Stamford Sexual Assault/Abuse Attorney

Sexual Assault/Abuse Attorney in Stamford

Unfortunately, acts of sexual violence happen every single day, all over the world. Sexual assault and abuse can happen to anyone of any age, gender, or sexual orientation. No one ever thinks they’ll have to face the repercussions of sexual violence until they’ve fallen victim to it.

If you or a loved one has been the victim of a violent sexual act, the Stamford sexual assault law firm of Kennedy Johnson Schwab & Roberge understands the severity of your situation. The mental trauma alone is enough to impact you for the rest of your life, let alone the physical effects and financial consequences you may also be experiencing.

Our legal team is here for you. Contact us to reserve your consultation with one of our Stamford sexual assault lawyers today. 

The Difference Between Sexual Assault and Sexual Abuse

Both sexual assault and sexual abuse fall under the broad category of sexual violence. However, there are key differences between the two. 

Sexual assault refers to sexual behaviors or contact that a victim has not consented to. Some of the common actions considered to be sexual assault include:

• Unwanted or coerced sexual touching or fondling
• Rape or attempted rape
• Marital rape
• Forcing the victim to perform sexual acts, including oral sex and/or penetration

Sexual assault typically involves sexual acts committed against adult victims. In many cases, a sexual assault refers to one isolated incident. 

On the other hand, sexual abuse commonly refers to sexual acts committed against minor victims, or those under the age of 18. Additionally, it is referred to as “abuse” because the inappropriate sexual relationship between the perpetrator and victim usually goes on for an extended period. 

The acts sexual abuse victims experience are often the same or similar to those suffered by sexual assault victims, including inappropriate touching, forceful actions, and rape. 

A Key Factor in Both Sexual Assault and Abuse

One crucial detail to remember is that sexual assault or abuse is never the victim’s fault. It is common for victims to feel like they did something wrong, or could have done something differently to avoid the incident(s). Both sexual assault and sexual abuse are unfortunate, but the only one to blame in either scenario is the perpetrator.

Regardless of whether you or a loved one has fallen victim to sexual assault or sexual abuse, these acts can affect a person’s life forever. Therefore, you should consult with a Stamford attorney for sexual assault as quickly as possible for legal guidance. 

Types of Sexual Assault and Abuse Cases We Handle

Our Stamford sexual assault lawyers use their experience and skills to handle many types of sexual violence cases. The following are the kinds of cases we take on most often. 

Sexual Abuse of Children

Childhood should be a time of exploration, learning, and fun. Instead, when a child experiences sexual abuse, these exciting years can take a turn for the worst, and a child can be left with deep emotional and psychological trauma. 

Children are so vulnerable, and for this reason, they must be protected. However, in certain unfortunate circumstances, the adults that children and parents feel they can trust most are the ones that cause the most harm.

Childhood sexual abuse can occur between the child and:

• A parent or stepparent
• A close family member
• A friend or family friend
• Another minor
• A teacher or counselor
• A doctor or therapist
• A priest or parishioner

Sexual abuse of children can be tricky, as parents and caretakers sometimes don’t learn of the abuse for a long time. This is often because children are ashamed to tell a trusted adult of what’s occurred, they don’t realize what has gone on is wrong or inappropriate, or they are threatened into silence. 

If you know or believe your child has been the victim of sexual abuse, do not wait to discuss your case with a qualified Stamford sexual abuse attorney. Your lawyer can help you pursue the justice you and your child deserve. 

Adult Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse

The effects of childhood sexual abuse can last a lifetime. Perhaps your case went unreported and uninvestigated in the past. While it may seem like it’s too late, it may not be. You may still have the opportunity to get the justice you were unable to obtain before. 

Many wonder how a sexual abuse case can go unreported. Unfortunately, sexual violence cases are often not so straightforward, especially when they involve children. It is actually more common than not for childhood sexual abuse cases to go undiscovered for many years. 

If you’ve mustered up the courage and emotional strength to pursue a legal remedy for your childhood sexual abuse, a Stamford lawyer for sexual abuse can help you find your voice.

Negligent Hiring and Supervision Resulting in Sexual Violence

In some instances, incidents of sexual violence are the result of negligent hiring and supervision. This can be the case in situations involving both minors and adults.

Our Stamford sexual assault lawyers can investigate your situation to determine whether negligence is at the core of your case. If so, our legal team can use its skills and resources to hold the responsible party accountable for their wrongdoings.

We can pursue monetary recovery from several different entities and organizations, from schools and daycares to hospitals and apartment buildings. You can rely on our Stamford sexual assault law firm to get to the bottom of your sexual violence case and fight diligently to reach the most favorable result on your behalf.