Hyattsville, MD Sexual Abuse Attorney

Dedicated Lawyer Helping Victims of Sexual Abuse in Hyattsville, Maryland

Sexual abuse is a devastating violation that can leave lasting emotional and physical scars. Survivors of sexual abuse often experience profound trauma, especially when the abuse has been committed by someone in a position of trust or authority. While criminal courts may hold abusers accountable for violating the law, survivors of abuse also have the right to file civil claims and recover compensation for the harm they have suffered.

At Kisner Law, we are committed to helping survivors of sexual abuse assert their rights and obtain financial compensation as part of their healing journey. Attorney Jason Kisner understands the ways victims may be affected and the difficulties they may face in their lives. He provides aggressive, dedicated representation to ensure that the perpetrators of abuse or those who allowed abuse to happen will be held accountable for the harm that they have done.

Where Sexual Abuse Can Occur

Sexual abuse can happen in any setting where someone takes advantage of power, trust, or access and engages in sexual intercourse, sexual contact, or sexual harassment through the use of force, coercion, or threats. Sadly, abuse often occurs in institutions and environments where people should feel safe. Some settings where sexual abuse may occur include:

• Schools: Teachers, coaches, or staff members at a school may abuse students. Schools may be held responsible for these situations if they fail to implement or enforce appropriate safeguards or respond to reports of misconduct.
• Churches and Religious Organizations: Clergy members or volunteers may exploit their positions of spiritual authority to abuse members of a congregation, including children or vulnerable adults.
• Recreational and Youth Activities: Programs such as sports leagues, camps, or after-school programs may fail to properly vet or supervise employees, creating opportunities for abuse.
• Nursing Homes: Elderly or disabled residents may be sexually assaulted or abused by staff members, other residents, or visitors. These incidents may occur due to facilities that are understaffed or that fail to provide adequate supervision.
• Workplaces: Supervisors or coworkers may engage in sexual harassment or sexual assault. Employers may be liable for these incidents if they do not have the proper policies in place to prevent sexual harassment or if they ignore complaints.
• Medical and Mental Health Treatment: Abuse may occur when doctors, therapists, or other providers exploit their authority over patients during physical exams or therapy sessions.

Companies, organizations, or other entities may be held liable if they failed to prevent abuse, ignored warning signs, or knowingly allowed abusers to remain in positions of authority. However, demonstrating that an organization should be held liable for sexual abuse is not always easy, and representation from a skilled attorney can be crucial in these situations to ensure that a victim's rights will be protected.

The Impact of Sexual Abuse on Victims

The trauma caused by sexual abuse can affect survivors for the rest of their lives. The emotional and psychological effects are often profound, and they may include:

• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Survivors may experience flashbacks, nightmares, and heightened anxiety long after the abuse has ended.
• Depression and Isolation: Many survivors struggle with deep feelings of sadness, shame, or guilt, which may lead to withdrawal from friends and family.
• Difficulties With Relationships or Intimacy: Trust issues and fear may impact personal relationships, and a survivor may have difficulty forming healthy emotional connections and being able to trust others.
• Self-Harm or Suicidal Thoughts: For some, the pain of abuse can become overwhelming, and it may lead to self-destructive behaviors.
• Substance Use: Some survivors turn to drugs or alcohol to cope with the emotional distress caused by abuse.
• Career or Educational Disruptions: Abuse may interfere with a survivor's ability to pursue education or maintain employment. They may experience significant financial setbacks due to missed career opportunities.

In addition to emotional harm, survivors may face physical injuries, sexually transmitted infections, or other medical complications. Recovery often requires extensive therapy, medical care, and long-term support.

How Compensation Can Support the Recovery of a Sexual Abuse Victim

While no amount of money can erase the trauma of sexual abuse, financial compensation can provide much-needed support to help survivor heal and ensure that they can address their ongoing needs. Compensation may cover:

• Medical and psychological treatment
• Loss of income or future earning capacity
• Costs related to relocation or security systems to protect their personal safety
• Pain and suffering, including emotional trauma
• Punitive damages meant to punish especially egregious misconduct by an organization that knowingly allowed abuse to occur

Contact Our Hyattsville Sexual Abuse Victim Representation Lawyer

When recovering from sexual abuse, it is important to remember that you are not alone. Attorney Jason Kisner can serve as your legal advocate, helping you address the harm you have suffered and ensure that both the perpetrator and others who were responsible will be held accountable. Contact us at 240-459-0097 to set up a free, confidential consultation.