Child Sex Abuse | Lane Brown, LLC

If you’ve been the victim of a horrific event, like sexual abuse for instance, the experience can be life shattering. Learning to get through the day-to-day activities of life can be an overwhelming ordeal. If you are a family member watching your loved one go through this process, the experience can have its own effects on you, too.

It’s important to know that you don’t have to suffer in silence. Do not let any abuser or situation shame you into thinking your dignity, self-respect, and personal life are of little to no worth. You are not alone, and you are not responsible for the sexual crimes committed against you.

If you do choose to pursue legal action against your perpetrator, there are a few things to keep in mind that will help your sexual abuse attorney best serve you and your case:

Seek counseling first – A trained therapist or psychologist can help you come to grips with your victimization. This can help you communicate a clear, consistent account of your abuse. It will also help you learn to cope with the stress and emotions that may surface in the midst of a legal case.
Have clear communication with your attorney – This includes returning phone calls, keeping scheduled consultations, and speaking as honestly as you can about the abuse. Remember… we are on your side. We want to help you get the justice you deserve.
Keep records of any communication between you and your abuser – Saved emails, letters, text messages, pictures, or videos can help to corroborate your story in a situation that is typically viewed as “your story against theirs.” This will help your attorney structure a solid case against your abuser or the organization he/she works with.

As much as we would want to be able to serve every client that approaches us about a sexual abuse claim, the reality is, we cannot help every person in need. We primarily serve victims of childhood sexual abuse, and due to the nature of these cases, a statute of limitations in Illinois, and the intense nature of these cases, it’s important for victims to contact us in a timely manner. But also important to consider is the fact that victims need to understand the emotional effects that such legal action can have. Having external support—through counseling, family, or a support group—can help victims as they have to recount the events of their abuse.

If you have questions about childhood sexual abuse, and whether or not you might have a legal case against your perpetrator, please feel free to contact our compassionate, experienced, and professional attorneys at Lane Brown to schedule a free, confidential consultation today.

For victims of childhood sexual abuse, the experience can oftentimes be one that lasts for an extended amount of time. From the time that initial contact is made between an unsuspecting victim and the adult perpetrator, to the time that a victim can finally, and openly, admit that the abuse happened—life can change dramatically.

For those wrestling in the grips of such abuse, the feeling can be terrifying and unfathomable. If you are watching someone as they are living this out, the process could be unbearable to witness.

As personal injury attorneys here in Chicago, we serve victims who suffer a wide variety of injuries, most commonly physical, through a wide range of accidents. However, in the case of child sexual abuse, the injuries extend far past the physical. While many sexual abuse victims do experience physical trauma through these events, psychological trauma and emotional trauma can also result. These impact a victim’s whole life, whether it be through a change in family and social relationships, or even personal interests and hobbies. And so, the Downward Spiral Effect begins.

How Can Life Change After Sexual Abuse?

Problems at school – Your straight-A student may suddenly begin failing their classes, skipping school, or developing problems with teachers and peers. If your child is not given the right counseling or support needed to properly deal with sexual abuse trauma—like PTSD—this can progress to long term consequences. Your child’s plummeting grades and behavior could affect prospective college opportunities, or even his/her ability to graduate.
Social relationships suffer – Some of the side effects of PTSD are anxiety, aggressiveness, or irritability. These can affect every relationship your child has. If your child withdraws from his/her social circle of friends, or suddenly eliminates hobbies, sports, or activities of interest from his/her life, depression could result. Feelings of loneliness, lack of purpose, and a lack of self-worth are often major factors as to why young adolescents attempt, or succeed at, suicide.
Breakdown of communication at home – This can become a significant problem, because you, as a parent, can often be left powerless and without knowledge of the hurt and suffering your child is experiencing. In many cases, as adolescents plummet further down into a spiral of despair, anger, fear, or angst, their behavior at home can reflect that emotional trauma. Your child may become more destructive with property, may withdraw from normal family life, and become more defiant at home.

If you suspect that your child has been sexually abused, don’t give up hope. Your child may not talk about it right away. But, in time, through a relationship of trust, open communication, patience, and love, your loved one should eventually open up. Through your support and affirmation, your child or teen can gather the strength and courage to speak truthfully about the abuse and begin the healing process as he/she works to restore life to a “new normal.”

If you would like answers to some of the legal questions surrounding childhood sexual abuse, we may be able to help. Contact us today to schedule a no-cost, confidential, case evaluation.

A Chicago sexual abuse attorney talks about sexual harassment in the workplace and how victims are affected.

Category: Child Sex Abuse

Labels: Chicago sexual abuse attorneys Chicago sexual abuse cases Chicago workplace sexual abuse sexual harassment in the workplace workplace sexual harassment

After a 7-year court case in Illinois, a Will County judge has entered an order which allows the release of over 7,000 internal documents from the Diocese of Joliet to the public . The plaintiff in the case was abused as an 8-year-old boy during the sacrament of first confession. Bishop Daniel Conlon, bishop of the Joliet Diocese, acknowledged the child abuse although the priest continues to deny the allegations. The documents show that every bishop serving in the Diocese of Joliet from the 1950’s through the 1990’s knew that priests were sexually abusing children.

Victims of Child Sex Abuse by Priests Have Rights. Let Our Chicago Law Firm Help You.

If you or a loved one has suffered sexual abuse by a member of the clergy or other authority, you may be able to take action. Our team of attorneys has experience handling cases of this nature and recognize the importance of confidentiality. Contact our Chicago child sex abuse lawyers at Lane Brown, LLC, by calling toll free 1-312-332-1400 for a free and private consultation to discuss your legal options.