Surviving sexual assault or abuse can have a major impact on your life. You may feel anxious, confused or unsafe in your normal life – to the point that it interferes with your job and mental health. At Manly, Stewart & Finaldi, our Anaheim sexual assault attorneys are passionate about representing sexual assault survivors in civil lawsuits against individuals and institutions. Discuss how our sexual abuse lawyers can help you during a free, confidential consultation today.
Why Trust Manly, Stewart & Finaldi With Your Anaheim Sexual Assault Claim?
- We are one of the leading sexual assault and abuse law firms in the nation, with an unparalleled track record for helping survivors obtain justice.
- Our lead Sexual abuse lawyer, John C. Manly, has more than 20 years of experience providing high-quality legal representation to clients who have survived sexual abuse of all types.
- Our law firm is committed to client safety and success. We provide a warm environment of trust and support, and can keep your identity confidential throughout your lawsuit, if desired.
What Is Sexual Abuse?
Sexual abuse is any type of unwelcome or nonconsensual sexual contact (California Penal Code Section 261). It can refer to sexual violence, such as rape and sexual abuse, as well as other types of sexual touching without the victim’s consent. Sexual abuse is often used to describe ongoing sexual abuse over a period of time, while sexual assault refers to an isolated incident. Both crimes can involve kissing, hugging, molestation, penetration, sodomy, rape, attempted rape, statutory rape and child pornography.
How an Anaheim Sexual Assault Lawyer Can Help
You do not have to handle a civil claim for sexual assault, sexual abuse or sexual violence on your own. The experienced plaintiff’s attorneys at Manly, Stewart & Finaldi can represent you during the legal process. A sexual assault attorney in Anaheim can be invaluable to your case, taking care of matters such as investigating the incident, gathering evidence, taking care of all of the legal legwork, negotiating your claim so that you do not have to face your abuser directly and ensuring that you have everything you need during this difficult time.
Types of Sexual Assault Cases We Handle
Our law firm is confident that we have what you need to effectively and efficiently handle your sexual assault claim. This is because we have years of experience successfully litigating many different types of sexual assault and abuse cases. Our Anaheim sexual assault lawyers can help you with any type of sexual assault lawsuit against any defendant, big or small:
- Child sexual abuse
- Clergy sexual abuse
- College and university sexual abuse
- Elder sexual abuse
- Foster care abuse
- Rideshare sexual assault
- School sexual abuse
- Sex crimes
- Sports sexual abuse
- Workplace abuse and sexual harassment
- Youth organization/Boys and Girls Club of America abuse
Our law firm can help you hold an abuser directly responsible for his or her crimes. We also specialize in holding institutions accountable for their part in allowing sexual abuse and assault to take place, as well as covering up sexual abuse, in many cases.
Warning Signs of Sexual Assault
It is critical to have at least a basic understanding of the outward signs that may be exhibited by a survivor of sexual assault. This could enable you to detect early red flags of abuse and to report it to the authorities. Sexual abuse can cause many physical, emotional, psychological and behavioral changes in a victim, including:
- A child having unusual knowledge of sexual subjects
- Genital injuries or pain/discomfort
- Trouble sitting or walking
- Stained or bloody undergarments
- Frequent upset stomach for no reason
- Loss of appetite
- Fear of a certain person or place
- Anxiety, depression or suicidal tendencies
- Regression in a small child
- Nightmares or bedwetting
- Mood swings or personality changes
- Sudden outbursts or extreme anger
- Sexually transmitted diseases or teen pregnancy
These signs can change according to the age of the victim, the nature of the abuse and other factors. If you suspect that someone you know is suffering from sexual abuse or assault, speak to them directly. Explain that they are in a safe space and that you can help. If you find evidence of sexual abuse or assault, go to the authorities right away. To learn your legal rights, speak with a qualified sexual assault attorney in Anaheim, CA.
What To Do if You Were Sexually Abused
If you are sexually abused or assaulted, ensure your own safety first. Reach out for support from a trusted friend, family member or sexual abuse hotline. Go to a hospital within 72 hours, if you can, to collect DNA evidence. Report the abuser to the police. Then, after you have processed what happened to you, Contact our dedicated sexual abuse lawyers today to discuss your legal rights. An Anaheim sexual abuse lawyer can help you with the next step – the fight for justice.
Time Limits for Filing a Sexual Abuse Claim in California
Recently, the laws in California changed to allow sexual abuse and assault survivors more time to come forward with their claims. Currently, the time limit to file (the statute of limitations) if the sexual abuse occurred when you were under the age of 18 is 5 years from the date that you discovered the abuse or until your 40th birthday – whichever gives you more time. If you were over the age of 18, you have 3 years from the date that you discovered an injury was related to abuse or 10 years from the date of the last act of assault by the defendant to file.
Compensation for Victims of Sexual Abuse in Anaheim, CA
Our sexual assault lawyers recognize that most of our clients do not come to us for financial compensation alone. They desire closure, justice and accountability for the indescribable harm that they have suffered. However, we also know how important it is to receive a fair and reasonable settlement or judgment for the losses associated with these crimes.
Our attorneys work hard to secure their clients the financial compensation that they deserve for losses such as medical expenses, physical pain, emotional suffering, lost wages, punitive damages and more. We can pursue maximum financial compensation from one or more defendants, even if that means taking a case to trial. If a defendant is bankrupt or not available, we can turn to the California Victim Compensation Board for financial support.
Schedule a Free Consultation With a Sexual Abuse Attorney in Anaheim, CA
Contact us for more information about how our dedicated sexual abuse lawyers can help you, or contact us online to request a free and private consultation. We care about your story, your recovery and your future. We will believe you. Speak to one of our knowledgeable and compassionate sexual abuse lawyers about your rights and legal options today.
