According to the Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network, there has been a rise in the percentage of child abuse cases as a majority of the country is in lockdown. There was a 22% increase in monthly calls from people younger than 18.
About Sexual Abuse
Sexual abuse is devastating. This is especially true when abusers take the form of a trusted person like a mentor, teacher, or caregiver. It can take a lifetime to mend the emotional and mental pain after sexual abuse. This is why The Michael Brady Lynch Firm is dedicated to helping victims of sexual abuse receive civil justice. Someone in a position of authority should have protected you, and we will hold him or her accountable.
Child Abuse Increasing
According to RAINN, the increase in child abuse is on the rise. Scarily, a majority of those who reported abuse identified the perpetrator as a family member, and he or she is living with the abuser. This escalation is a direct result of COVID-19 since children are not in school. Instead, they are quarantined at home with their abuser. For these children, the home is not a safe place. Plus, official reports are not triggering quick investigations due to no-contact orders. Previously, welfare workers would go into a home to remove a child. However, the coronavirus has made this process difficult.
Premises Liability
If the owner of the property suspects sexual abuse is taking place and fails to prevent the crime, he or she could be found liable. For example, if the owner fails to put adequate security items like an alarm system, sufficient lighting around the building, patrolled parking lots, or doesn’t fix windows or locks, this could have caused the crime to occur.
Locations include:
- Hotels and motels
- Shopping centers
- Retail stores
- Grocery stores
- Apartment buildings
- Restaurants and bars
- Recreational facilities
- Amusement parks
- Banks
- Gas stations
- Parks
- Beaches
Therefore, compensation could be available if sexual abuse happened on someone else’s property.
Get Sexual Abuse Legal Help
Survivors of sexual abuse can file civil suits against perpetrators and other responsible parties, regardless of the outcome or existence of criminal prosecution. Civil lawsuits can help a survivor seek monetary damages. This compensation can never change the abuse suffered but can help rebuild a life. Plus, a civil suit can deter future abuse. It is important if you or a loved one was the victim of sexual abuse to contact us. We will provide a free consultation and instruct any avenues available to you for civil litigation. It doesn’t matter if the abuse happened years ago, you may still be able to get justice.