Layton Sexual Abuse Attorney
The attorneys of Feller & Wendt, LLC provide legal help for victims of sexual abuse in Layton, Utah. Our lawyers have become the go-to firm for sexual abuse cases, helping victims get compensation for the injury they suffered. Victims of sexual abuse need someone they can trust; someone they can turn to for answers after their assault. Every Layton sexual abuse attorney at Feller & Wendt, LLC fights to pursue those answers for victims of sexual abuse and to protect their rights and see justice done on their behalf.
Defining Sexual Abuse
Sexual abuse is any unwanted sexual activity where the perpetrator uses force, threats of force, abuse of position, or the victim’s inability to give consent. Sexual abuse may range from unwanted touching or exposure of the genitals to forced sexual intercourse.
Sexual abuse is a crime in every state. However, the legal system is composed of separate criminal and civil courts. Victims of sexual abuse may pursue compensation in a civil court even if the state doesn’t file criminal charges, or if there was not enough evidence to win a criminal conviction. The burden of proof is much higher for criminal conviction than for civil suits, and so victims may win compensation for their injury even in cases where the evidence does not warrant a criminal conviction. If you have any further questions regarding what qualifies as sexual abuse, speak with a Layton personal injury attorney experienced in these types of cases.
Sexual Abuse Statistics in Utah
The Utah Department of Health Violence & Injury Prevention Program reports that Utah has had a higher rate of rape than the rest of the U.S. since 2000. One in three Utah women will experience sexual violence in their lifetime. While women are more likely to suffer sexual abuse, one in 50 men reports having experienced sexual abuse in their lifetime, as well.
Of all sexual abuse victims, 39.2 % report that physical, emotional, or mental problems limit the activities they can pursue. Sexual abuse victims are also far more likely to report they are in fair or poor health.
Perhaps most disturbing is the fact that most victims know their attackers; only 13.3% reporting that a stranger victimized them. The most likely attacker is a family member, with 30.9% of victims reporting their attacker was a member of their family.
Victims often hesitate to reach out for help. Rape victims do not report the assault to law enforcement 88.2% of the time and only 12.7% of sexual abuse victims seek medical treatment. Finally, 33.8% report they do not receive the emotional support they need after their sexual abuse.
Institutions Involved in Sexual Abuse
In many cases, it is not only the individual attacker who is responsible for sexual abuse, but also institutions whose negligence make the abuse possible, or help the attacker cover up their crime. Businesses, schools, and other institutions have a responsibility to take reasonable precautions to see that sexual abuse does not happen by employees or members of their organization. These institutions have a duty to report the abuse to the authorities to ensure the safety of everyone involved with their organization or served by them. When an institution fails to stand up to sexual abuse perpetrators, they become part of the crime and liable for compensation to the victim.
Institutions that may be involved in a sexual abuse claim include:
- Doctors
- Therapists
- Schools
- Sports leagues
- Religious organizations
- Businesses and employers
If a member of one of these institutions has victimized you, assert your right to demand answers for why they failed to protect you from a dangerous predator and to seek compensation for their neglect. Hire a Layton sexual abuse attorney and hold these institutions responsible.
Feller & Wendt, LLC | Trusted Sexual Abuse Lawyers in Layton
Our attorneys understand the trauma and pain you are experiencing. We have helped many others in your situation get the care and treatment they need. Call Feller & Wendt, LLC at (801) 499-5060 for a free consultation today. We will treat you with dignity and respect and fight to see you get the compensation you deserve.
