Sexual Abuse Lawsuits in Wheeling

At Mountaineer Criminal Law Group, our dedicated Wheeling WV criminal lawyer has been successfully handling cases of sexual abuse for many years. We understand that the journey of victims of sexual abuse is incredibly challenging, and that’s why we approach each case with utmost compassion and dedication. Our mission is to ensure that you or your loved ones receive the justice they rightfully deserve.

What Is Sexual Assault

Sexual assault is a grave crime that encompasses incidents of rape, attempted rape, or any non-consensual touching over the victim’s clothing. Throughout the United States, all states and the District of Columbia define sexual assault similarly, considering instances where the victim is coerced, pressured, or did not provide consent for any sexual act. It’s important to note that since 1993, marital rape has also been recognized as a crime in all states.

What Is Forcible Rape

Among the various forms of sexual assault, forcible rape involves the use of physical force to perpetrate a sexual act without the victim’s consent. The statistics surrounding forcible rape are staggering:

• Approximately 20% of women have experienced forcible rape at some point in their lives.
• Around 80% of forcible rape cases involve victims who are below 25 years old, often occurring while they were in college.
• Shockingly, only 20% of forcible rapes are reported to authorities.
• While the majority of victims are women, it’s crucial to recognize that approximately 2% of victims are men, and 30% of victims experienced rape during childhood.
• Sadly, in only 25% of forcible rape cases, the perpetrator has been arrested, resulting in a significant number of rapists going unpunished.

Notably, in cases of forcible rape, the perpetrator often knows the victim personally, such as a former lover, dating partner, or even a spouse.

Child Sexual Abuse

The issue of child sexual abuse is a growing concern in today’s society. Children are often manipulated, coerced, or pressured into engaging in sexual acts by adults or adolescent offenders. These cases can involve:

• Forcible rape,
• Psychological manipulation
• Exposure to pornography
• Consumption of child pornography.

Tragically, the perpetrators of these heinous acts are often individuals in positions of authority, such as parents, older siblings, relatives, priests, Boy Scout leaders, or camp counselors. These are individuals whom the child has trusted, and as a result, the victims often experience long-lasting effects, including depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and lifelong anxiety.

Victim’s Rights in the Case of Sexual Assault

In Wheeling, victims of sexual assault have certain rights that should be advocated for:

• Civil Lawsuit: Victims have the right to file a civil lawsuit to seek compensation for wage loss and both physical and mental suffering.
• Criminal Lawsuit: Depending on the severity of the case, victims have the option to file a criminal lawsuit.
• Policy Change: Victims can work towards implementing permanent changes in workplace policies to prevent similar situations, including termination of the perpetrators.
• Complaint Filing: Victims have the right to file a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission or the appropriate state agency.

Connect With Wheeling Sexual Assault Lawyer

If you find yourself in Wheeling and in need of a sexual abuse lawyer, turn to our dedicated team at Mountaineer Criminal Law Group. Our compassionate Wheeling WV OVI lawyer will listen to your concerns and ensure that you receive the justice you deserve. Contact us today at (304) 381-3656 to schedule a consultation.