Conference room

Connecticut Sexual Abuse Attorney

The legal team at Kennedy, Johnson, Schwab & Roberge represent victims of sexual abuse, helping you get justice and find closure to a painful part of your life. We provide professional legal representation in the courtroom and compassionate advocacy for people who were victims of childhood sexual molestation or sexual abuse. 

The lasting guilt and fear for victims of sexual abuse can last long into adulthood. As your sexual abuse lawyers, we’re here to help you get your life on track and hold predators responsible.

As attorneys for sexual abuse victims, we believe you and your family. We want to help you empower a voice that may have been silenced for too long. As your legal advocates, we’re here to help you receive the compensation you deserve from the predators who harmed you. 

Although no amount of money can make up for what you experienced, it can help bring those responsible to justice and give you the ability to seek treatment and recover.

Compassionate Advocates For Victims Of Sexual Abuse

Located in New Haven, Connecticut, the law firm of Kennedy, Johnson, Schwab & Roberge, P.C., has an excellent record of success representing children and adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse in civil lawsuits against those institutions that allowed or condoned the abuse when it was occurring.

Our advocacy falls into three main categories:

Extra Time For Victims Of Childhood Molestation

The state of Connecticut extends the statute of limitations for civil lawsuits if the sexual abuse occurred during childhood. Victims have 30 years from their 18th birthday to bring a claim. The time frame is so long because the law reflects society’s current understanding that children often repress these awful memories due to embarrassment, shame or even threats of reprisal by the perpetrator. Even when they reach adulthood, it may be years before they are able to acknowledge the abuse and take legal action.

What To Expect In A Civil Lawsuit For Sexual Abuse

With every new client, we conduct a detailed interview. It is important for us to understand every detail about what happened to our client as a child, and how our adult client recovered the memory of molestation (if the memory had been suppressed). Our attorneys then analyze the specific facts of your case to identify the potentially liable parties — not only the abuser but others within the institution who knew of the abuse and failed to stop it. Depending on how the case proceeds, our client may need to undergo an independent medical exam, including a psychiatric examination.

During each step of such emotionally complex cases, our attorneys make sure that our clients understand their legal options, the next steps in the process and their rights as the case proceeds. We know that we must earn your trust.

Facts About Sexual Abuse in Connecticut

Sexual abuse is defined as unwanted sexual activity from perpetrators who may make threats, use force, or manipulate or coerce victims unable to give consent. Most victims of sexual abuse know their aggressor and may have been groomed prior to the abuse. 

Immediate reactions from sexual abuse victims include shock, fear, pain, and guilt. Many fear speaking out against the abuser, as they may be in a position of power over the victim or a trusted adult. 

Long-term impacts for sexual abuse victims can continue into adulthood and include PTSD, anxiety, fear of intimacy, and even physical concerns, such as STD complications or reproductive trouble.

Some sobering facts about sexual abuse in Connecticut indicate just how widespread the problem is. Sexual abuse crosses all lines of race, income, and gender. If you have been a victim of sexual abuse or if you suspect your child is, an attorney for sexual abuse victims can help.

Here are some interesting statistics:

  • 77% of sexual abuse victims in Connecticut know their perpetrators
  • 7.8% of Connecticut students in grades 9-12 have been forced to have sexual intercourse
  • Connecticut youths who experienced sexual abuse are three times more likely to abuse drugs
  • Childhood sexual abuse victims are three times more likely to skip school because they feel unsafe

It can be scary for sexual abuse victims to speak out and traumatic to relive the pain and fear of the abuse again. Choose an attorney with Kennedy, Johnson, Schwab & Roberge as your lawyer. Sexual abuse is an appalling experience, but you can feel safer knowing that we believe you and are on your side.

How it Works

Contingency Fees

At Kennedy, Johnson, Schwab & Roberge, P.C., we handle all Sexual Assault / Abuse cases on a contingency fee basis. This means that we do not get paid unless and until you receive a settlement or a jury award.

Schedule a free, confidential consultation with a skilled Connecticut personal injury lawyer today. Contact us online or call our New Haven law firm directly at 203-865-8430.

Questions

Sexual Assault / Abuse FAQs

What Should I Do If I Suspect Sexual Abuse?

Because many victims of sexual abuse know their perpetrators, it can be hard for them to speak out against them. You may notice that your child seems withdrawn or no longer wants to attend activities, such as sports, scouting, or church activities like they once did. 

You may start with a gentle conversation, asking if something is bothering them, or simply let your child know that you’re ready to listen if they need to talk.

If you note possible indications of sexual assault, such as blood in their underwear, bruising or blood around their anus or genitals, or unexplained bruising, then have a medical exam to determine whether sexual abuse occurred. 

You may also wish to retain the services of a Connecticut sex abuse lawyer in case you wish to press charges or pursue a civil case for damages.

What If I Don’t Have Records of My Sexual Abuse?

The majority of cases we handle as sexual abuse attorneys deal with victims who experienced abuse as children. Young victims don’t always fully understand what is happening to them, and they're often asked to keep secrets. 

Not having records or documentation of abuse is common. Our experts work with you to piece together events to find records and present the facts. If your case goes to trial, we will help you through the process and protect you in court.

The Abuse Happened Long Ago. Can I Still File a Lawsuit for Sexual Abuse?

Connecticut has a strict statute of limitations for filing criminal charges against your abuser. However, a civil claim for damages from childhood sexual abuse may often be filed well into adulthood — usually at any time before the victim turns 48.

Furthermore, Connecticut state law places no statute of limitations for lawsuits against sexual abusers who have been convicted of first-degree sexual assault. Even if it’s been many years since the abuse occurred, a sexual abuse lawyer can still help you file a claim.

What Kinds of Damages Can I Get from Sexual Abuse?

The value of each case is different and may depend on who the perpetrator was and whether a larger organization, such as a sports organization, scouting troop, or the Catholic Church, played a role in enabling or covering up your abuse. 

Your lawyer will discuss the unique details of your case with you and help you understand what factors may come into play when placing a dollar amount on your settlement.

We use the civil justice system to seek justice for our clients — victims of sexual abuse just like you. One recent example is a settlement in a case involving sexual abuse of a minor that was settled for $400,000. We also represent people who may have suffered abuse from a Boy Scout leader or by a priest in the Catholic Church.

Will I Have to Go to Court?

Many victims of sexual abuse may worry about having their names and face published in the local media and may not wish to go to court. We will do our best to shield you, possibly using a pseudonym like John Doe in our filings. Many of our cases settle out of court, and we represent you at mediation with the abuser and their lawyer.

Do You Need a Sex Abuse Lawyer in Connecticut?

If you or your child has experienced sexual abuse, contact Kennedy, Johnson, Schwab & Roberge today. When you’re looking for a lawyer, sexual abuse can be a difficult area in which to find an expert attorney. 

Trust Kennedy, Johnson, Schwab & Roberge. An attorney for sexual abuse victims can help you seek damages and compensation for your suffering from the perpetrator — both the individual and any organization that may have enabled the abuse or kept it quiet.