Attorneys for Sexual Abuse Victims
Sexual abuse can happen to children of any age. Younger children may not be aware of what sexual abuse is and may easily fall prey to grooming or whatever stories or “logic” the abuser is telling them. School-age children may be more aware of what sexual abuse is and may also be more likely to report the abuse; however, the abuser may coerce them into silence by making threats of physical harm to the child or people they care about. This can make it difficult for a growing mind to understand what is happening and determine how to make the abuse stop. These difficulties are only compounded when a family member is the perpetrator of such devastating behavior.
Children who are sexually abused and molested by a family member suffer severe trauma. Some examples of the emotional and psychiatric trauma include anxiety and depression- including suicidal thoughts- to personality disruptions, self-harm and regularly to posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). These mental health issues need to be addressed to help a child heal. Licensed social workers and other mental health professionals provide therapies to help victims of sexual abuse. In therapy, the child can learn methods to deal with the trauma that was inflicted on them and find positive ways to form interpersonal relationships and live a productive life.
Summary of a sexual molestation of a minor claim by a family member
A preteen was repeatedly sexually molested by a step-grandparent over the course of three years. Through the discovery process it was estimated that the child was molested more than a dozen times during their pre-pubescent years. These attacks have had a devastating effect on the child’s emotional and psychological development. Since the molestation was discovered, the child has received continual intensive counseling by a licensed therapist specializing in childhood trauma and sexual abuse. The step-grandparent faced criminal charges for the serial molestation of the child and was sentenced to 20 years in prison. Cohen & Malad, LLP attorneys were successful in recovering in a civil case in this matter and obtained damages to help pay for the on-going psychiatric treatment necessary to help the child deal with the effects of this sexual abuse trauma that will last throughout their lifetime.
Indiana Sexual Abuse Lawyers
If you, your child, or someone else you know is a victim of sexual abuse or molestation, contact us. Our attorneys have been trained by mental health professionals so as to not revictimize the Plaintiff when telling his or her story. We have helped many families get compensation to pay for the help they need in order to heal after sexual abuse. We understand the sensitive nature of this type of lawsuit and prioritize our clients’ privacy and trust while fighting to get them the compensation they need to assist them in healing and coping from sexual abuse.