Anyone can be a victim of sexual abuse at any age. Although reporting abuse to the police and getting a medical examination is essential, it can be hard to take legal action as you deal with the ordeal and may not be sure about the solutions to pursue. Thankfully, an experienced protection from abuse attorney can help you understand the complexities of this type of case and hold the abuser accountable. The following are reasons you need this lawyer on your side:
They Keep Your Information Confidential
The lawyer-client relationship involves confidentiality. This allows you to share the traumatic experience with your attorney openly. If you prefer to stay anonymous, your attorney can usually work with this and advocate for your legal rights, ensuring your abuser is held accountable for what they have done to you.
They Educate You on Your Legal Rights and Options
Your lawyer will help you understand the laws that govern sexual abuse. This includes statutes of limitations. They will explain your options to be compensated for the trauma you experienced.
The kind of lawsuit to bring against your abuser depends on the circumstances, the kind of sexual abuse you dealt with, and the timeline. Your attorney can address your concerns or questions and help you make important decisions regarding your case. This includes whether to stay anonymous or testify in person in court.
They Can Gather Evidence
Collecting evidence to support your claim is important to secure a favorable outcome from your case. Your attorney will work with the police, witnesses, and medical experts to build a strong case. They usually obtain pieces of evidence such as testimonies, photos, police reports, medical reports, and any items from the crime scene like clothing. Also, they can investigate to determine the criminal history of the abuser, including past sexual offenses.
They Can Reduce Your Interaction with the Perpetrator
If you decide to testify against the abuser, your attorney can reduce your interactions with this person to avoid issues such as intimidation. They can accompany you at all court hearings and handle the majority of the communication during the trial. This allows you to concentrate on communicating with your attorney and benefit from their legal counsel and support while you seek the justice you deserve.
Seeking justice is a proactive way to heal yourself from the trauma you have experienced. A great attorney can review your situation before they discuss your legal options. They focus on supporting your healing and helping you get compensation for both the emotional and physical trauma you have to deal with due to the abuse.