Sexual Abuse of Adults
Sexual abuse of adults happens in a variety of settings. Any sexual contact between adults may be abusive unless all involved consent to the activity.
Many sexual assaults are easy to identify and a civil lawsuit provides an opportunity for justice in those cases. Often, another person or entity that allowed the assault may also be held responsible. For instance, an apartment complex should provide adequate security to its residents in order to prevent criminal assault.
Where there is unequal power or control, acquiescence may not be consent. For instance, individuals in positions of trust – such as mental health therapists, physicians, lawyers, clergy, police officers and others – should never make sexual contact with a person in their professional relationship.
If you feel uncomfortable about something that has happened, talk to a civil lawyer. Together we can explore whether the law provides a remedy for you.
WHY FILE A CIVIL LAWSUIT AFTER SEXUAL ABUSE
Sexual abuse can have physical and emotional consequences. Medical treatment for injuries sustained in the abuse may be necessary, as well as treatment for medical conditions transmitted by the abuser. Emotional ramifications are often lifelong. A victim may require therapy for conditions like PTSD or depression.
Victims deserve to be fully compensated for medical expenditures and emotional damages caused by the abuse. The criminal justice system is only aimed at punishing the abuser and does little to help the victim and nothing to hold those who facilitated the abuse accountable. A civil lawsuit can help abuse survivors receive the compensation they need to move on with their lives.
POSSIBLE DEFENDANTS
Victims often assume that if their perpetrator has no money, then the victim cannot file a lawsuit. But there are often ways to hold perpetrators and enablers responsible despite this fact. Adult victims may sue their perpetrators and other people or companies who facilitate the abuse, including:
- Perpetrator
- Perpetrator’s estate
- Property owners
- Apartment complexes
- Landlords
- Hotels and motels
- Shopping malls
- Physicians
- Massage therapists
- Mental health therapists
- Nursing homes
- Mental health facilities
