Childhood sexual abuse is one of the most traumatic experiences that a child can endure. Millions of children are estimated to have suffered incidences of sexual abuse at some point in their lives. Some of these cases involve multiple acts of sexual abuse or assault suffered over the course of many years.
Childhood sexual abuse often includes direct sexual contact (intercourse or groping) and other non-physical acts of a sexual nature, including sexual language, images, and indecent exposure. Children of all ages have suffered unspeakable acts of sexual abuse: 66 percent are ages 12 to 17 and 34 percent are under the age of 12.
Research shows that approximately 93 percent of children who are sexually abused personally know their abusers. In most cases, these abusers are acquaintances, trusted authority figures, or even family members of the survivors.
The most common types of childhood sexual abuse include:
- Clergy Abuse
- School, Teacher, Coach Abuse
- Abuse in Care – foster, residential, camp
- Abuse in Medical Setting
- Boy Scouts Abuse
- Abuse in Sports
The long-term effects of sexual abuse on a child can be debilitating. Studies show that child survivors of sexual abuse are more likely to develop symptoms of drug and alcohol addiction, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), major depressive episodes as adults, and life-long difficulty establishing and maintaining interpersonal relationships. Child sexual abuse survivors are also more at risk for withdrawing academically, participating in risky sexual behaviors, and struggling with various mental health diagnosis throughout their life.
Many children who suffer from childhood sexual abuse do not report the abuse until later in life. In these instances, the statute of limitations for reporting these crimes has often passed. Thankfully, several states have enacted Child Victims Acts to support adults who were sexually abused as children in filing a civil claim against their abuser, no matter how long ago the abuse occurred.
Slater Slater Schulman LLP is dedicated to the confidential representation of individuals and families who have suffered from the global consequences of childhood sexual abuse. Our firm is handling litigation related to these claims nationwide, with specific concentration on Child Victims Act claims in the following states:
- New York Child Victims Act
- New Jersey Child Victims Act
- Pennsylvania Child Victims Act
- California Child Victims Act
If you or someone you love was a victim of childhood sexual abuse and would like to file a claim, please contact Slater Slater Schulman LLP for a free consultation by filling out the form on this page or by calling our office at (800) 251-6990.
