The compassionate legal team at Soloff & Zervanos, PC, has handled many highly sensitive and personal issues associated with sexual trauma. We understand the challenges facing victims who may be reluctant to come forward.
A Lancaster sexual abuse attorney can provide the support and advocacy you need to navigate through this difficult time. If you or someone you know is suffering sexual abuse and wish to expose the abuser, Soloff & Zervanos, PC can help. We will work tirelessly to attain the closure you deserve and move forward with your life. Consult with one of our sexual abuse lawyers today by clicking here or calling us at 866-597-8572.
How is Sexual Abuse Defined in Lancaster?
Sexual abuse differs from sexual assault. Sexual assault usually describes a sudden, violent incident. Sexual abuse, on the other hand, typically refers to repeated occurrences of unwanted sexual touching.
Some examples of sexual abuse include:
- Using threat or coercion to obtain sex or sexual acts
- Being forced to view or participate in pornography
- Sexual degradation and humiliation
- Shaming a person’s sexuality or preference
- Interfering in birth control use and other safe sex practices
- Not respecting a person’s sexual privacy
- Unwanted touching or groping often referred to as molestation
Who is at risk for sexual abuse?
Sexual abuse is often associated with children and minors. However, anyone can be a sexual abuse survivor:
- 1 in 3 adults with intellectual disabilities will suffer sexual abuse
- 1.9% of long-term care patients and nursing home residents experience sexual abuse in their lifetime, though the studies suggest elder sexual abuse is widely under-reported
- Intimate partner sexual abuse affects 9.4% of women and 8% of men
If you or a loved one have suffered ongoing sexual violence, please reach out to our sexual abuse attorneys. One of the most important steps to the healing process is fighting back. Let Soloff & Zervanos, PC, help you stand up for your rights.
How Sexual Abuse Effects Children in Pennsylvania
Though anyone can become a victim of sexual abuse, statistics show children and minors are disproportionately affected:
- In the last reporting year, Child Protective Services substantiated or found strong evidence that 57,329 children were sexually abused
- The frequency of sexual abuse experienced by children under the age of 18 is estimated to be:
- 1 in 9 girls
- 1 in 53 boys
- 82% of all victims are female
What are the signs of sexual abuse in children and teenagers?
Recognizing the signs of abuse is crucial to helping children. It is important to know that many children do not come forward about sexual abuse. Toddlers, preschoolers, pre-teens, and teens respond differently to their experiences, forcing caring adults to look for signs that may indicate something may be wrong.
If you suspect the sexual abuse of a minor, some signs to pay attention to include:
- Toddlers up to 11 years old:
- Quieter or distant
- Cries without reason
- Wetting the bed, soiling pants
- Becomes aggressive or angry without reason
- Complains of a head or tummy ache, but there is no apparent cause
- Frequent nightmares
- Clinginess
- Asking questions, “Do people have to keep secrets?”
- Teenagers
- Aggressive behavior
- Headaches and stomach aches without an apparent reason
- Becomes angry or upset when a particular person or place is mentioned
- Nightmares
- Low self-esteem
- Trouble with relationships
- Problems with drug or alcohol abuse
- Self-harm
- Excessive time online and secretive about communication
- Changes in school, friends, and how they dress
Not every child who suffers from sexual abuse will exhibit the above signs the same way. Also, if a child does show indicators, it does not mean sexual abuse is certain. Children and teenagers may show changes in behavior and emotional responses for a number of reasons. What is important is that parents and caring adults be familiar with the warning signs and consider sexual abuse as a possibility. Trust your instincts and seek help.
Contact A Lancaster Sexual Abuse Attorney for Help Today
At Soloff & Zervanos, PC, our experienced advocates will handle your case with sensitivity and confidentiality. Sexual violence takes a significant, long-term toll on mental and physical health. We believe survivors deserve access to the support they need, which may include continuing psychiatric therapy and other medical services.
Filing a civil suit against an abuser cannot change what happened. However, it can help survivors recover some of the power that was taken by fighting back, provide closure, and secure the financial compensation to move on.
Consult with a compassionate sexual abuse attorney in Lancaster, Pennsylvania today. At Soloff & Zervanos, PC, we offer free case evaluations and are here to answer any questions you may have. Contact Soloff & Zervanos, PC, today to schedule a consultation by clicking here or calling us at 866-597-8572.
You deserve justice. We can help.