Experienced Molestation Attorneys Serving Los Angeles, California
What We Now Know About Child Molesters
What does the typical child molester look like? Today, we know that a molester can look like a family friend, a teacher, a coach, a scout leader, and even a priest. We now know that as many as 93 percent of childhood sexual abusers are known to their victims.
Childhood sexual abusers manipulate their victims in many ways to keep them silent, from intimidation to convincing them that the behavior is normal. Childhood sexual abuse is not just a physical violation but a violation of trust and authority. If you or your child has been the victim of child sexual abuse, a skilled Los Angeles molestation lawyer can help you hold the perpetrator accountable.
When Criminal Convictions Are Not Enough
Child molestation is a heinous crime. The California Penal Code Section 243.3 makes it unlawful to engage in unwanted sexual touching. Convicted child molesters can be criminally charged and prosecuted for crimes ranging from misdemeanors to felonies, resulting in fines, jail time, and mandatory registration as a sex offender.
While this punishes perpetrators and, in some cases, takes them off the streets entirely, it does little for the victim’s recovery. It also doesn’t hold the organizations and institutions accountable that employed them, negligently allowed the behavior to take place, or outright protected the abuser.
Very few victims and families understand that they have further legal options available to compensate them for the harm done to them. That is where our skilled Los Angeles molestation attorneys can help.
“WB&S have successfully filed and won cases against organizations and entities such as religious institutions, school districts, youth groups, medical professionals, athletic leagues, more. Our Los Angeles molestation attorney is skilled in litigating your abuse case against these organizations and their insurance carriers.
Civil Lawsuits Can Further Hold Child Molesters Accountable
The damage from childhood sexual trauma and molestation cannot be completely mitigated by putting the perpetrator behind bars. The effects of child sexual abuse can cause serious emotional harm and can last well into adulthood. It is not uncommon for victims of child molestation to:
- Suffer from depression or anxiety
- Suffer from PTSD
- Self medicate and develop addictions
- Act out aggressively
- Experience trust issues
- Block out many memories
- Require ongoing therapy to deal with the issues caused by their abuse
In addition to the emotional cost of childhood sexual abuse, medical and psychological interventions can create significant financial burdens for the victim and their family.
Other Parties That Can Be Held Accountable
A civil lawsuit can hold the perpetrator of the abuse financially accountable for their actions. Furthermore, other parties and entities can also be held responsible. Organizations, institutions, businesses, or other entities that allowed the abuse or turned a blind eye to it can also be held liable. At Winer, Burritt & Scott, our experienced Los Angeles molestation lawyers will pursue all avenues of compensation for our clients to ensure that they get the justice they deserve for the harm done to them.
Data shows that children are more likely to be abused in places where they feel safe and by those they know. Consequently, abuse often happens at the hands of family friends, clergy, athletic coaches, doctors, teachers, youth group leaders, foster parents, or others who have been entrusted with the welfare of the child.
In these cases, the molester is often enabled by a larger organization or institution that has a responsibility toward the safety of the child. Unfortunately, many of these not only ignore the potential for abuse but shield the abuser. Some of the institutions that can be held liable for the actions of these abusers can include:
- The church
- Scouting programs and other youth organizations
- Schools
- Athletic associations
- Summer camps
- Juvenile detention centers
By failing to properly put hiring and screening practices into place, failing to train and educate about sexual abuse, and failing to follow up on allegations of abuse and take appropriate steps, organizations can be held liable for the abuse that results.
Compassionate Representation
At Winer, Burritt & Scott, our experienced team of Los Angeles molestation lawyers understand how difficult it can be for victims to come forward after childhood sexual abuse, even if it has been years after it took place. We understand the unique sensitivity that is required in these cases and concerns for the privacy of the victim and their family. We bring a compassionate approach to each client’s representation and take all precautions necessary to protect them and their privacy at every step of the process.
If you or your child has been the victim of childhood sexual abuse, call us or fill out our free consultation form below.