One who has experienced sexual assault or rape can attest to the feelings of debasement and violation that accompany such an experience. It’s possible that making it through an emotionally traumatic event is only half the battle. However, there are a range of techniques to begin the process of healing. You have the option of launching a civil suit for damages against your attacker in addition to a criminal prosecution.
The victim may also be entitled to further financial compensation if other parties, such as the assailant’s employer or the property upkeep of the attack location, are legally accountable for the incidence. Since the burden of proof is lower in civil trials, these protections remain available even if criminal charges are dropped or an offender is found not guilty at trial. Some victims are hesitant to seek legal advice due to humiliation. Good thing some experienced attorneys offer free, confidential consultation like https://abuseguardian.com/sexual-assault-lawyer/pennsylvania/.
Please read on to understand how best to defend your legal rights as a sexual assault victim so that your criminal and civil cases have the most outstanding possibility of prevailing in court. If you or someone you know has been the victim of sexual assault, it is critical that you act quickly to preserve evidence, report the crime to the police, get medical attention, and get in touch with experienced Atlanta sexual assault lawyers.
Representing Your Own Best Interests And Protecting Your Rights
Sexual assault and abuse survivors need to act quickly to protect their rights in the court system. A victim of an attack needs to disclose it immediately to law enforcement so that they may gather as much evidence and information from the victim’s body as possible. Before communicating with an attorney, the victim should avoid discussing the incidence with others.
- Seeking Assistance
Police and medical emergency personnel should be called right away. Experts will approach the problem with empathy. Victims can seek out crisis counselling in many communities rather than calling the police if they desire. Sexual assault counsellors can help survivors of sexual violence cope with the trauma of the attack and its aftermath.
- Immediately Arrange A Checkup With A Doctor
An urgent medical examination may identify all of the victim’s injuries, preserve proof of the attack if the victim wishes to press charges and pursue a civil claim, give treatment to avoid sexually transmitted infections, and provide information regarding the chance of a pregnancy. Women who are concerned about getting pregnant may need to learn more about emergency contraception in their area.
- Exploring All Of Your Alternatives
The choices accessible to a victim depend on the state. Victims of assault can file a civil suit against those responsible and apply for compensation from a government-run fund. The victim may potentially be eligible for “third-party” compensation, depending on the specifics of the case.
In this case, the victim may have had a claim against a number of different parties. Landlords, bars, restaurants, stores, parking lots, universities, institutions, bus or train stations, hospitals, and schools are all examples of places that could be held partially responsible for a criminal act. One common example is when a landlord is compelled to make their property secure enough that an invader cannot simply walk in. If a tenant is sexually assaulted in an apartment complex where locks were not installed, the building owner could be held liable. Contact an expert plaintiffs’ legal firm for aid if you’ve been the victim of sexual violence and have concerns or worries about collecting compensation.
STATEMENT OF CONCLUSION
No one should expect a survivor of sexual assault to cope with her or his experience alone. There are many people who may be able to lend a helping hand in times of crisis, such as friends, neighbours, coworkers, doctors, police, and lawyers. Because sexual assault can have far-reaching effects, victims may also need assistance with other areas of civil law, such as divorce, parental rights, housing, employment, wills, migration, education, bankruptcy, and emancipation of children. An attorney who specialises in representing victims of sexual assault can be a tremendous resource for victims, both practically and emotionally, as they navigate the complex system of care available to them. Also, you contact sexual offence solicitors that help to handle your legal case.