Warning: This article may contain content that may be painful or upsetting for some, especially for those who have been sexually assaulted or have experienced sexual abuse. If you or a loved one has experienced sexual assault or if you feel distressed while reading this article, you can reach a qualified sexual assault support specialist through the National Sexual Assault Hotline at (800) 656-4673.
It Should never be #METOO; you have #RIGHTSTOO!
Sexual assaults and sexual battery are significant issues facing millions across America and, frankly, the world. As prevalent as sexual assault and battery in the workforce are, there is intense pressure to stay silent, keep the frightening feelings to oneself, and justify being a victim of an assault. The trauma inflicted is horrendous, and most, if not all, victims do not have someone they can trust to discuss their pain. However, our expert sexual harassment lawyers understand how intimidating, difficult, and traumatic it can be to discuss the assaults, the harassments, and especially considering speaking up and telling their story or taking legal action.
Our competent attorneys at Shiner Law Group, P.A., are qualified to handle these highly sensitive cases with sincere humbleness, respect, and caring. We fight for your rights, to be heard, to be treated fairly, and to be respected.
When you are touched without your consent, or forced to engage in unwanted sexual acts, or made to feel demoralized, you may have justification to seek legal recourse. Know you are not alone, and we are here to help you through this challenging transition.
Sexual assault and battery adversely affect countless individuals each year; those seeking help will find it here at Shiner Law Group. Suppose you or a loved one has experienced sexual assault, battery, or harassment. In that case, you may have the right to file a claim and seek damages associated with the sexual assault incident.
Table Of Contents
Types of Sexual Violence
- Sexual Assault – Attempted Rape, Fondling or unwanted touching, Forcing Victims to perform sexual acts, such as oral sex or penetration or rape
- Child Sexual Abuse – Fondling, Intercourse, Masturbation in the presence of a minor or forcing the minor to masturbate, obscene phone calls, text messaging, or digital interaction, producing, owning, sharing of pornographic images of children, sex of any kind with a minor, sex trafficking, and finally exhibitionism or exposing oneself to a minor.
- Sexual Assault of Men and Boys – Attempted Rape, Fondling, or unwanted touching, Forcing Victims to perform sexual acts, such as oral sex, or penetration, or rape.
- Intimate Partner Sexual Assault – Sexual abuse by an intimate partner.
- Incest – Sexual abuse by a family member.
- Assault by a trusted person such as a religious leader, teacher, athletic coach, extramural coach or advisor, or any other person who is in a position of power over the victim.
- Drug-Facilitated Sexual Assault – When drugs or alcohol are used to impair another person into unwanted sexual contact.
It is Not Your Fault!
Many survivors of sexual abuse have strong emotional feelings of self-blame; it is not your fault; it is never your fault. It is important to remember that it is never the victim’s fault.
Sexual Assault Defined!
Sexual assault, sexual harassment, and sexual battery are just a few of the terms to describe incidents of unwanted sexual contact, rape, or molestation. Legally, this is defined as any non-consensual physical contact regardless of if the contact was violent or not; additionally, this non-consensual contact would be from a stranger, coworker, spouse, romantic partner, friend, or associate. The lack of consent is the essential component of all sexually based crimes.
Examples of non-consensual contact are unwanted touching, forced sexual acts, rape, attempted rape, fondling, touching when you are unconscious, drugged (date rape), intoxicated, someone is mentally incompetent, or in a disabled condition.
If you or a loved one has experienced any form of the above-mentioned assault, call one of our qualified attorneys today! Remember, this is not your fault, this did not happen with your consent, and you have rights.
The Laws in the United States can vary from state to state, as does the statute of limitations differ from state to state. The laws of the state of the alleged incident, as well as the statutes of limitations, will determine the legal action necessary for each incident. In Florida, Sexual Assault is defined as the unwanted sexual activity on another person through coercion or threats. Florida Statutes include oral sex, anal or vaginal penetration by another, or a foreign object. Sexual assault is considered a felony in the State of Florida, even if the alleged perpetrator only attempted assault.
Statistics About Sexual Assault in the U.S.
- In 2019 over 650,000 women were raped.
- Over 40% of all women in the U.S. have encountered sexual violence.
- Approximately 20% of U.S. males have been the victim of sexual assault.
- Around 28% of male victims experienced their assault at the tender age of 10 or younger.
- Only around 20% of rapes are reported.
Around eight out of ten incidents of sexual assault are committed by someone the victim knows; they may be teachers, friends, coworkers, supervisors, managers, neighbors, relatives, or classmates.
Typical Feelings of Survivors of Sexual Assault
The Emotional responses of survivors may vary from person to person. Sexual assault is extremely traumatic and life-altering. It is important to know that a survivor’s reaction is normal; the feelings are natural.
Survivors may start asking themselves, why this happened to me, what did I do wrong, will be I be alright, I do not understand how this could have happened to me.
The first thing to understand is that you did nothing wrong; your power, your freedom was taken away from you by someone else and without your consent. This is not your fault. The fault strictly lies with the perpetrator – both criminally and civilly. There is not a plan to heal; it does not happen overnight, it takes time, your own time, and there are many people out there that want to help you, help you heal. You need to speak to someone, and you need to build trust back up.
This is not like going to an Alcohol Anonymous meeting and going through the 12 stages. Talking about your assault is a healing tool but understanding that it’s not your fault is also important. Understand you are not alone; your feelings are common of survivors; you may feel alone, betrayed, that no one understands your plight, but know you are not alone. You are also not going crazy; some survivors believe this isn’t a big deal, but it is. Trauma can affect you, and sometimes you just do not realize the pain you are in; you may still be in shock. We at the Shiner Law Group understand, and we are here to help.
Injuries of Sexual Assault
Each case of sexual assault is unique, and the effects of sexual assault affect each person differently. Besides the physical effects, there are mental effects from the traumatic assault as well.
Common Injuries that result from sexual assault; both physical and mental
- Injuries from restraints or significant force
- Cuts and bruises
- Bleeding
- Broken bones
- Dislocated joints
- Difficulty walking
- Soreness
- Unwanted pregnancy
- Sexually transmitted diseases
- Depression
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Anxiety
- Inability to concentrate
- Trust issues
- Isolation
The physical injuries hopefully will heal, but the psychological and financial impact will take time to recover and may always continue to be present. Taking legal action is a way for victims to seek compensation for the costs associated with their assault.
Sexual assault can happen anywhere
- Home
- Friends home
- Workplace
- College Campus
- Subway/Train/Car/Airplane
Some typical losses associated with sexual assault that may be recoverable are:
- Medical expenses (past and future)
- Ongoing treatment
- Phsycological/psychiatric treatment
- Drug treatment
- Costs of terminating an unwanted pregnancy
- Costs associated with pregnancy and child-rearing
- Emotional distress
- Pain and suffering
- Lost wages
Each assault is unique, and compensation will depend on the details of the unique facts of the situation and case.
The attorneys at Shiner Law Group have come together to detail six top sexual assault cases that have been recently reported:
Michigan State University reaches $500 Million settlement with the victims of Larry Nassar – Mr. Nassar was employed as a sports physician by Michigan State University from 1997 to 2016. It was shown that Michigan State knew or should have known and allowed Mr. Nassar to continue his abuse over the years. Mr. Nassar has been sentenced to over 100 years in prison for his crimes of abusing more than 300 young female gymnasts, including more than 30 at Michigan State University. Read more about the Michigan State University settlement here!
New York Knicks reaches $11.5 Million settlement with Ms. Browne Sanders – Ms. Sanders was an executive for the NBA New York Knicks, she was fired after complaining about being sexually harassed by Isiah Thomas, the team President of Basketball Operations. Read more about the Knicks settlement here!
University of California – Seven patients of Dr. James Heaps accused him of sexual assault between 1983 and 2018 when he worked at the UCLA Student Health Center and UCLA Medical Center, accusations include inappropriate sexual comments, inappropriate touching during the course of the examinations and using a medical device to simulate intercourse during the examination process. Read more about the $73 million settlement here!
Harvey Weinstein – Mr. Weinstein was a well-known movie executive and producer, until several public complaints by several high-profile actresses, as more than 87 victims came forward Mr. Weinstein and his company, The Weinstein Company, was sued. Mr. Weinstein also was criminally convicted of sexual rape and assault and sentenced to more than 23 years in prison, a life sentence for someone his age. Read more about the Weinstein settlement here!
Horace Mann – A extremely private and exclusive private school in Riverdale, New York was sued by former students who claimed they were sexually assaulted, one of the victims committed suicide in 2009 as a result of the continuing effects of the assault. Since then more than 60 additional students have come forward. Read more about the Horace Mann School Sexual Assault case here!
Jeffrey Epstein – Mr. Epstein was a financial advisor to corporations and billionaires all over the world. His advice is said to have helped individuals and corporations save millions, if not billions in taxes. At the time of Mr. Epstein’s death, by suicide, he was worth more than $500 Million dollars, with homes in New York City, Paris, France, Palm Beach, FL and two islands off the coast of St. Thomas. He is accused of sexual assault and abuse of dozens of young women. Since his death, the money from his estate has been placed in a special fund for the victims of his sexual assault. Read more about Jeffrey Epstein here!
If you have been the victim of workplace violence or sexual assault, please get in touch with our lawyers at Shiner Law Group, P.A., and get a free evaluation of your case. Our lawyers will thoroughly investigate your case and ensure you are compensated. Fill out our free online case evaluation or Call Us NOW at 561-777-7700.
