Survivors of sexual assault may often feel like they have no one to turn to for help, especially when the attacker was someone the survivor trusted or remains in a position of authority over the survivor. But there are people ready to believe you and listen to your story. A Louisville sexual assault lawyer from Thomas Law Offices will be at your side and help you hold the person responsible for their actions.
Kentucky citizens deserve to know that their rights will be protected. Sexual violence happens all too often, and survivors are often terrified to come forward. We’ll support you throughout this process.
A sexual assault lawyer in Louisville will work with you so you can get the justice you deserve. We’re not intimidated by institutions that try to protect abusers—our priority is to make sure your voice is heard, and the sexual abuser is brought to justice.
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What is Defined as Sexual Assault?
According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS), sexual abuse and rape have two different definitions. Sexual abuse happens when attacks, including attempted attacks, involve the offender’s unwanted sexual contact. Sexual assault includes unwanted advancements that may or may not involve force, grabbing, and verbal threats. Rape is forced sexual intercourse without consent including, physical force and psychological coercion.
Sexual abuse can occur visually or verbally and does not require physical contact. Forms of assault include voyeurism, exposing oneself in public, threats, forcing someone to look at or take sexual pictures, and more.
Sexual assaults are a major issue in the United States. The National Sex Offender Public Website (NSOPW) reports the following statistics about sexual violence:
- About 20 million of out of 112 million women in the United States have been raped.
- 346,830 of reported rapes and sexual assaults were to individuals 12 years or older.
- 25 percent of female survivors were assaulted by strangers.
- About 30 percent of sexual assaults are reported to police.
Resources available to those who have been sexually assaulted include the National Sexual Assault Hotline and, if the assaulter was a spouse or partner, the National Domestic Violence Hotline.
Survivors deserve to have the opportunity and freedom to speak up. Our Louisville sexual assault lawyers are ready to hear your side of the story.
Recognizing the Signs of Sexual Abuse
Survivors may feel shame or try to hide that they were attacked. Some may be in denial of what happened because it was so traumatic. The effects of the attack can stay with people for the rest of their lives. They could start to act in a way that hurts them and others around them, engage in unhealthy sexual relationships, or have poor emotional health.
There are a few signs that someone has been sexually abused:
- A sudden behavioral change.
- Developing mental illness like depression.
- The person’s quality of work or schoolwork has decreased.
- Lack of self-esteem.
If any of these signs sound familiar in a friend or family member, it may be evidence of sexual violence. It’s imperative that they get the care and support they deserve during this time. When they’re ready, our lawyers can defend their rights.
Where Does Sexual Assault Occur?
Sexual misconduct can occur in the workplace. This can make the workplace terrifying to go to every day. People may feel trapped or too scared to speak up because they worry about the repercussions of bringing up the issue, such as keeping their job or being threatened.
Sexual crimes can also occur in schools. Whether it’s a teacher, student, or person working for the school, the institution can be held accountable for the attack because they negligently allowed that person to be on their campus.
Campus Sexual Assault
College is supposed to be a place of learning and figuring out potential career paths. But it’s a terrible truth that higher education also has issues with sexual violence happening on campuses. One in five women of different races, ethnicities, and age have been sexually assaulted on a college campus.
It’s also true that only one in five women who were sexually assaulted report the crime to the police. There are a lot of factors that contribute to this. Assault survivors may be scared to come forward because they are worried they won’t be believed, will be blamed for the attack, or that the police won’t be able to do anything. It’s imperative that people know that sexual assault is always the attacker’s fault in every case.
When sexual misconduct happens in the workplace or school, that person’s Title IX rights have been violated. Title IX is a civil right that states everyone is to be protected from sexual harassment. It doesn’t have to be an ongoing problem—one instance of sexual harassment is enough to enact Title IX. Thomas Law Offices is ready to protect your Title IX rights no matter what.
The Courage of Speaking Out
It takes an incredible amount of courage to report a sexual assault, but it’s also vital so authorities can take proper action. Reporting someone for sexual violence could prevent them from hurting another person in the future. Institutions like universities can take measures to make sure the survivor never has to cross paths with their attacker.
You can seek legal aid to hold that person responsible for their actions. No one deserves to be sexually assaulted. We’re ready to stand by your side. Thomas Law Offices is already defending sexual assault survivors in a current case for those who were attacked while in the Louisville police Explorer Scout program.
Get the Justice You Deserve from a Louisville Sexual Assault Lawyer
At Thomas Law Offices, we understand how traumatic and difficult it can be to come forward with a sexual assault claim. Our lawyers are understanding and compassionate people who want to help you. You may also get some peace knowing that the abuser had to answer for their crimes and people will know what they did.
If you or a loved one was sexually abused, do not hesitate to get in touch with us. We’re ready to schedule a free consultation and go over your case.
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