Sexual abuse is a topic that often makes headlines and generates substantial amounts of coverage in the media. This is because many people become shocked when they experience it, and are oftentimes willing to press charges on those responsible. Unfortunately, the perpetrator can often deny their wrongdoing, especially if they are powerful and/or wealthy. This makes it very difficult to seek justice for one’s suffering due to sexual abuse, which is why victims sometimes feel like they have nowhere else to turn. In this article, we’ll talk about some things you should know about sexual abuse litigation firm in Santa Barbara.
Know the types of sexual abuse
There are many different types of sexual abuse. However, the most common form of such abuse is pedophilia. Pedophilia comes in two distinct flavors: erotic pedophilia and non-ephelicalpedophilia, which are slightly blurred between the two. Erotic pedophilia involves adult-to-adult contact; non-ephelicalpedophilia involves any contact with a minor who is not related to an adult. Whether or not the contact is abusive, sexual abuse is a crime that can leave a victim feeling deeply violated, emotionally scarred, and in some cases even dead.
In this day and age, many people who experience child sexual abuse don’t hesitate to report their story to the police, and many others to do the same for other victims. Unfortunately, many more do not know where to go or who to turn to for help, which makes the task of pursuing a case nearly impossible. Fortunately, victims no longer have to worry about such issues. If they choose, they can use the internet to find support groups as well as legal counsel. They can also make use of the resources and assistance provided by victim services, such as Amber Alerts and Domestic Violence Help lines.
Not only women are facing such abuses
Sadly, there are still some people who believe that women are only victims of sexual abuse. As a result, some of them may never seek justice for the crimes against them. This is unfortunate, as victims of sexual abuse have the right to pursue legal avenues against those who mistreat them. Even if a victim decides not to press charges, he or she has the right to take legal action to ensure that the offender is punished. This is especially important for victims of child sexual abuse, as they have a right to be heard and to receive compensation. Sexual abuse litigation and the cases that result from them serve a vital purpose in ensuring justice is served for all who have been victims of sexual abuse.
The process of sexual abuse litigation is similar to that of any other legal proceeding. It begins with a victim reporting the incident to law enforcement authorities. Depending on the gravity of the offense and the state in which the alleged perpetrator lives, the police can investigate the matter and present the victim with a suspect description. From there, the victim and his or her attorney can decide whether or not to proceed with the litigation. If charges are brought against an alleged perpetrator, he or she has the right to a lawyer to represent him or her before a judge.
The types of sexual abuse litigation
There are two types of sexual abuse litigation: criminal and civil. Criminal litigation is used to seek retribution for the victim’s injuries. Civil litigation, however, is used to address non-malicious acts of negligence. These include but are not limited to, the negligent hiring of a private security firm, the negligent discharge of a contaminated drug by a prison warder, and so on.
Many attorneys who represent sexual abuse victims fail to grasp the gravity of this type of case and its implications. Often, the primary motivation of such attorneys is a desire to retain the case and settle rather than go to trial. Unfortunately, sexual abuse litigation does not end with a settlement. The responsible parties may face significant repercussions. Some victims may lose their ability to gain employment or be denied of promotions or professional licenses. Such victims may even be sued for damages in civil court by the responsible party. For sex abuse litigation firms in Santa Barbara from websites like nshmlaw.com.
Nye, Stirling, Hale & Miller LLP 