Sexual Abuse
You Are Not Alone – The Haggard Law Firm is Here to Support You
In the United States, someone is the victim of a sexual attack every 73 seconds. According to Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN), every 9 minutes the victim is a child.
Sexual violence impacts thousands of victims in the United States every year. The prevalence of sexual abuse is difficult to determine because it is often not reported; experts agree that the incidence is far greater than what is reported.
Studies by Crimes Against Children Research, show that:
- 1 in 5 girls and 1 in 20 boys is a victim of child sexual abuse.
- Self-reported studies show that 20% of adult females and 5-10% of adult males recall a childhood sexual assault or sexual abuse incident.
- During a one-year period in the U.S., 16% of youth ages 14 to 17 had been sexually victimized.
- Over the course of their lifetime, 28% of U.S. youth ages 14 to 17 had been sexually victimized.
- Children are most vulnerable to sexual abuse between the ages of 7 and 13.
Child sexual abuse is not solely restricted to physical contact; such abuse could include non-contact, such as exposure, voyeurism, and child pornography.
According to the National Institute of Justice, 3 out of 4 adolescents who have been sexually assaulted were victimized by someone they knew well.
Children who had an experience of rape or attempted rape in their adolescent years were 13.7 times more likely to experience rape or attempted rape in their first year of college.
A child who is the victim of prolonged sexual abuse usually develops low self-esteem, a feeling of worthlessness and an abnormal or distorted view of sex. The child may become withdrawn and mistrustful of adults and can become suicidal.
Anyone can be the victim of sexual violence. Here is the breakdown of the number of people who are the victims of sexual violence in the U.S. each year:
- 60,000 children are the victims of some form of sexual abuse.
- 433,648 Americans are the victims of sexual assault or rape.
- 80,600 of Americans incarcerated are victims of rape or sexual assault.
18,900 U.S. military are victims of unwanted or forced sexual contact.
What Sexual Assault Victims Should Do
The priority is to find safety from your attacker. Once you can achieve that it is important to:
- Receive medical care from a doctor. Along with your safety, your health is essential. Most medical facilities have nurses, doctors, and other staff trained to collect evidence from sex assault victims. You may not know right away if you want to press charges immediately following a sexual assault, it is best to let medical professional sensitive to your attack collect evidence before it is lost. If you do decide to later pursue a case against your attacker, you have the best chance of achieving justice.
- Report on the attack. What has happened to you can feel unspeakable. After you’ve been attacked it can be difficult to tell anyone. It is critical to know you did nothing wrong. It is natural to feel embarrassed or ashamed. It can help to talk about your emotions with someone. You can always reach out to RAINN 24/7 through their National Sexual Assault Hotline at 800. 656.HOPE (4673). The NSAHcalls are anonymous. You can get the support, advice, and information you need.
- Keep the evidence you can. Of the many challenges a sexual abuse victim faces, thinking about the steps needed to achieve the justice deserved. But, keeping the clothes you were wearing when the attack occurred is important. This evidence, or any other, can be valuable and should be preserved when you are ready to file a report.
- Contact The Haggard Law Firm. When you are ready to hold your abuser abuser(s) and any organization (religious didn’t help prevent your attack, contact our Sex Assault and Abuse Victims Lawyers at The Haggard Law Firm so we can fight on your behalf in the civil court system.
The Haggard Law Firm is a partner in this process.Because our attorneys have decades of experience in these cases, we understand the sensitive nature of these crime and how to work with our clients. Our lawyers and legal staff is trained to meet the victim’s needs and walk them through the process.
You do not have to file a police report against your attacker to achieve justice through a civil lawsuit. The Haggard Law Firm is experienced in handling these important cases. Our trial attorneys have nearly 100 years of combined experience representing victims of crime including sexual assaults and abuse. The Haggard Law Firm is committed to helping you or your loved one through this by fighting for the justice and accountability heinous crimes like this deserve.
How Can Someone File a Lawsuit for a Sexual Assault or Abuse
In the U.S. there are the criminal and civil justice systems. Criminal justice involves the local public prosecutor who will decide whether to charge a person with a sex crime. If the person is charged and found guilty, they may be sent to jail or prison.
Civil justice pursued on a victim’s behalf by The Haggard Law Firm, allows survivors of sex crimes to fight for justice against their abusers and any entity (Examples: religious institutions, schools, daycares, clubs, sports organizations colleges/universities) to seek financial damages.
If the person you are seeking monetary damages from was found guilty in the criminal justice system this can help your case, but even if they were not, then you may still be able to hold your attacker liable for certain things like your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and all other damages related to your attack.
Our Sex Assault and Abuse Victims Lawyers at The Haggard Law Firm take the time our clients need to explain the process of the civil law in all our cases.
What if my Child has Been Sexually Abused?
It is devastating news when a parent learns their child has been the victim of sexual abuse. Learning your child has been abused by someone you know, or someone tied to an organization you thought you could trust can be demoralizing and painful.
The Haggard Law Firm’s Sex Assault and Abuse Victims Lawyers have handled numerous cases involving children being sexually abused or assaulted. Our trial lawyers and support team understand the pain you’re experiencing and want to support you in any way we can. Our fight in civil court can’t change what has happened but it can help you help you child have the best possible future they can. Please contact us when you are ready to discuss claims against
- Schools and/or school districts
- church or clergy
- Sports coaches and leagues
- Boy Scouts of America and similar organizations.
- Daycare centers and staff members
- Any entity that had a responsibility to protect your child and did not.
Our trial lawyers and support team understand the pain you’re experiencing and want to support you in any way we can.
Sexual Abuse and Sexual Assault Verdicts & Settlements
Five federal Title IX lawsuits against the School Board of Miami-Dade County from girls (minors) who were sexually abused by their gym teacher were resolved with an $8.7 million settlement.
News outlet Interviews The Haggard Law Firm’s Sexual Abuse Lawyer to Comment on New School District Sexual Misconduct Claims
Haggard Law Clients Speak Out Raise Awareness After Daughter Was Sexually Assaulted and Killed at Miami Beach Hotel.
The Haggard Law Firm discusses Nearly $9 Million Settlement with Miami-Dade School Board in Middle School Teacher Sexual Assault Case
The Haggard Law Firm is Interviewed About Sexual Assault and Abuse Lawsuits for Sexual Assault Awareness Campaign
