Getting Justice After Sexual Abuse In Alabama
Sexual abuse is a particularly horrible crime, most notably because it can affect anyone – but it so often affects the most vulnerable in our society. It can be easy for a victim to feel despair, and to think that they have no way to get justice for what they have suffered. While a victim may not be able to get criminal charges brought against their alleged abuser, they may be able to start civil proceedings against them.
It is all too easy to feel powerless and alone after experiencing such a horrific violation of mind and body. The Birmingham sexual abuse attorneys at Goldasich, Vick & Fulk have a history of standing up for victims, and we will fight hard to ensure that you find some measure of justice.
Can Take Many Forms
In Alabama, sexual abuse is defined as subjecting another person to sexual conduct “by forcible compulsion,” or if a person is legally unable to consent due to incapacity (due to disability, substance abuse, or other conditions like these). Note that this definition may include rape, but a charge of rape requires certain physical actions, while a charge of sexual abuse does not. There are many terms used to represent this set of crimes.
It is important to be aware of exactly what this means, and to not rule out that you have been a victim. Most people think of the term ‘sexual abuse’ as implying a power imbalance between the alleged victim and perpetrator, which is often borne out by statistics – according to data from the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN), the majority of reported abusers are over the age of 30. However, sticking to a narrow definition of ‘what an abuser looks like’ can mean that too many slip through the proverbial cracks.
Civil vs Criminal
Sexual abuse is a crime, and if you have been abused in this fashion, it is important to report it to the police. However, a victim must be aware that they do not have control over criminal proceedings – if a state’s attorney wants to charge the alleged abuser, they will do so even if the victim refuses to cooperate with the investigation. This is fine with some people, but many find the stress of a trial to be too much to handle while also focusing on physical and emotional recovery.
In some cases, though, a sexual abuse victim may be able to file a civil suit against the person who allegedly caused them harm (even if they are also facing criminal charges). Criminal courts take away a defendant’s freedom if they are found guilty, while civil courts make a defendant pay money damages if they are proven to have caused the plaintiff’s injuries. While money will not erase the trauma of what happened, it can help keep you and your family afloat while you try to get life back on track.
Our Attorneys Will Fight For You
Going through sexual abuse is a horrific ordeal that can leave long-lasting emotional scars at best, lifechanging physical and emotional injuries at worst. You need compassionate and knowledgeable representation – the Birmingham sexual abuse attorneys from Goldasich, Vick & Fulk will work hard to ensure that your case has its day in court, and will ensure you need not navigate the legal process alone. Call (205) 731-2566 today to schedule a consultation.
Source:
rainn.org/statistics/perpetrators-sexual-violence
