Sexual abuse is a growing problem in the United States. Each year thousands of children are sexually abused by sexual predators. The physical and mental effects of sexual abuse on children, adolescents and teens are wide reaching and can be devastating. Most sexual abusers know the child they abuse. They may be family, friends, neighbors or babysitters. About one-third of abusers are related to the child. Most abusers are men.
According to the National Child Abuse and Neglect Data System (NCANDS), an estimated 9.3 percent of confirmed or substantiated child abuse and neglect cases in 2005 involved sexual abuse (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2007). This figure translates into over 83,800 victims in 2005 alone (USDHHS, 2007). Other studies suggest that even more children suffer abuse and neglect than is ever reported to child protective services agencies. Statistics indicate that girls are more frequently the victims of sexual abuse, but the number of boys is also significant.
Sex abuse victims are often hesitant to report the crime of sexual abuse and assault or sexual exploitation out of a sense of shame. For many of the same reasons, sex abuse victims are often reluctant to contact an attorney. Even if your abuse has gone unreported for years, you could still have the option of filing a suit against the individual or organization that condoned or inflicted abuse upon you. With the help of an Arkansas child injury lawyer at the Law Offices of Thomas G. Buchanan, you can receive the support and assistance you need to finally receive justice for the criminal acts that were committed against you. Our attorneys understand the stigma that comes with sexual exploitation and offer compassionate legal counsel in a confidential setting.
The criminal court system exists to punish perpetrators of child sex abuse. But, to recover financial compensation, victims and their families must file lawsuits in civil court. Money damages can help victims of sexual assault and abuse put their lives back together, or at least pay for counseling. Sexual predators tend to abuse more than one victim so by pursuing a civil lawsuit one can help prevent the person who did the harm from doing the same to another child.
Children who are sexually abused may exhibit behavioral changes, based on their age. Signs to look for include:
- Fear or excessive crying
- Vomiting
- Change in eating habits
- Bowel problems
- Sleep disturbances or nightmares
- Failure to thrive
- Regression to more infantile behavior such as bed wetting or sucking thumbs
- Bruises, rashes, cuts, limping, or poorly explained injuries
- Vaginal or rectal bleeding, pain, itching, swollen genitals, vaginal discharge, or sexually transmitted diseases
- Withdrawal from family or friends
- Depression
- Poor school performance
- Aggressive or disruptive behavior
The attorneys at the Law Offices of Thomas G. Buchanan have years of experience in many types of sexual abuse cases and can help you if your loved on has been sexually abused. If you suspect your child has been sexually abused contact our office today. The Arkansas sexual abuse lawyers at the Law Offices of Thomas G. Buchanan have the financial stability, experience, medical knowledge and courtroom track record necessary to make certain that you or your loved one, obtain full and fair compensation. We will thoroughly prepare each case, review accident and medical records, speak to witnesses and health care providers, access liability and consider all possible legal and medical issues. Call us today at 501-296-9820 for an initial consultation. There is no fee to you unless we win your case. We serve clients in Little Rock, South, Eastern, and Western Arkansas.