New York City Sexual Abuse Lawyers
Childhood sexual abuse is a deeply traumatic event that can change the rest of a person’s life. It can take many forms, which means victims are often left wondering whether or not their experiences “count” as abuse. The fact is that whenever a child is coerced into any form of sexual contact or behavior, it is abuse and it is unacceptable.
New York City sexual abuse lawyers Orlow, Orlow & Orlow, P.C. care deeply about helping victims of abuse obtain the justice they deserve. We will handle your case with compassion, while being as aggressive as necessary in court. Call our offices at 718-544-4100.
The Effects of Childhood Abuse
There is no way to predict how sexual abuse will affect any individual person, either in the short term or in later years. Everyone copes with trauma in his or her own way. Some of the common signs of sexual abuse among children include:
- Social withdrawal
- Depression or guilt, sometimes manifesting as self-harm
- Increased aggression towards others
- Displaying sexually inappropriate behavior
Even after an abused child has grown into an adult, he or she may still be affected by the experience. As adults, abuse victims have high rates of drug and alcohol abuse, depression, and severe mental health conditions. Some need extensive medical intervention just to make their lives manageable.
The New Sexual Abuse Statute of Limitations
Proposed changes to New York laws may give abuse survivors additional time to report the problem to the authorities and take legal action against their abusers. The five-year statute of limitations once began to run when the victim turned 18. It now does not come into effect until the victim is 23, or until the crime has been reported.
That means survivors of childhood sexual abuse or incest can still bring civil and criminal charges until the age of 28. With the assistance of a New York City sexual abuse lawyer, victims can receive compensation for medical expenses, physical pain, and mental anguish related to the assault.
New York City sexual abuse victim’s attorneys Orlow, Orlow & Orlow, P.C. are prepared to fight for you.