The act of sexual abuse against anyone, whether an adult or child, is a criminal act, and those found to be guilty should face the maximum penalties allowed by law.
The Denver injury lawyers at Rosenthal & Heymann are experienced in representing the victims of sexual abuse and will work with you to investigate your case and file a civil claim on your behalf to collect the financial compensation necessary to pay for counseling, treatment and the pain and suffering of the victim.
We will also work to ensure your rights are protected throughout the criminal proceedings, that your voice is heard and that you are aware of criminal restitution benefits or other assistance through state and federal crime victim’s programs.
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Child Sex Abuse: What to Look For
Parents and guardians of children should be vigilant in their awareness of signs of sexual abuse from their children.
• Unexplained depression, anxiety or “acting out.”
• Emotional withdrawal.
• Redness, swelling or rashes of the skin near the genital area.
• Urinary tract infections.
• Chronic headaches or stomach pains, which may be associated with severe anxiety.
• Extreme anger or rebellion.
• Inappropriate use of sexual language or behavior.
Source: darkness2light.org
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Oftentimes, victims who were abused or molested as children retain the emotional pain and psychological scars for many years into adulthood – in some cases for a lifetime. Yet there is a limited amount of time to investigate such cases and collect damages on your behalf.
In some sexual abuse cases, a third party may be found to be partially liable due to their inability or ineffectiveness in preventing the situation from happening. Churches, schools and daycare centers can and should be held liable for sexual assault that occurs on their property and under their watch.
Child sexual abuse can take many forms and may include: Inappropriate touching of a child’s genital area, exposure of the perpetrator’s genitals to a child, pressuring a child to engage in sexual activity and use of a child in the production of pornographic materials.
The effects of childhood sexual abuse can be extremely debilitating. These can include anxiety disorders, severe depression, overwhelming feelings of guilt, low self esteem, post traumatic stress disorders, deep psychological trauma and suicide.
Estimates show that 2 out of every 10 girls and 1 out of every 10 boys will be sexually abused or molested by the time they turn 14. It can happen in environments that parents often assume are the safest – a school, daycare center, church, youth club or group or even a youth sports program.
The Colorado Department of Public Health points out that the overwhelming majority of child sexual abuse cases involve a relative or trusted family friend – rarely is there a stranger involved. They also note that 80% of instances are when an offender and the victim are alone, one-on-one. An abusive situation may be further complicated by parents who are reluctant to believe that someone they have trusted with their child’s well being would be capable of such a heinous act.
If your child, or the child of someone you know, has been the victim of sexual abuse, the Colorado injury attorneys at Rosenthal & Heymann urge you to take action quickly. The statute of limitations for such offenses in Colorado is 6 years, and the sooner you contact us to fight for justice on behalf of your child, the better chance you have of receiving the compensation you deserve and having the access to the financial resources necessary to protect your child’s future physical and emotional well-being.
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