What are legal options for survivors of child sex abuse? When the most vulnerable members of our society are exposed to the trauma of sexual abuse, victims have the right to seek legal representation even into adulthood. They can hold the perpetrator responsible for the horrible acts they committed, claim compensation, and receive resources for treatment and other services to help them recover.
Whether you are the parent or guardian of a child who has suffered sexual abuse or are a survivor yourself, an Okemos sexual abuse lawyer can help you get justice for the trauma that you or your child has suffered. The rights of child sex abuse survivors are important, and a lawyer will protect them at every stage of the legal process. A compassionate and skilled lawyer is a powerful advocate who can help on the journey toward healing.
Survivors of Child Sex Abuse Have the Right to Take Legal Action
According to the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN), 66% of child sex abuse survivors are between the ages of 12 and 17, while 34% are 12 and under. Perpetrators are most commonly the victim’s acquaintances (59%) or family (34%), and the majority of child sex abuse victims are female. This heartrending abuse has lifelong implications for survivors, and taking legal action against your abuser can provide closure and play a significant role in the healing process.
Survivors have the right to take legal action and hold child sex offenders accountable. Parents, caregivers, mandated reporters, or those employing the offender may all be held liable if they engaged in sexual abuse or failed to report knowledge or suspicion of it. Survivors can recover financial compensation to help them get the care they need.
Hiring an experienced lawyer who knows how to file a child sex abuse lawsuit in Michigan can give you peace of mind that your case will receive the care, commitment, and representation it deserves. A lawyer understands how triggering the legal process for a sexual abuse claim can be, and they advocate and negotiate on your behalf to reduce your trauma and stress. You do not have to go through this difficult time alone or handle the legal requirements yourself.
Child Sex Abuse Cases Have an Extended Statute of Limitations
The statute of limitations for child sex abuse is often extended to accommodate the victim’s youth or their discovery of the abuse.
According to MCL – Section 600.5851b, survivors of child sexual abuse have until the age of 28 to file a claim against their abuser or within three years of discovery. It is important to talk with a sexual abuse lawyer to better understand what time frame and options are applicable to your situation.
Mandatory Reporters in Michigan
Michigan requires that certain individuals or professions report any abuse — or suspicion of abuse — to authorities. These groups are known as mandated reporters and often include medical and health personnel, educators and school staff, therapists, and social workers, among others. Michigan provides a hotline and other reporting avenues.
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Signs of Child Sexual Abuse
Children who have been sexually abused are often victimized by those who are closest to them. The nature of these relationships is often most conducive to Grooming. One of the common indicators of child sexual abuse in grooming is that it escalates over time and desensitizes children, so they are less likely to report the abuse. Abusers are likely to take advantage of children’s trust and any vulnerabilities in their lives.
To take action, it is vital to identify the correct offender, as well as be on the lookout for signs of child sexual abuse. Children who have been abused may exhibit mood swings, trouble sleeping, self-harm, physical markings, and/or changes in eating habits or social levels, to name a few. Reporting any suspected abuse and hiring legal counsel right away is crucial.
To better protect children, Michigan expands public access to child abuse registry. Not only are child sex offenders added to the list, but it is now public for caregivers to access and check. This can improve reporting efforts and help children more effectively.
What Damages Can be Recovered by Child Sex Abuse Survivors?
Money cannot erase the trauma you have experienced, but it can ease some of your burden as you face what comes next. As a survivor of child sexual abuse, you have the right to recover monetary compensation to mitigate some of the other losses you have sustained as a byproduct of the abuse you experienced. Damages are designed to provide you the means to get treatment, offset costs, and ease the weight you carry.
When receiving compensation, you may be able to claim one or more types of damages. Economic damages cover your financial losses and needs, such as expenses for medical tests, treatments, and counseling. Non-economic damages cover the trauma of your losses, such as reduced quality of life, loss of enjoyment, PTSD, emotional distress, and pain and suffering.
Punitive damages may also be applied to punish the perpetrator for the gravity of their actions and deter them from engaging in further abusive activity. This type of compensation also provides you with additional monetary means to cover the depth of your losses.
When pursuing a claim for child sexual abuse, it is important to talk with your Michigan abuse lawyer to calculate the value of your losses and understand the types and estimated amount of damages you may be able to claim.
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White Law PLLC Helps Survivors of Child Sex Abuse Pursue Justice and Healing
While children may be among the most vulnerable to sexual abuse, they have just as many rights as adults to pursue healing and justice.
White Law PLLC supports survivors and works tirelessly to secure compensation, treatment and resources, and perpetrator accountability. Schedule a free consultation today to learn more about what legal options you have as a survivor of child sex abuse and how our team can be there for you during this difficult time.
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