When facing the aftermath of sexual abuse, know you do not have to face this devastating situation alone. There are support groups and resources for sexual abuse survivors in Lansing, MI, that can help guide you through this difficult time and towards recovery. You may also have grounds for a legal case that can provide financial compensation and closure through seeking justice.
Recovery from sexual abuse is a financial, physical, and emotional process. Overcoming the emotional aspects can be tough without financial support. A support group can offer the emotional support you need during this difficult time.
If you are struggling to overcome the sexual abuse you have suffered, here are some steps you can take and groups working in Michigan that can help you. A Okemos sexual abuse lawyer is also prepared to help you if you choose to seek civil litigation for the suffering you have experienced. If you or your family has been impacted by sexual abuse, reach out to these sexual abuse support groups and resources to get the help you need.
Sexual Abuse Recovery Resources for Marginalized People
In Michigan, sexual abuse is defined as any unwanted sexual contact. While this typically means some form of physical touch, it can also include any other sexual activity that you did not consent to. If you have been caught in any of these situations, you may have been unable to consent:
- You actively chose not to consent
- You were intoxicated and unable to consent
- In child sexual abuse cases, the child is not old enough to legally consent
If you believe you or a loved one has experienced sexual abuse, it may be time to report it. You have the opportunity to contact the police about the sexual abuse, or you can contact Michigan’s sexual abuse hotline to get the help you need. Our team is also here to guide those who have suffered because of another person’s abuse.
Pressing Criminal Charges
One of the first options you may be concerned with is pressing criminal charges. Pressing charges may lead to a court case that proves the wrongdoer broke the law, but you may not receive financial compensation for your suffering. However, this act can put your abuser behind bars, which can protect you and others in the future.
Keep in mind that you have a limited time to press charges. You also will need a much higher standard of evidence. The prosecutor will need to prove that the responsible party was guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
You May Have Grounds for a Lawsuit
Criminal charges are not your only option for getting closure and justice. Civil litigation can be filed against the at-fault party. These cases can hold them financially accountable for the suffering they caused.
While these penalties will not lead to imprisonment, they can lead to compensation. That compensation can cover the suffering you have experienced. That can be a major boon to you and your family, especially if you are unable to work in the aftermath of the abuse you suffered.
Filing a lawsuit for a sexual abuse claim can still be tricky. For example, you may be close to state time limits on civil litigation. If you do not act in time, the court may simply dismiss your case. If you have any concerns or doubts about your lawsuit, speak with your attorney through a free consultation before you take any action.
Your Fight Is Our Fight
Finding the Right Support Group for You
As you seek out help following an incident of sexual abuse, you may be a little overwhelmed by the options you have for support groups. Lansing has a number of area-specific groups, including the Women’s Center of Greater Lansing. Because of this, choosing the right support group can be overwhelming at first.
When choosing the right support group, consider first if you have any specific needs that need to be met. For example, if you need translation services, you may want first to rule out support groups that do not offer those services. Likewise, you may want to seek out support groups specific to people with similar life experiences. For example, you may be more comfortable in an LGBTQ-friendly space.
No matter what support group is right for you, you have options. Talk with your attorney if you need further resources to help you overcome this situation and get the help you need. Our team is here to help guide you through this process.
Sexual Abuse Recovery Resources for Marginalized People
In some cases, people who are part of marginalized communities may not feel safe or given the same amount of respect in support groups that are open to everyone. That may be because of a lack of certain resources. Those resources include translation resources or respect for cultural differences.
Fortunately, there are many opportunities for sexual abuse support groups built for marginalized people to help them recover. Depending on your needs, you may have many options. Below are a few options meant to provide support to people of color:
- Sexual Assault Services for Holistic Healing and Awareness (SASHA)
- Centro Multicultural La Famila
- Incite! Women of Color Against Violence
Supporting the LGBTQ+ Community
Members of the LGBTQ community may also experience certain obstacles and difficulties that may make other support groups less welcoming. For those seeking specific resources that cater to their specific life experiences, one may seek out an LGBTQ-friendly support group. The following are just a few in Michigan that offer specific resources for LGBTQ people:
We understand that you may be going through a difficult situation and we are ready to help however we can.
You Have Options for Recovery Following Sexual Abuse
When facing the aftermath of sexual abuse, you may feel afraid and alone. You may even want the situation just to go away. However, no matter how you choose to handle the specifics of your sexual abuse case, you have the resources to take the steps that are right for your case.
The legal team at White Law PLLC is here to help you take legal action If you choose to sue your abuser. Our team can guide you through the complex legal situation you may find yourself in, and we can help you get compensated fairly. We can even represent you in the courtroom so that you can spend as much time as possible focused on your physical and mental well-being.
When you are ready to speak with an attorney about your sexual abuse claim, reach out to our team for a free consultation. Our free consultations can give you some guidance before you commit to filing with us. We are ready to speak with you when you call or fill out our online contact form.
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