Child Sexual Abuse

Child sexual abuse is one of the most egregious acts a person can make. This form of abuse is destructive to its victims no matter who the perpetrator is. While the abuse may not always leave a physical mark, the mental and emotional damage done can, and often does, last a lifetime. Many child sexual abuse survivors suffer with anxiety, depression, thoughts of suicide, trouble forming trusting relationships, and many other mental anguishes throughout their lives. The Pisanchyn Law Firm’s childhood sexual abuse attorneys help victims of sexual abuse and assault, and understand how important it is for victims to get justice. Sexual abusers must be held accountable; likewise, people in a position of authority, who fail to protect those in their care, must be held responsible for what happens on their watch.

WHAT IS CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE?

While the legal definition varies by state and type, it is generally understood that sexual abuse involves sexual contact or harassment that was not consented to. It not only covers fondling and touching of a sexual nature, but also:

• Exposing children to sexually charged images, language and to pornography
• Taking and/or sharing/downloading inappropriate photos of a child for personal use or distribution
• Asking the minor to send or take inappropriate pictures of themselves
• Revealing ones’ genitalia to a child
• Performing oral sex on a child or forcing the child to commit this act
• Penetration
•  

Cases of abuse typically involve an inappropriate use of power, and a number of factors can contribute:

• Authority
• Age
• Physical size
• Coercion

EFFECTS OF SEXUAL ABUSE ON CHILDREN

Sexual abuse does not just leave physical harm. The mental and emotional impact of sexual abuse continues for many years or even a lifetime. Destructive behaviors and emotional distress can come from unhealthy ideas about sexual relationships, which are common in abuse victims.

Signs that a child has been sexually abused may include:

• Abrupt changes in behavior, sometimes affecting quality of schoolwork.
• Depression and low self-esteem. A low sense of self-worth.
• Sexually acting out for their age. Promiscuous behavior, unnatural interest in subjects of a sexual nature.

When children show symptoms of sexual abuse, professionals have a duty to report those behaviors and protect the child. Health professionals, police, teachers, school employees and others have an obligation to assure the mental and physical safety of the children they watch over. Unfortunately, our lawyers have seen many cases of institutional disregard for the safety of children or others who are in their care.

OUR CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE VICTIM ATTORNEYS CAN HELP

Child sexual abuse needs to be stopped. Unfortunately the process of doing so is intimidating for a child. We are aware of the risks, harm, and embarrassment that can come from filing suit against your perpetrator, but the attorneys for survivors of rape, sexual abuse, and sexual exploitation at The Pisanchyn Law Firm urge you, if you are or a loved one is the victim of child sexual abuse, to contact one of our child sexual abuse attorneys, in Pennsylvania, as soon as possible. By contacting an attorney you will bring your perpetrator to justice, protecting yourself and possibly others, which will put an end to the abuse. Due to our attorney’s experience in both criminal law and civil suits we can help you with the criminal prosecution of the perpetrator, if you so choose, as well as the civil prospect of your case so you can be fully compensated for the suffering that you have endured as a result of the abuse.

The Pisanchyn Law Firm represents child abuse of all ages and all throughout Pennsylvania. We also pledge that we will do our very best to keep all matters private and confidential. We know that you have been through more than enough, there’s no need to share the details of this trying time with the media or anyone else. There are certain petitions that we can file to keep the identity of the abuse victim confidential and we will fight aggressively to see that this is done and that you can stop living in fear and start the healing process. If you have any questions, concerns, or would like to speak to an attorney in full and complete confidentiality about child sexual abuse and a possible case please do not hesitate email us.

Call 1-800-444-5309 for a free consultation. We have offices in Harrisburg, Pittsburgh, Scranton, Philadelphia and will travel to you.

If you know of someone suffering abuse please call the Child Line and Abuse Registry at 800-932-0313.