UNDERSTANDING THE EFFECTS OF SEXUAL ABUSE

Sexual abuse is a crime that cuts across gender, race, religion, and class. It can be committed against children, adults, and vulnerable individuals who lack the legal or mental capacity to consent, such as inmates in jails or prisons or people with disabilities. And it can occur in any setting at the hands of nearly anyone – including the people and places we trust most, such as churches, schools, and youth organizations.

No matter how abuse occurs, understanding the short- and long-term effects of sexual abuse is a critical step in helping victims heal from their trauma. It’s also important when it comes to calculating and conveying the damages survivors have endured when pursuing a sexual abuse compensation through settlement negotiations or trial.

At Levy Konigsberg, our sexual abuse lawyers know our clients face challenging consequences because of their abuse. We are caring and compassionate in helping them address their physical and mental health needs, and aggressive in helping them hold the responsible parties accountable.

Were you sexually abused?

CLICK HERE TO SEE IF YOUR CASE QUALIFIES

The Psychological and Mental Impact of Sexual Abuse

Sexual abuse and sexual violence can have profound psychological and emotional effects on survivors, many of which stem from the brain’s biological response to trauma. Some of these effects include:

Depression. Depression is a mood disorder characterized by sadness or hopelessness that last for long periods of time and interrupt regular thought patterns. Depression can significantly impact behavior, relationships, and a person’s daily life.
Flashbacks. Sexual abuse survivors may experience flashbacks, nightmares, and intrusive memories of past trauma that can feel as if they are taking place in the current moment, or that the abuse or violence are happening all over again. They may feel random or triggered by certain experiences or senses that remind a person of the trauma they experienced. Breathing and focusing on your five senses (what you see, smell, hear, taste, and feel) in the current moment can help you stay calm during a flashback and grounded in the present moment.
Post-traumatic stress disorder. PTSD is a condition triggered by a traumatic event. It is most associated with severe anxiety and intrusive memories, but can also result in avoidance (i.e. avoiding thinking or talking about the event or places and activities that remind you of the event), negative changes in mood, arousal symptoms (such as irritability, being easily startled, or feeling tense or on guard), self-destructive behavior, and feelings of guilt or shame.

Sexual abuse survivors can also experience other psychological and emotional issues that impact their physical well-being. Examples include:

Self-harm
Substance abuse
Panic attacks
Eating disorders
Pregnancy or sexually transmitted infection (STI)
Sleep disorders
Dissociation
Suicide

While the psychological and emotional effects of sexual abuse can be life-altering, there are resources that can help survivors cope. This includes the support of friends and family, a trusted therapist or counselor, and various public services and non-profit organizations. For example, RAINN, the nation’s largest anti-sexual violence organization, operates a hotline that connects survivors with needed support and professionals.

Adults can experience the same types of emotional, physical, and psychological repercussions of abuse as children, as well as some unique issues. This includes difficulties in making complaints, speaking out against offenders, and getting support from those in charge. Often, these issues stem from the failures of supervisors, employers, and others in positions of authority and oversight when it comes to appropriately handling allegations, conducting investigations, and responding promptly.

Barriers that prevent survivors from making their voices heard can greatly hinder the reporting of abuse and the ability to stop offenders and prevent them from abusing others. Moreover, it can add further insult to injury for survivors who are already dealing with so much.

Fortunately, lawmakers are beginning to recognize the need for change. In New York, for example, the grounding breaking NY Adult Survivor’s Act creates a temporary one-year lookback window for individuals who were sexually abused as adults to file claims – no matter how long ago their abuse occurred. The ASA also permits claims to be brought against abusers and the institutions that failed to prevent the abuse.

Effects of Child Sexual Abuse

Individuals who have been sexually abused as children may display various emotional and behavioral responses, many of which are common in children who have experienced other types of trauma. These responses may include:

Nightmares or sleeping difficulties.
Withdrawn behavior / social isolation
Anxiety and depression
Not wanting to be left alone with certain individuals

Short-Term Effects. The short-term effects of sexual abuse vary depending on the age of the child. For example:

Young children may engage in traumatic play in which they re-enact some parts of their abuse, exhibit signs of stress, withdrawn behavior, and tantrums, or engage in age-inappropriate sexual behavior, such as trying to engage other children in real or simulated sexual acts.
As children grow into adolescence, they can experience greater difficulties. Teens may be more likely to abuse substances and engage in risk-taking behaviors. Social isolation, self-harm, and suicidal behaviors.

Long-Term Effects. A growing body of research has shown that sexual abuse in childhood can significantly impact a person’s long-term physical and mental health and their sexual development. These include:

The development of PTSD, depression, and anxiety
Difficulties trusting others
Social and behavioral problems
Substance abuse issues
Self-harm and suicide
Problems with intimacy, trust, and sexual functioning
Higher rates of re-victimization (subsequent sexual assault)

Statistics Show Long-Terms Effects of Sexual Abuse

Statistics from RAINN illustrate just how significantly sexual abuse can impact survivors. For example:

94% of women who are raped experience PTSD symptoms in the initial weeks following the assault, and 30% report PTSD symptoms 9 months after the rape.
33% of women who are raped contemplate suicide, and 13% attempt suicide.
Roughly 70% of rape and sexual assault victims experience moderate to severe distress.
People who have been sexually assaulted are more likely to use drugs than the general public (6 times more likely to use cocaine and 10 times more likely to use other major drugs).
38% of sexual violence victims experience problems at work or school, including problems with a superiors or coworkers.
37% of survivors experience problems with friends or families, including more frequent arguments and relationships that are not as strong as they were before their abuse.

We specialize in sexual abuse lawsuits against powerful institutions. These include government entities (such as prisons, schools, and juvenile detention / juvenile treatment centers), technology companies, and clergy.

CLICK HERE TO SEE IF YOUR CASE QUALIFIES

We work on contingency, which means there’s no cost to hire and no fee unless we win.

Who Can You Sue in a Sex Abuse Civil Case?

In a sex abuse civil case, the parties you might sue can vary depending on the circumstances of the abuse and the relationships involved.

Some potential parties that could be sued in a sex abuse civil case include:

Individual Perpetrator: The alleged perpetrator of the sexual abuse can be named as a defendant in the lawsuit. This is often the person who directly committed the abusive acts.

Institutions and Organizations: If the abuse occurred within an institution or organization, such as a school, church, sports club, or workplace, and they failed to take appropriate action to prevent or address the abuse, they might also be held liable.

Employers: If the perpetrator was an employee of an organization or institution, the employer might be held vicariously liable for the actions of their employee if the abuse occurred within the scope of their employment.

Property Owners: If the abuse occurred on a property owned by someone else, and the property owner failed to provide adequate security or take reasonable steps to prevent the abuse, they might be considered liable.

Government Entities: In some cases, government entities might be involved, especially if the abuse occurred within a state institution or facility. Suing a government entity might involve specific procedures and limitations.

Sex abuse cases can be legally complex, so it's highly advisable to consult with experienced legal professionals who specialize in this area to understand your options and pursue the appropriate legal action. Levy Konigsberg, along with our team of sexual abuse lawyers, is available to provide assistance for your sexual abuse case.

Do I Have a Case?

You may have grounds to file a civil legal action if:

You were sexually abused by a teacher or staff at a school.
The abuse occurred at any school.

Levy Konigsberg represents survivors in civil lawsuits that aim to hold schools accountable for their failures to stop abusive teachers and staff.

As civil claims, these cases are separate from any criminal proceedings that may arise from abuse and focus instead on holding institutions liable for damages. This means you may still have a claim even if:

Your abuser is no longer alive.
Your abuser was never charged with or convicted of a crime.

Recoverable Damages in Sexual Abuse Claims

In addition to providing accountability and a sense of justice, civil sex abuse lawsuits allow survivors to recover financial compensation for their damages, which may include:

Past medical and mental health expenses
Future mental health expenses, including therapy, medications, etc.
Pain and suffering
Emotional anguish and psychological harm
Lost income
Other economic and non-economic damages

We Represent Survivors in All Types of Sex Abuse Claims

At Levy Konigsberg, we have the experience and resources to help survivors in sexual abuse lawsuits involving all types of institutions and circumstances, including:

Trust Levy Konigsberg's Legal Team for Proven Results in Sexual Abuse and Negligence Cases

Levy Konigsberg LLP, a nationally recognized law firm, has built a legacy over three decades, recovering over $3 billion in sexual abuse compensation for clients. Led by award-winning sexual abuse lawyers, we specialize in representing survivors in sexual abuse across the country, taking on powerful institutions. Our top-rated trial practice handles all types of sexual abuse or negligence cases, showcasing numerous testimonials and successful case results. You can learn more about our latest sexual abuse work on our blog.

CLICK HERE TO SEE IF YOUR CASE QUALIFIES