Sexual Abuse Cases

Sexual abuse is defined as sexual contact without consent and regardless of the severity of the offense, it will still be classified as sexual abuse. The act can be carried out through force, threats, and/or coercion. Even the use of sexually explicit language used toward the victim, showing pornographic images, sexual gestures, or indecent exposure without physically touching the victim all could qualify as sexual abuse.

Victims of Sexual Abuse

A victim of sexual abuse can either be a child or an adult, and the perpetrator is usually someone who is in an authority position. People in positions of authority who can be accused of sexually abusing someone while holding a higher position than that person include:

• Clergy members
• Coaches
• Teachers
• Foster parents
• College/university professors
• Group home leaders

Many sexual abuse survivors choose not to report these crimes due to shame or fear of being harmed by the perpetrator again. Sexual trauma can have severe implications on a person’s life because of the impact it has on their mental and physical health. Long-term problems arising after experiencing sexual abuse include PTSD, anxiety, depression, and/or suicidal thoughts.

Sexually abusive situations that Van Law Firm covers include:

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Cases Involving the Catholic Church

To file a sexual abuse claim against a perpetrator from the catholic church, you must be able to provide the following information:

• The name and location of the church associated with your abuser
• The full name of your abuser or, if you cannot provide a full name, a detailed physical description of your abuser
• The title of your abuser – i.e., deacon, father, brother, teacher, etc.
• The calendar year(s) during which your abuse occurred

It may be important, but not entirely necessary to provide corroboration showing you were present at the church or school during the time in question.

Cases Involving Another Type of Church or Private Entity:

To file a sexual abuse claim against a perpetrator from a private entity or a non-catholic church, you must be able to provide the following information:

• The name of the church or private entity and its location
• The full name of your abuser, or a physical description of the abuser if the full name is not known
• Your abuser’s affiliation to the church or the private entity and title or role there
• The connection between your abuser and the church or private entity
• The calendar year(s) that your abuse occurred and the age you were at the time

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Cases Involving a School

To file a sexual abuse claim against a perpetrator in a school setting, you must give the following information:

• The position of your abuser at the school – i.e., teacher, principal, etc
• The name of the school and where it’s located
• The calendar year(s) that the abuse occurred
• Your approximate age(s) when the abuse occurred and the grade you were in
• At least the partial name of your abuser
• Whether there was a criminal or ethical investigation into your abuser
• Whether you are aware of any other victims of this abuser

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Cases Involving Foster or Other Custodial Care:

We are only taking foster sexual abuse cases if the abuser was charged and convicted for the crime. Also, the abuse must have occurred after the year 2000.

Group Home Abuse Cases

To file a sexual abuse claim against a perpetrator who is part of a group home, you must be able to give the following information:

• The name of the group home and where it is located
• Whether the facility is still in operation
• The full name of your abuser
• Your abuser’s position or title at the group home
• Facts showing that you complained to the facility and/or knew of other specific complaints made to the facility by others.

Contact a Lawyer for Help Today

Victims deserve representation that fights for justice against their abuser. Sexual abuse cases are some of the cases we specialize in at Van Law Firm. If you or a loved one was a victim of sexual abuse and wish to file a claim against a perpetrator, please contact us today.