Aventura Child Sexual Abuse Lawyer

Child sexual abuse is a serious crime that can leave victims with lifelong emotional and physical injuries. If you or your child was sexually abused by a family member, teacher, doctor, or anyone else, you might receive compensation through a civil lawsuit.

An Aventura child sexual abuse lawyer with Dolman Law Group can explain your rights, identify the abuser, collect solid evidence, and prepare a civil lawsuit against them for compensation.

Why Choose Our Aventura Child Sexual Abuse Lawyers?

Selecting our Aventura child sexual abuse lawyers at Dolman Law Group ensures that you have a dedicated legal advocate with the following qualities:

Experience and Legal Skill

We know how child sexual abuse cases work in Florida and have in-depth knowledge of relevant laws and legal strategies. Our legal team is skilled in navigating the complexities of child sexual abuse cases, working diligently to achieve justice for survivors.

Compassion and Client-Focused

We approach each case empathetically, providing compassionate support to survivors throughout the legal process. We always prioritize the well-being and interests of our clients, ensuring personalized and client-centered representation.

Choosing our Aventura child sexual abuse lawyer means having a committed advocate who will fight for your rights and work tirelessly to hold perpetrators accountable.

Defining Child Sexual Abuse

According to the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN), child sexual abuse is "a form of child abuse that includes sexual activity with a minor." Children cannot give any type of consent when it comes to sexual acts.

In fact, in any city in Florida, the legal consent age is 18, which means only adults can legally consent to sexual activity. Talk to an Aventura child sexual abuse lawyer from the Dolman Law Group today about your case.

That said, if a perpetrator engages in sexual behavior with a child, they are considered a criminal. Keep in mind that criminals who commit child sexual abuse do not have to have physical contact with a child.

Instead, they can commit abuse from a distance. Here are a few examples of child sexual abuse:

• Intercourse
• Rape
• Incest
• Using substances to impair or cause the child to lose consciousness for sexual activity
• Online communication and video chats
• Sex trafficking
• Fondling or molestation
• Phone calls, text messages, or any other types of sexual conversations
• Masturbation with a minor present
• Encouraging or forcing a child to participate in or watch pornography

All parents should acknowledge that child sexual abuse happens and can take many forms, and it can happen to their child. It is the first step for parents to help their child come forward and get the needed support.

At Dolman Law Group, we help children and parents hold abusers accountable for their terrible behaviors. Our children are the most vulnerable people in our society, and they should have protection from this type of treatment.

Who Is Most at Risk for Child Sexual Abuse?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that children who are most at risk for sexual abuse are those who are younger than four years old, as well as those who have special needs, such as chronic illnesses, disabilities, and mental health disorders.

Therefore, if you have a child who fits into one of these categories, you may want to be extra careful about who is around them or provide more supervision. However, remember that a child of any age can experience sexual abuse at any time, regardless of these groups identified by the CDC as the most at risk.

How Can I Identify or Tell That a Person May Be a Child Abuser?

When it comes to identifying whether a person may be a child abuser, there are a few risk factors among individuals that you can keep an eye out for, such as:

• Those who have drinking or substance abuse addiction problems
• Those who are depressed or have other mental health disorders
• Those who have high levels of parenting or economic stress
• Those who were abused or neglected as children
• Those who believe corporal punishment is acceptable for discipline
• Those who have been in jail or prison
• Those who isolate themselves and do not communicate much with other people
• Those who exhibit violent behavior
• Those who communicate with high conflict or other negative communication styles

It can be difficult to notice any unusual behaviors among perpetrators who prey on young children. The reason for this is that most child sexual abusers have learned to develop their behaviors in a way that people may not see as alarming. However, most perpetrators look for opportunities or positions of authority over your child.

Your child may look up to this person or see them as someone they can trust or spend much time with. Therefore, when any sexual abuse act occurs, the child may feel confused about what happened as well as hesitant about reporting it. This allows the perpetrator to cover up their actions and avoid any suspicions.

To make matters worse, RAINN points out that about 93 percent of child sexual abuse victims know their perpetrator. That said, you should pay more attention to individuals involved in your child's life regularly rather than those who do not know your child.

Are There Specific Signs That Indicate That a Child May Be a Victim of Sexual Abuse?

If you are concerned that your child is a victim of sexual abuse or simply want to be cautious and aware, some warning signs typically include:

• Genital bleeding or bruising
• Bloody underclothes
• Complaints of itching or burning in the genital area
• Inability to walk or sit properly
• Urinary or yeast infections
• Hygiene problems
• New fears
• Depression or anxiety
• Suicidal thoughts
• Bedwetting
• Talking about or acting in sexual ways that they should not know about
• Nightmares
• Regressive behaviors, such as baby talking, thumb sucking, or using a diaper again
• Self-harming

Understanding signs of child sexual abuse may vary depending on your child's age. Warning signs in a teenager might differ from those in a child attending elementary school. We can explain these distinctions, identify them, and address any potential concerns appropriately.

The Long-Term and Permanent Consequences of Child Sexual Abuse

A child who has survived child sexual abuse will likely experience and carry long-term and permanent consequences into their adult life. While the physical effects may eventually fade away, the emotional and mental pain may never subside. Therefore, child sexual abuse victims typically have to learn how to manage and cope with their feelings even though they never deserved or asked for what happened to them.

The following are some of the long-term and permanent consequences of child sexual abuse:

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Post-traumatic stress disorder
• Mood swings
• Anger and aggression
• Eating disorders
• Lack of a social life
• Relationship problems
• Reproductive issues
• Chronic pain
• Chronic illnesses
• Gastrointestinal and stomach issues
• Heart problems
• Paranoia

How Can I Protect My Child from Sexual Abuse in Aventura?

As parents, safeguarding your child from the potential of sexual abuse is a natural concern. The last thing you want is for your child to become a victim and endure the numerous challenges and repercussions associated with such incidents.

Hence, there are several proactive steps you can consider to protect your child and reduce the likelihood of sexual abuse:

• Have an open-door policy with your child, meaning that you show them that you and your home are a safe space where they can discuss anything with you. You should always ask them about their day and encourage them to speak freely with you about anything that made them happy, sad, or afraid throughout the day.
• Explain to your child often that some people are not nice. Instead of dismissing any behavior from people around your child and telling them to brush it off, allow them to tell you if anyone physically hurts them or even hurts their feelings. By encouraging this, you will show your child that they can tell you when a person frightens them or makes them feel intimidated in any way.
• Go over physical boundaries with your child. This may be a tough subject to have with your child, but they must know and understand that there are certain things that they should not allow when it comes to their physical boundaries. If they do not want to hug an adult, you should teach them to say no and have other adults accept that your child has set physical boundaries.
• Do not get upset or angry when your child tells you the truth about something. If your child does something wrong but is truthful to you, you should explain that you may not like what they did, but you are happy that they told you the truth. This will build a relationship between you and your child and show they can always tell you the truth.
• Be cautious about who you can watch or spend alone with your child. You want to avoid leaving your child with someone who can potentially abuse them in any form. Therefore, do not leave your child with that person if you have doubts.
• Most parents have gut instincts they should consider and listen to. Talk to your child if your gut tells you something is wrong. If your child refuses to tell you anything, do not put too much pressure on them. Instead, find someone else who can guide you on what to do.

Implementing these proactive measures can help create a protective environment and empower your child to recognize and respond to situations that may pose a risk of sexual abuse.

Factors Determining Your Compensation in a Child Sexual Abuse Case

The effects of childhood sexual abuse are often long-lasting. The damage done can affect every aspect of a person's life, from their ability to form relationships to their ability to work. While no amount of money can undo the harm caused by sexual abuse, you have the right to hold the abuser accountable for their actions and receive compensation for your losses.

When determining the amount of compensation you should receive in court, several factors come into play, including:

• The severity of the abuse
• The age of the victim
• Whether there were multiple abusers
• Whether the victim has special needs

If you or your child has been a victim of sexual abuse, it can be challenging to know where to turn for help. A child sexual abuse attorney at Dolman Law Group is ready to listen to your story and pursue justice on your behalf.

Who Can Face Lawsuits for Child Sexual Abuse?

One of the initial questions our clients frequently pose is, "Who can we sue for child sexual abuse?" This question frequently arises because some believe they cannot sue someone very close or related to their child. However, you can file a lawsuit for child sexual abuse against a variety of different people.

These are some of the perpetrators that our lawyers have helped our clients sue for child sexual abuse:

• Sport coaches
• Teachers
• Daycare operators
• Schools
• School districts
• Priests, preachers, ministers, and other clergy members
• Boy Scout or Girl Scout leaders or volunteers
• Babysitters and nannies
• Doctors, nurses, and specialists
• Psychologists and counselors
• Parents, siblings, cousins, aunts, uncles, grandparents, and other family members
• Extra-curricular instructors

Types of Compensation You Can Recover in a Sexual Abuse Case

Survivors of sexual abuse may be entitled to receive financial compensation for the damages they've suffered. A child sexual abuse lawsuit typically involves one or more claims for different types of damages, including:

Past and Ongoing Medical Expenses

In physical and emotional abuse cases, the cost of medical treatment can be substantial. You'll want to document all medical expenses related to your injury, including transportation, prescription medication, physical therapy, doctor's appointments, imaging screenings, and other associated expenses.

Pain and Suffering

Victims can also seek compensation to cover the pain and suffering they've experienced due to the abuse.

This award can address a victim's:

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Changed behaviors
• Loneliness
• Injuries stemming from the abuse

Lost Income

Victims' parents or older loved ones may have to take time off work to help their child get through this difficult time.

They may recover:

• Hourly rates or salaries
• Tips or commissions
• Bonuses
• Business opportunities
• Employee benefits
• Paid time off

Loss of Future Earning Potential

Victims often suffer from psychological trauma as a result of sexual abuse. In some cases, the psychological trauma may be so severe that it prevents victims from working or interferes with their ability to make money in the future. Victims may lose money due to the inability to work or earn an income.

Why Hire an Aventura Child Sexual Abuse Lawyer With Our Firm?

A lot of child sexual abuse happens at the victim's or abuser's residences. Victims may hesitate to come forward because they feel that the experience was their fault or fear being stigmatized. If you're a survivor of child sexual abuse or have a child who's suffered abuse, you may want to learn more about your rights.

An Aventura child abuse lawyer with our firm will navigate the law, find and interview witnesses, gather evidence, communicate with involved parties, and prepare for trial.

Our Aventura personal injury lawyers will allow a victim to pursue compensation without paying any upfront costs, so there's no reason not to seek justice even if your family cannot afford legal fees.

Also, your lawyer will support you throughout the process by advising and answering all your pressing questions patiently and thoroughly.

Dolman Law Group Focuses on Privacy and Confidentiality

At Dolman Law Group, we know that it can be extremely difficult to come forward with sexual abuse or even learn to live with the effects of these incidents.

Therefore, we are compassionate, understanding, and sensitive when you or your child shares any information with us about sexual abuse. Our firm offers confidential consultations where we will listen to your experience and provide potential strategies and remedies that may be available to you.

While most people are aware of the fact that child sexual abuse is punishable and frequently results in jail time and hefty fines, we want survivors to also know that they have the right to file a civil claim against their perpetrators and anyone else who covered up or allowed the abuse to happen. By filing a civil claim, you and your child may receive compensation for everything you have endured.

If you choose to work with the attorneys at Dolman Law Group, you can rest assured that your child's identity will remain protected. Our sexual assault attorneys respect your privacy and confidentiality at all times, and we will handle all communication with the abuser and their legal team. We know these are very stressful and emotional cases, so our team will stay by your side throughout the process, ensuring that your safety and privacy remain our top priorities.

Ways an Aventura Sexual Abuse Lawyer Can Help With Your Case

When you connect with a child sexual abuse attorney in Aventura, their support encompasses various critical aspects.

Here are four key ways a child sexual abuse lawyer from our firm extends assistance to ensure comprehensive aid:

1. Investigate your case: While law enforcement will investigate your sexual abuse incident, our attorneys will conduct their investigation to ensure nothing gets overlooked. At the end of our investigation, we should know what happened, who was liable, and if anyone else might have prevented the incident.
2. Gather evidence: Evidence is a critical part of a child sexual abuse case. Therefore, our team will assist in collecting your medical records, police reports, photographs, videos, eyewitness information, documentation, and forensic reports to bolster your narrative.
3. Face your perpetrator: At Dolman Law Group, we understand that you and your child do not want contact with the perpetrator. That said, our lawyers will send all necessary paperwork and communicate with the abuser and their legal team. Instead of worrying about facing the perpetrator, you can concentrate on getting your child the recovery that they need during this time.
4. Fight for the justice you deserve: Our team is known to never back down without a fight, especially for children who may not have a voice. Therefore, when Dolman Law Group handles the case, you can find assurance that we will advocate for your child's story and insist on securing the maximum compensation to aid in rebuilding your life.

What Should Child Sexual Abuse Victims Do?

The first actions a victim takes after a sexual abuse incident are essential. However, many don't know the steps to take immediately after the heinous act, and understandably, it's because of the overwhelming trauma.

If you're the victim of child sex abuse or it's your loved one who experienced it, you must take the following steps to protect your health, safety, and rights:

• Confide in someone you trust. Tell a trusted adult, like a parent or teacher, as soon as possible. If you don't feel like you can tell someone in school or at home, we recommend calling or texting the child help hotline at 1-800-422-4453. 
• Don't shower or change your clothes. The clothing you were wearing during the assault may contain substantial evidence you can use to prove your case. Therefore, please don't take them off or bathe until you seek medical attention to preserve the evidence. 
• Get a medical evaluation as soon as possible. Your doctor can help identify any injuries (including internal injuries) while ensuring there was no sexual penetration and that you don't have any sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).
• Speak to an attorney. Ensure you contact a law firm that handles cases involving sexual abuse. Your lawyer will protect your rights and help guide you through the legal process.

Contact Dolman Law Group Today for Legal Guidance

Seek legal guidance after your or your child's sexual abuse incident to work toward a successful claim. We have experience handling these cases at Dolman Law Group and are ready to guide you through the legal process.

We'll review your case and determine how much you deserve in compensation, identify who's guilty, and file a claim against them. Call us today at (954) 302-7068 to start your journey to the justice you deserve. The first consultation comes at no obligation or fee.