Child Sex Abuse

Child sex abuse is a particularly heinous act. Unfortunately, it happens all too frequently and often goes unspoken of and the perpetrators unpunished. According to the National Child Abuse and Neglect Data System, there were over 80,000 victims of child sex abuse in the U.S. in 2005 alone. Other studies suggest the number may be even higher because of the many silent victims of this crime. While the perpetrators of child sex abuse may be faced with criminal charges, the punishment imposed by the criminal system does not compensate the victim. Victims of child sex abuse have the right to be compensated in a civil matter for the damages they suffer.

What is child sex abuse? It obviously includes sexual intercourse, but there are many other actions that can constitute child sex abuse and can be devastating to a child and their development, health, and well-being. These actions can be touching offenses such as fondling a child or making the child touch the adult's sexual organs as well as penetrating the child with any object. Non-touching offenses can include an adult exposing themselves to the child or exposing the child to pornography or some other form of sexual intercourse.

The effects of child sex abuse are serious and far-reaching. Aside from the obvious trauma of being a victim to the act itself, this type of abuse can have very serious long-term effects on a child. These acts can rob a child of their innocence. It can result in serious emotional issues. It can cause problems with relationships those children try to develop later in life.

If you were a victim of sex abuse as a child or if you suspect a loved one has been the victim of this abuse, it is important that you speak up. If you don't speak up, this behavior can go unpunished and will often continue. Unless you speak up, the perpetrator is unlikely to be caught unless someone happens to witness them committing the abuse. If you suspect a child is being abused in this manner, there are certain indicators to look out for: fear of certain people or places, expressing shame, nightmares, inappropriate sexual behavior or comments regarding sexual behavior uncommon for a child of that age. These are just a few of the examples. But if you suspect child abuse, it is important that you speak up.

The personal injury attorneys at Guest and Gray Law Firm in Forney have over 30 combined years of experience handling personal injury claims. We want to fight so that you can be compensated for the pain and suffering that certainly occurs in such and traumatic situation as well as the cost of therapy and treatment necessary for the child. Call Guest and Gray Law Firm today to set up your free initial consultation so that we can begin to discuss your case and the options available to you.