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, don't hesitate to contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 800-656-4673 or the Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network (RAINN) online hotline at rainn.org.
Sexual Abuse in Nursing Abuse
One independent research study shows that 5 percent of the nation's 1.4 million nursing home residents have been sexually assaulted or abused by staff, resulting in 174 deaths over five years, reports Reuters.
Crimes included penetration or oral sex, buttocks fondling, and sexual communication.
Sexual abuse in nursing homes can take many forms, including penetration or oral sex, buttocks fondling, and sexual communication.
The report is based on a study of government data which found that the number of nursing home residents who are assaulted or abused by staff is much higher than previously thought.
Approximately two-thirds of victims had no memory of the assault. Elderly victims may be particularly vulnerable because they may be dependent on caregivers for food, medication, and other basic needs. In addition, they might be fearful of retaliation if they report the abuse.
Signs that someone has been sexually abused include:
- Bruises or scratches around the breasts or genital area
- Bleeding from the vagina or anus
- Torn, stained, or bloody underwear
- Depression or withdrawal from social activities
- Nightmares or insomnia
- Anxiety, agitation, or panic attacks
- Difficulty eating or swallowing
- Shame, guilt, or self-blame
If you suspect that someone has been sexually assaulted, it is important to get them help as soon as possible. You can call a local sexual abuse center or a health care provider.
Report Sexual Abuse
Are you or someone you love a victim of sexual abuse and don't know how to report what happened? There are many people available who can help you. Never feel ashamed for what has happened to you.
It is the perpetrator who should be blamed. Know that there are people who will support you and lend a helping hand to get through this time of need.
- Call 911 or your local police department immediately if the person reporting has been beaten, seriously threatened, or if the perpetrator is still on the scene.
- Call the National Sexual Assault Hotline (800-656-HOPE) to find a local sexual abuse service provider in your area that will provide free and confidential counseling, as well as information about other resources.
- Call Adult Protective Services (APS) in your state if you are concerned about the welfare of an elderly or disabled person who has been abused, neglected, or exploited. You can find the phone number for your state's APS office by visiting the National Center on Elder Abuse website.
- Contact a rape crisis center in your area for confidential counseling and support. You can find a rape crisis center near you by calling the National Sexual Assault Hotline at (800) 656-HOPE or visiting the RAINN website.
- If you are a victim of child sexual abuse, contact the National Child Abuse Hotline at (1-800-422-4453) for help and support. You can also visit the Childhelp website for more information
Are you a member of the military and have been sexually assaulted? If so, you can find information on resources available to you by visiting the Department of Defense Safe Helpline website.
Call a domestic violence or family violence agency in your area if you or your loved one is experiencing domestic violence and needs to speak with someone right away.
Sexual abuse is a crime and should be reported to the police. You do not need physical evidence or know the perpetrator's name to report the crime. The important thing is that you get help and don't suffer in silence.
Many people want to help, so please reach out. You can call a domestic violence or family violence agency, rape crisis center, local sexual abuse service provider, Adult Protective Services (APS) in your state, or the National Sexual Assault Hotline.
Filing a Sexual Abuse Compensation Claim
If you were sexually assaulted as a child and now suffer from emotional trauma, you may be able to file a civil lawsuit. Sexual abuse compensation claims can provide monetary damages for your pain and suffering.
A sexual abuse attorney can help you examine the facts of your case and assess your chances of winning with or without filing a lawsuit.
Sexual abuse is a form of harm. Victims have the right to seek damages for their emotional and physical injuries caused by a sexual abuser. Monetary compensation cannot undo the abuse, but it can help victims get the medical and psychological care they need to recover.
If you were sexually assaulted, contact a Chicago, IL, sexual abuse lawyer at our law office today for a free consultation. In addition, you may be entitled to monetary damages for your pain and suffering.
We have been practicing law in state and federal courts and resolving civil cases for years helping sex abuse victims get back on track.
Recovering Damages to Resolve Your Schaumburg Sexual Abuse Claim
There is no doubt that dealing with the pain and suffering of sexual abuse can be challenging. Recovering damages may seem like a small victory, but it is an important step in the healing process as you seek justice for what happened to you.
Our Schaumburg sexual abuse attorneys can help you recover compensation for special economic and non-economic damages, including:
- Medical expenses
- Mental health care
- Lost wages from time away from work
- Pain and suffering from the abuse
To recover money for your damages, you will have to prove that you were not at fault or partially responsible for what occurred. You may also be required to prove that the defendant owed a duty of care to prevent the abuse from happening.
These are difficult obstacles, but our Schaumburg sexual abuse lawyers have the experience and knowledge to help you through this difficult time. We are committed to protecting your rights and ensuring that you receive the compensation you deserve.
We will prove the four elements of civil tort law to resolve your claim by showing that:
- The alleged sexual abuser had a duty to ensure your safety to protect you from harm
- The alleged sexual abuse breached that duty and intentionally harmed you
- That harm caused you damages
- You are not at fault for the abuse that occurred
If you have been sexually assaulted, our Schaumburg sexual abuse lawyers can help. Contact us today for a free, confidential consultation. We will review your case and help you take the next steps forward.
Our outstanding lawyers have been helping sexual abuse victims for years, practicing law throughout Illinois. We are currently resolving legal issues in locations including Cook County, DuPage County, Kane County, McHenry County, Kendall County, Lake County, Peoria County, Will County, Sangamon County, Chicago, Buffalo Grove, Arlington Heights, Mount Prospect, Park Ridge, Rolling Meadows, Orland Park, Crystal Lake, etc.
Hiring a Sexual Abuse Attorney Serving Schaumburg, IL
If you were sexually abused as a child, you might be feeling overwhelmed and alone. You are not alone. Many people want to help, including sexual abuse attorneys.
Sexual abuse attorneys at our law office understand the pain and trauma victims suffer and work to get them the compensation they deserve. We are proud of our national reputation and resolve complex sexual abuse cases.
We can use our professional achievement to hold your abuser and other third parties financially accountable, even if no criminal charges have been filed.
Would you like more information or speak with a sexual abuse attorney? If so, don't hesitate to contact the personal injury attorneys at Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, LLC, at (888) 424-5757 (toll-free phone number) or use the contact form today for immediate legal advice and schedule a free consultation.
Our law firm accepts all personal injury cases and wrongful death lawsuits on a contingency fee basis. This promise ensures you pay nothing when your case is resolved through a negotiated settlement or jury award.