Sexual Abuse

If you’ve suffered any sexual abuse, you need a compassionate and confidential sexual abuse law firm. At RAM Law in New Jersey, you find patient listeners who know the law. These specialized lawyers for sexual abuse gently guide you through the process while letting you know what to expect every step of the way. Being the victim of a sexual assault or ongoing abuse often leaves you with emotional and psychological issues, including PTSD. Call RAM Law to talk to the best sexual abuse attorney to see what you may be entitled to receive as compensation for your experience.

What’s Considered Sexual Abuse?

Sexual abuse is any form of non-consensual sexual activity, ranging from unwanted touching to rape. You may feel coerced or manipulated to participate. Sex abuse can occur in many different contexts and locations and affect all ages and genders. Lawyers for sexual abuse regard sexual crimes as heinous acts that deserve severe punishment as well as payment for the pain, suffering and physical harm you underwent. The nature of these offenses lies in the physical harm they inflict and the psychological trauma they cause.

You may grapple with a sense of violation that can lead to anxiety, PTSD and a loss of trust in others. The effects can ripple through every aspect of your life, from personal relationships to professional aspirations.

RAM Law is a sexual abuse law firm in New Jersey. They understand the gravity of these crimes and the courage it takes to stand against them. If you search for dedicated sexual abuse lawyers near me in NJ, look for board-certified civil trial advocates with a deep understanding of the intricacies of sexual abuse cases. RAM Law is committed to providing compassionate and competent legal representation.

What Kind of Sexual Crimes Can I Sue for in New Jersey?

In New Jersey, the law is stringent on all known sexual crimes. It covers sexual crimes in consensual and non-consensual contexts because consent in the context of sexual crimes is a critical concept. It’s defined as an “affirmative, communicated, mutual agreement to participate in sexual activity.” Consent must be given freely, without coercion and with a full understanding of the actions involved.

In New Jersey, the age of consent is 16, meaning individuals below this age can’t legally agree to sexual activity. And consent can’t be assumed due to circumstances like:

• Being silent
• Not resisting
• Having a prior relationship

The types of sexual crimes that you can sue for in New Jersey, including those involving initial consent that later become criminal, include:

• Aggravated sexual assault. This is considered a first-degree crime that involves sexual penetration. Circumstances such as the use of force or coercion, mental incapacitation or physical helplessness are also present.
• Sexual assault. This is called rape and is a second-degree crime that also involves sexual penetration. During an assault, you’re forced and don’t consent to the act, or you aren’t able to consent because of an inability to make good decisions, such as when you’re under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• Criminal sexual contact. This is a fourth-degree crime that involves coerced sexual contact without penetration.
• When someone tries to shock or offend you by exposing themselves, and you don’t consent, that’s a disorderly charge called lewdness.
• Sexual assault by coercion. Even when you initially consent, if the perpetrator uses emotional or psychological force to compel you to continue, it then becomes a crime.
• Sexual contact with minors. Consent plays no part in this crime. Engaging in sexual contact with minors is illegal and can lead to severe charges, especially if there’s a significant age difference.

What Are My Rights if I Was Sexually Abused in New Jersey?

As a victim of a sexual crime in New Jersey, you’re entitled to a comprehensive set of rights designed to ensure your dignity, safety and access to compensation. If you’re searching for a sexual abuse lawyer near me, look no further than RAM Law, sex crime attorneys in New Jersey.

These compassionate, experienced lawyers for sexual abuse are well-versed in New Jersey’s laws and fight tirelessly to ensure that justice is served. They vigorously pursue your rights that include:

• The right to be treated fairly and with dignity and compassion by the justice system
• Entitlement to information about the status of your case at any point in time
• Safety and protection from intimidation, further abuse or harassment
• Access to medical care, mental health counseling and other services made available for victims of sexual assault, regardless of whether you reported the crime to law enforcement
• Compensation for losses sustained because of the crime, including financial assistance for medical expenses, lost wages and therapy
• Privacy that your confidential information is protected throughout the legal process
• The right to be present at public hearings in court and to make a statement in person about how the crime impacted you
• Legal representation from a sexual abuse lawyer

What Immediate Legal Actions Should I Take as a Victim of Sexual Crimes?

Taking immediate action, as best as you’re able, is important to protect yourself and to support your claims. First get medical help because your health is a priority. Even if you don’t have any visible injuries, though, a medical exam is vital for your well-being and can serve as evidence.

Report the crime if possible. Contact the police to report the assault, which is important for starting the legal process. Other crucial actions that strengthen your case include:

• Documenting everything. Write down all the details you remember about the crime and the perpetrator as soon as you can while your memory is fresh. Take pictures of your injuries and the surrounding environment if possible. Get contact information from any witnesses.
• Contacting a sex abuse lawyer. Specialized sex crime attorneys in New Jersey guide you through the legal system to protect your rights and build a strong case for compensation.
• Considering a protective order. If you’re in immediate danger, a protective order can legally keep the perpetrator away from you. Your sex abuse lawyer can help you with this step.
• Knowing your rights. You have the right to compensation and the right to have an advocate with you during any questioning or other proceedings related to the crime.

Why Should I Consult a Sexual Abuse Lawyer?

Consulting a sexual abuse attorney is a critical step because a sex abuse law firm is dedicated to providing the support and representation that you need at this difficult time. They understand the profound impact of sexual crimes and ensure that your voice is heard, and your rights defended.

If you’re searching for sexual abuse lawyers near me in New Jersey, RAM Law firm is there to help you navigate this challenging time with guidance and compassion. Useful services they provide include:

• Legal skills. Your sexual abuse attorney has specialized knowledge of the laws and legal procedures related to sexual crimes.
• Sex crime attorneys in New Jersey provide invaluable guidance on the complex legal journey, helping you understand your rights and the potential outcomes of your case.
• Financial recovery. They seek compensation for damages you incurred such as medical expenses, lost wages and emotional distress.
• Case evaluation. You receive a professional evaluation of the case, advising you on the best course of action every step of the way.
• Privacy protection. Sex crime attorneys in New Jersey at RAM Law ensure that your privacy is protected throughout the legal proceedings.
• An effective lawyer for sexual assault advocates for your best interests, both in and out of court.

How Can Sex Abuse Lawyers Advocate for Me?

Sexual abuse lawyers take decisive actions on your behalf to hold perpetrators and complicit parties accountable. They conduct thorough investigations to uncover all parties involved in the abuse, including those who may have enabled the perpetrator or created an environment where abuse could happen, such as in a case when

Sexual abuse lawyers near me in New Jersey file civil lawsuits against perpetrators and third parties, such as institutions that neglected their duty to protect you, seeking damages for the harm caused. Other advocacy roles in suing for sexual abuse include:

• Gathering evidence. Sex crime attorneys gather evidence, including witness statements, medical records and expert testimony, to build a strong case against the perpetrator and any negligent third parties.
• Negotiating settlements. They negotiate settlements to compensate you for your suffering, which may include financial compensation for therapy and other related expenses.
• Going to court. If necessary, lawyers litigate the case in court, presenting the evidence and arguing on your behalf to secure a favorable judgment from a judge or jury.
• Holding institutions accountable. When institutions fail to prevent abuse, lawyers can take action to ensure they’re held responsible, which may include policy changes or financial penalties.

What Compensation Can I Seek in a Sexual Abuse Case?

In New Jersey, survivors of sexual abuse can seek a comprehensive range of compensation to address the different impacts of your trauma. You can seek compensatory damages designed to cover actual costs incurred because of the abuse. This includes medical expenses for physical and psychological treatment, costs for rehabilitation and therapy, as well as reimbursement for lost wages if the abuse led to an inability to work.

You can also seek damages for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the abuse. This acknowledges the non-economic impact of the trauma and the ongoing suffering it may cause. Other compensation you can pursue includes:

• Loss of enjoyment of life. Damages may be awarded for the diminished ability to enjoy life’s pleasures and engage in activities that were once part of your routine before the abuse.
• Punitive damages. In cases where the perpetrator’s actions were especially malicious or egregious, the court may consider punishing the perpetrator financially as a deterrence against such crimes in the future.
• Legal fees. The costs associated with legal representation, including attorney’s fees, court costs and other related expenses, can often be recovered as part of the compensation package.
• Catastrophic benefits. This compensation is designed to pay if you suffer permanent disabilities as a result of the sexual abuse.
• Emergency relocation costs. You may be eligible for compensation to cover the cost of moving to ensure your safety and protect yourself and your family.

How Long Do I Have to File a Sexual Abuse Claim in New Jersey?

In New Jersey, the statute of limitations for filing a sexual abuse claim has been significantly extended to allow survivors more time to seek justice. Consult with a sexual abuse attorney to understand how these time frames apply to your specific case.

Your lawyers provide the necessary guidance to ensure your claim is filed within the appropriate time limits. Considerations include:

• Adult survivors who now have up to seven years from the date of the assault to file a civil lawsuit
• Childhood abuse survivors who suffered sexual abuse as children have until the age of 55, or seven years from the date they recognized that the abuse caused them harm, to file a civil suit pursuant to the Child Victims Act of 2019
• Discovery rules that allow you to file within seven years from the time you become aware of the injury and how the abuse has affected you

What’s the Process of Working with a Lawyer for Sexual Assault?

Working with a lawyer for sexual assault involves several key steps to ensure your rights are protected and your case is handled with the utmost care. The first step is an initial consultation with a RAM Law attorney. Your journey begins with a confidential meeting where you discuss the details of your case with the sexual abuse law firm and explore your legal options.

The next step is case evaluation. Your lawyer for sexual assault evaluates the merits of your case, considering the evidence, applicable laws and potential outcomes. Other steps include:

• Signing the legal representation agreement. If you decide to proceed, you’ll enter into an agreement outlining the terms of the lawyer’s representation. At RAM Law, you don’t pay fees upfront; your lawyer collects fees out of the final settlement.
• Investigating the abuse or assault you reported. Your lawyer conducts a thorough investigation, gathering all necessary evidence, including medical records, witness statements and other pertinent documentation.
• Filing a claim. With the evidence compiled, your lawyer files a civil claim on your behalf, officially starting the legal process.
• Advocating and negotiating. Throughout the process, your lawyer advocates for your best interests, engaging in negotiations with the aim of reaching a fair settlement.
• Preparing for trial. If a settlement isn’t reached, your lawyer prepares your case for trial by developing a strategy to present your case effectively in front of a judge and jury.
• Offering legal support and guidance. You’ll find that your stress is greatly reduced when, at every step, your lawyer provides legal support and guidance, keeping you informed and involved in the decision-making process.

The aftermath of sexual abuse is a profound struggle, often marked by emotional turmoil and a sense of injustice that can overshadow every facet of your life. The act of seeking justice is not just a legal battle; it’s a crucial step in your healing process, offering you a path to reclaim control over your life. It’s an affirmation that what happened was wrong and that you deserve recognition and reparation for your suffering.

Complex Abuse Against Minors Require Representation – Contact Our Injury Lawyers at Rebenack, Aronow & Mascolo, L.L.P. Today

Sexual abuse can result in lasting mental health issues, staggering medical expenses, and life-altering disabilities. You need an experienced abuse lawyer with exceptional experience. Call Rebenack, Aronow & Mascolo, L.L.P. today at 732-247-3600 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation. Located in New Brunswick, Somerville, and Freehold, New Jersey, we serve clients in Middlesex County, Monmouth County, and Somerset County.

Sources:

https://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/sexualviolence/fastfact.html

https://www.ourresilience.org/what-you-need-to-know/effects-of-sexual-violence/

https://www.findlaw.com/state/new-jersey-law/new-jersey-sexual-assault-laws.html

https://nj.gov/njsp/division/operations/sexual-violence-info.shtml

https://www.ageofconsent.net/states/new-jersey

https://njcasa.org/find-help/civil-statue-of-limitations/

https://www.ncacia.org/post/supporting-survivors-the-essential-role-of-victim-advocates-in-abuse-cases

https://ovc.ojp.gov/help-for-victims/help-in-your-state/new-jersey

https://whyy.org/articles/n-j-gives-sex-abuse-victims-sweeping-new-ability-to-sue/

https://natlawreview.com/article/new-jersey-s-new-child-victims-act-expands-opportunity-filing-abuse-claims-and