White Law PLLC focuses on advocating for survivors of sexual abuse of all kinds, but especially child sexual abuse. This year, as part of our commitment to fighting for children’s rights to live free from sexual abuse and trafficking, our Michigan sexual abuse lawyers attended the Child USA 2024 Gala. Our firm believes that change can happen through cooperation and collaboration to advocate for policy and legislative changes.
White Law PLLC has decades of experience handling national class action and mass action lawsuits. We have taken on and won lawsuits regarding sexual abuse from Larry Nassar, sexual abuse in the Catholic church, Scouts of America, and the school systems. We are deeply committed to helping survivors of sexual abuse tell their stories and take advantage of a chance for justice.
CHILD USA
CHILD (Children’s Healthcare is a Legal Duty) USA is a nonprofit children’s rights organization. Founded by Professor Marci Hamilton, the organization focuses on high-level legal and social science research to support legislation and social changes that protect children’s rights. One such project includes Gold Standard Policy Recommendations for Preventing Child Sexual Abuse, which provides standards for organizations that provide services to children.
A large focus of CHILD USA that aligns with much of the work from White Law PLLC includes focusing on initiatives to impact legislation that protects children’s rights. These rights include safety from sex abuse, trafficking, and child sexual abuse material (CSAM). As a firm that handles so many child sex abuse cases, we have a deep understanding of the legal barriers that face survivors of child sexual abuse.
A critical part of increasing protection and recourse for those who survive these situations is adjusting criminal and civil action statutes of limitations. However, the United States has seen an uptick in states with sex abuse lookback windows that have facilitated hundreds of survivors to tell their stories and seek justice. This joint goal of advocating for children inspired us to not only attend the Child USA 2024 Gala but to donate $50,000 to the cause.
2024 Annual Gala
CHILD USA hosts a gala every year that allows community partners and others dedicated to continuing the fight for safety and justice for our children. It provides a chance for those in legal and social justice positions to build relationships that will further their efforts to support and protect children. Further, it is a time to bring advocates together to discuss updates and accomplishments of CHILD USA and their partners.
At the 2024 Gala, CHILD USA celebrated three of their most influential partners in as many states. They also took the opportunity to promote the Child Sex Abuse Statute of Limitations Treatise from 2002 to 2024 with a planned 2025 update. This guide is described as the culmination of more than two decades of research on child sex abuse statutes of limitation from every state.
Your Fight Is Our Fight
The Continued Battle Against Child Sexual Abuse
In a perfect world, the work and research from CHILD USA will prevent instances of child sexual abuse. However, the prevalence of abuse in the US is staggering. CHILD USA reports numbers of child sex abuse and trafficking of 1:5 girls and 1:13 boys who are sexually abused before they turn 18.
One of the most dangerous components of sexual abuse is that most children know their abuser. The Rape Abuse and Incest National Network (RAINN) reports that around 80% of abusers are known to the survivor. This can make it especially difficult for survivors to come forward for fear of people not believing them.
These considerations of child sexual abuse make the preventative work of CHILD USA crucial to protecting the rights of children. Through preventative measures and policies, we can reduce the incidents of child sexual abuse as a community. In the devastating event that someone perpetrates this kind of abuse, their work in legislation will help organizations like White Law PLLC more readily hold the abusers accountable.
White Law PLLC Child Sexual Abuse Advocacy
One way our firm prioritizes care and advocacy for our clients is that our experience and training ensure we can meet their needs. We understand why trauma-informed representation matters in sexual abuse cases, and our informed approach leads us to the research CHILD USA has published.
The way we support our clients has built our reputation for sexual abuse cases and allowed us the opportunity to seek justice against large organizations and entities. One such entity is the University of Michigan, which addresses the effects of sexual assault on campus. Our firm has also worked on cases addressing sexual abuse in Michigan daycares and summer camps.
Our Commitment to Fighting Clergy Abuse
Religious communities are often seen as a safe space for their communities. Leadership is met with a kind of implicit trust with their congregation’s vulnerable members, and many will take advantage of that trust and exploit those they are meant to serve. Some of the cases we have taken on include:
- Sexual abuse at Baptist churches
- Sexual abuse in LDS churches
- Sexual abuse in Michigan Diocese
- Sexual abuse in Lutheran churches
- Sexual abuse in Mennonite churches
We understand that you may be going through a difficult situation and we are ready to help however we can.
White Law PLLC Continues Advocacy
Our firm strongly believes in the importance of child advocacy in cases of child sexual abuse. This shared set of values contributed to White Law PLLC’s attendance at the CHILD USA 2024 Gala. We take pride in our commitment to evidence-based practices and advocacy, which is integral to CHILD USA’s mission.
If you have been forced to endure child sexual abuse at the hands of any adult in your life, we understand that the choice to pursue legal action is deeply personal. Further, there is no amount of blame or shame regarding the behavior of the person who abused you that is yours to bear.
When you are ready, you can call us to schedule a free case consultation to discuss your options.
We’re Experienced. We Care.
We Exceed Client Expectations.
