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Get the compensation you deserve

If you or someone you love has experienced sexual abuse, Shrader & Associates, L.L.P. is here to help you. Our team of attorneys and staff are ready to provide compassionate, confidential, and personalized legal support every step of the way.

Contact Shrader and Associates now for a free consultation.

Forms of Sex Abuse

Sexual abuse is any form of unwanted sexual contact. 

  • Non-consensual or unwanted sexual touching: Including touching individuals who are unable to consent, such as children, individuals with mental disabilities, or those under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
  • Sexual exploitation: Activities such as human trafficking or child pornography.
  • Rape: Forced sexual intercourse.
  • Sexual coercion or manipulation: Using influence, authority, or control to obtain sexual favors or compliance.
  • Sexual harassment: Unwelcome advances or the creation of a hostile environment through sexual comments or gestures.
  • Child molestation: Sexual acts involving a minor.
  • Sexual battery: Sexual contact achieved through force or threat of force, such as through the use of a deadly weapon or against individuals with mental disabilities who cannot give consent.
  • Harmful sexual acts: Any sexual conduct detrimental to the victim’s physical, mental, or emotional well-being.

If you or someone you love has survived sexual abuse or assault, Shrader & Associates stands ready to help you get the compensation you deserve. 

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Physical and Emotional Effects of Sexual Abuse

Sexual abuse can leave wounds that last for a lifetime. Sexual assault may leave physical damage, such as:

  • Migraines
  • Pregnancy
  • Chronic pain
  • Premenstrual syndrome
  • Sexually transmitted infections (STI)
  • Gastrointestinal disorders, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

Sexual abuse can also lead to psychological and emotional scars, such as:

  • Problems with trust, intimacy, or sexual function
  • Withdrawing from certain social situations
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
  • Insomnia or sleeping disorders
  • Eating disorders
  • Panic attacks
  • Dissociation
  • Nightmares
  • Flashbacks
  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • Stress

In child sexual abuse cases, the effects may show up first as fear, shame, or a feeling of guilt. Because children may not understand what has happened or have the ability to communicate the event, they may express their emotions in other ways, such as:

  • Reluctance to be alone with certain individuals
  • Academic difficulties
  • Frequent tantrums
  • Hyperactivity

Some children may attempt to compensate by asserting their masculinity or sexuality through aggressive behavior at school or boasting about sexual conquests. 

Sex crimes are often perpetrated by individuals whom the child or their guardian trusts. In 93% of child sexual abuse cases, the survivor knew the person who committed the abuse, and 34% of the time they are members of the child’s family.

According to the United States Sentencing Commission, 67.2% of sexual abuse offenders have no prior criminal history.

What to Do if You Suspect Child Abuse

Children may not report sexual abuse, so it is important for adults to look out for the signs of potential abuse. If you suspect a child is being abused, contact your local child protective services or law enforcement department. 

A victim of sexual assault or abuse may be hesitant to report it. Even as adults, victims may feel they do not have the support or resources they need. Speaking out and seeking justice can be daunting. 

You can make your voice heard – and Shrader & Associates can help. Contact us today to begin the process.

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Steps to take if you or a loved one has been sexually assaulted or abused

1. Ensure Safety

Prioritize your safety and that of your loved ones by distancing yourself from the abuser and relocating to a secure environment. Call 9-1-1 to report the incident to the police.

2. Seek Medical Attention

If you have sustained physical injuries, seek treatment at an emergency room. Beyond treating your injuries, seeking medical attention is crucial for documentation purposes should you choose to pursue legal actions against the abuser. For additional support, contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 800-656-HOPE to find a healthcare facility specializing in care for sexual assault survivors.

3. Connect with Support Services

Once you are physically safe, reach out to support groups that can provide emotional and practical assistance for the long-term. 

4. Consult a Specialized Law Firm

Contacting a law firm that specializes in sexual abuse cases, such as Shrader & Associates, allows you to explore your legal options. Pursuing a civil case can be a challenging decision, but it can also provide the courage to seek justice and support. Our team of legal experts is ready to assist you in coming forward and telling your story.

Criminal Cases vs. Civil Cases

Sexual abuse survivors have the option to pursue claims against their abusers in criminal court, civil court, or both.

  • In a criminal case, the alleged abuser is prosecuted by the state. If found guilty, they may be convicted and sentenced to prison. However, the survivor does not typically receive significant financial compensation in a criminal case, as the primary focus is on penalizing the offender rather than providing restitution to the victim.
  • In a civil case, the survivors work with a team of skilled attorneys, such as those at Shrader & Associates, to hold the abuser and other accountable parties responsible. Civil litigation allows survivors to obtain monetary compensation for their suffering and losses. Survivors can seek financial damages from the abuser and any other responsible parties, such as a school or camp that failed to provide adequate supervision. 

The process unfolds differently depending on whether you decide to pursue a criminal or civil case. The major difference is the amount of evidence necessary to prove a crime has been committed.

  • In a criminal case, it must be proven “beyond a reasonable doubt” that the crime occurred.
  • In a civil case, the court will decide based on a “preponderance of the evidence.” This means if the prosecution’s arguments are more credible, or more likely to be true, than the defendant’s, the prosecution wins the case. 

 

Criminal and civil cases are tried separately. The outcome of a criminal case does not affect the outcome of a civil case.

  • If a criminal case is dismissed or the alleged abuser is found “not guilty” in a criminal case, you can still file a civil case.
  • If the perpetrator is found “guilty” and sent to prison, you can still file a civil case against them and pursue financial compensation for your pain and suffering.

If you name an organization in your civil case, you and your attorney will need to prove that they were negligent or failed to uphold their legal duty owed to the child. For example, in the case of a schoolteacher abusing a child, the civil case would need to prove the school administration failed to:

  • properly screen and supervise it’s teachers
  • conduct necessary investigations into complaints
  • notify law enforcement of the misconduct of a teacher

If your civil case is successfully settled or litigated, you may be entitled to financial compensation for damages. The value the judge or jury assigns to your case and the specific damages you recover will depend on the specifics of your case.  

Join forces with a legal team that cares about you. Contact Shrader & Associates today for a free consultation.

I don’t care about the money!

You don’t have to have a financial impetus to file a civil case. 

You may be more concerned about seeking justice and inciting critical changes in a particular institution or community. For example, you could file a civil case against a school or a camp to hold the institution accountable for the actions of their employees, preventing any further injury to children at the school or camp.

Regardless of your motive for pursuing a civil case, whether your case is settled or proceeds to litigation, having a great legal team on your side can help you navigate the complexities of the legal system.

Let us help you seek the justice you and your community deserve. Contact Shrader & Associates today for compassionate legal support every step of the way.

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Timeframe to file a sexual abuse claim

The timeframe for filing a lawsuit for sexual assault in either criminal and civil court depends on the laws of your state. It is important to consult with an experienced law firm promptly once you decide to pursue legal action. An attorney specializing in sexual abuse cases can answer your questions, assist in filing your suit, and guide you through the entire legal process.

Take action with Shrader & Associates.

Recent sexual abuse case settlements

  • A school in Southern California where a teacher became pregnant with a student’s baby was ordered to pay $2.25 million when the boy who fathered the child told the court the school knew about the relationship between him and his teacher and did not tell his parents about it.
  • A $3.55 million settlement was handed down in January of 2024 from a case where a school ignored complaints from students, teachers, and parents regarding a teacher’s sexual misconduct with students for decades.
  • A school in California was ordered to pay $135 million for failing to protect two students from a predatory teacher in an unprecedented case in California in October of 2023.