Frequently Asked Questions About Child Sexual Abuse
Our attorneys at Tremont Sheldon Robinson Mahoney P.C. are committed to helping victims and their families in the Bridgeport, Connecticut, area get justice after being sexually abused as a child by an adult.
Our goal is to help you recover the compensation you deserve so you can move forward with your life.
Common Questions About Sexual Abuse
How do you prove a molestation case?
Child sexual abuse can take many forms and be difficult to prove, especially if the physical injuries are no longer present. However, many physicians and behavioral specialists are able to spot the warning signs of sexual abuse in children and can help build a strong case against the abuser. Our lawyers are experienced in working with the right experts to help with your claim.
Can you sue a teacher for sexual abuse?
Yes. Teachers can be held liable in a civil claim for sexual abuse against minor students. Like with all civil claims for child sexual abuse, it is important to work with an attorney right away to make sure all evidence is collected and documented to help build your case.
How common is molestation of children by priests?
The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops John Jay Report reported roughly 11,000 molestation allegations against 4,392 priests in the U.S. Other reports indicate roughly 4 to 5 percent of all priests in the U.S. have been accused of molestation. However, it is difficult to know how common molestation is as not all cases are reported or documented.
Why do priests molest children?
This is a difficult question to answer. Studies and discussions have taken place over the last decades, stating that several reasons may be to blame for priests molesting children. Those reasons include an increase in the number of victims reporting abuse and molestation, mandatory clerical celibacy and a shortage of priests throughout the world causing the church to keep priests in the church who may be unfit.
How long do you have to file a claim?
There is a 30-year statute of limitations once the child reaches age 18.
Contact Us for a Confidential Free Consultation
We understand the concerns of individuals and families about reporting sexual abuse. We are adept at protecting the privacy interests of our clients while holding abusers accountable. Our attorneys are experienced, compassionate and professional when representing our clients. We create an environment where clients can feel safe and confident in our ability to see that justice is done.
Talk to our attorneys about what happened. We’ll tell you how we can help and what we can do to protect you throughout the duration of your case. Call us now at 203-212-9075 or email our firm online.
Child Sexual Abuse Frequently Asked Questions
How Do You Prove a Molestation Case?
A. Child sexual abuse can take many forms and be difficult to prove, especially if the physical injuries are no longer present. However, many physicians and behavioral specialists are able to spot the warning signs of sexual abuse in children and can help build a strong case against the abuser. Our lawyers are experienced in working with the right experts to help with your claim.
Can You Sue a Teacher for Sexual Abuse?
A. Yes. Teachers can be held liable in a civil claim for sexual abuse against minor students. Like with all civil claims for child sexual abuse, it is important to work with an attorney right away to make sure all evidence is collected and documented to help build your case.
What Are My Legal Rights if I Was Sexually Abused as a Child?
A. Our lawyers represent victims who were sexually abused as children (under the age of 18). The law only allows victims to bring a claim up until the age of 48. Do not wait to learn about your legal options if you were the victim of sexual abuse as a minor.
Why Choose Us?
What is the statute of limitations with regard to filing a sexual abuse claim?
A. Victims who claim damages for sexual abuse, sexual assault or sexual exploitation as a child can file a claim up to 30 years past the age of abuse (typically until the age of 48) in Connecticut.
However, if you claim damages as a result of being sexually assaulted as an adult, then you have a much shorter time period in which to file a lawsuit. Typically, you have three years from the date of the assault to file against the perpetrator for his or her intentional acts and two years from the date of the assault to file against any other person or entity (e.g., perpetrator’s employer) who may have been negligent in allowing the perpetrator to have contact with you.
If there is a criminal case presently pending against the perpetrator, can I still file a civil suit?
What is the difference between criminal and civil cases? Is there a different burden of proof?
The perpetrator is now dead. Can I still file a claim?
I do not want my identity revealed. Is there a way that I can file a claim and remain anonymous?
Who are mandated reporters of suspected child abuse?
Any person so identified who in the course of his or her employment or profession has reasonable cause to believe or suspect that a child has been abused or neglected or has been inflicted with non-accidental injuries or is at imminent risk of serious harm must report or cause a report to be made in accordance with state law. Violation of the law will result in a monetary fine and required participation in an educational and training program. See Connecticut General Statutes Sections 17-101(b); 17a-101a.
