Monterey Child Sexual Abuse Lawyer
Child sexual abuse has lasting impacts on survivors, including mental health disorders and immense psychological trauma. If you or someone you know is a victim of child sexual abuse in Monterey, California, we can help. Manly, Stewart & Finaldi is a dedicated sexual abuse and assault plaintiff’s law firm with a long history of successful case results. We can represent you in or out of court to demand justice and maximum financial compensation for your life-changing trauma. Contact us today for a free case review.
When to Contact a Child Sexual Abuse Attorney in Monterey
Speaking with an attorney in Monterey about your child sexual abuse case can open your eyes to a range of legal possibilities that could help you achieve justice and move forward. You may not know that you can bring a claim while keeping your identity 100-percent anonymous, for example, or that you may be able to hold a larger institution responsible for what happened to you rather than only filing a lawsuit against an individual perpetrator. The attorneys at Manly, Stewart & Finaldi will listen to your story, believe you and list your legal options so that you know what to do next. We will be by your side during this difficult time.
What Is Child Sexual Abuse?
Child sexual abuse refers to a consistent pattern of sexual assault committed against a child under the age of 18 years old, generally over a period of time. Sexual assault refers to any type of unwanted or nonconsensual touching of a person’s intimate parts – the sexual organs, anus or a female’s breasts.
No minor may give his or her legal consent to sexual activity in California. Thus, any type of sexual contact involving a child constitutes sexual assault or abuse. This includes molestation, fondling or groping, oral copulation, exhibitionism, voyeurism, child pornography, rape, attempted rape, and statutory rape.
The Effects of Child Sexual Abuse
Child sexual abuse can have physical, psychological, emotional, behavioral and mental effects on a victim. Detecting child sexual abuse early on is important for parents, as many children don’t report abuse. Although every individual is unique, child sexual abuse often involves the following red flags:
- Physical injuries, especially to the genitals
- Sexually transmitted diseases
- Unusual knowledge of sexual subjects
- Using new words for private parts
- Unwillingness to get undressed
- Signs of depression or anxiety
- Symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder, such as nightmares or flashbacks
- Regression to behaviors from a younger age
- Fear of a certain person or place
- Withdrawal from others or activities
- Substance use or abuse
- Suicidal inclinations
The ramifications of being sexually abused as a child can affect a survivor for decades. Many survivors of child sexual abuse must attend counseling and therapy sessions far into adulthood to cope with what happened to them. Others repress these traumatic memories and do not discover that they were sexually abused until much later in life. No matter what your story looks like, we are listening and can help.
How Do You File a Claim for Child Sexual Abuse in Monterey, California?
You have until your 40th birthday or 5 years from the date that you connect your mental health condition with child sexual abuse – whichever is later – to file this type of claim in California. Start by gathering as much evidence and information about the incident as you can. This may include your medical records, a police report and witness statements. Then, bring this information to a lawyer for legal assistance. Your lawyer can help you obtain and fill out the required forms to initiate a claim against the perpetrator and/or an institution in Monterey.
Discuss Your Case With Our Sex Abuse Attorneys in Monterey, CA Today
At Manly, Stewart & Finaldi, our lawyers have dedicated their professional lives to representing survivors of child sexual abuse and assault. We will work relentlessly on your behalf to pursue the case results that you deserve for this devastating crime. Start with a free, completely confidential case evaluation at our local Monterey law office. Call us at (831) 215-2150 or contact us online anytime to request your meeting with an attorney.