Compassionate Molestation Attorneys Serving Victims In Orange County, California
How Prevalent Is Child Molestation?
Childhood sexual abuse is a hidden problem out in full sight, considering the data:
- One in 10 children will be sexually abused before they reach their 18th birthday.
- One in seven girls and one in 25 boys will be the subject of childhood sexual abuse before they become legal adults.
Unfortunately, the vast majority of victims of childhood molestation are reluctant to disclose their abuse. Some never do and go on to suffer the shame and destructive consequences of their trauma throughout their lives. However, many of these victims have the legal ability to hold their abusers accountable.
The Predatory Nature Of Childhood Sexual Abuse
Today, we have a greater understanding of what the typical child molester looks like. And while childhood sexual abuse is predatory in nature, the predators are usually far closer to home than the shadow figures we may think of.
Today’s child molesters are those in our own backyards who have the access and availability to target our most vulnerable populations. As many as 93 percent of molesters know their victims. They are often:
- Clergy and other church members
- Scout leaders
- Doctors and other healthcare professionals
- Teachers
- Coaches
- Neighbors
- Family members
Molestation is not only the physical violation of a child but a violation of that child’s trust. Unfortunately, molesters are adept at manipulating and intimidating their victims into silence. Many times, that manipulation is so pervasive that victims believe that they are partially at fault for the abuse.
If you or your child has been the victim of childhood sexual abuse, you should get the advice of an experienced Orange County molestation lawyer. You may be able to hold the abuser legally accountable. At Winer, Burritt & Scott, LLP, we bring our years of compassionate experience to the table to ensure that you or your child holds the abuser accountable and gets the closure you deserve.
“WB&S have successfully filed and won cases against organizations and entities such as religious institutions, school districts, youth groups, medical professionals, athletic leagues, more. Our Orange County molestation attorney is skilled in litigating your abuse case against these organizations and their insurance carriers.
Childhood Molestation And Organizational Accountability
Childhood sexual abuse is so taboo that many organizations and institutions turn a blind eye or actively attempt to cover up allegations of abuse lodged against individuals within the organization or in their employ, hoping to avoid negative repercussions for the organization. We have recently seen this with the Catholic church, Boy Scouts of America, several universities, and U.S.A. Gymnastics.
Fortunately, organizations, companies, and other entities can also be held accountable for their negligence in these abusive instances. At Winer, Burritt & Scott, LLP, we diligently represent victims of child molestation and their families to ensure they get the legal recourse they deserve.
Criminal Vs. Civil Lawsuits
Child molestation is a criminal act. Criminal legal action can hold the molester, organization, or institution legally accountable, leading to criminal convictions, fines, sexual offender registration, and even jail time. But while this serves to criminally punish the perpetrator, it does little to help the victim heal and move on.
A civil lawsuit provides another form of justice for the victim. It allows the victim or their family to be financially compensated for the harm they suffered as a result of the molestation. This compensation helps the victim and family recover financial resources for their damages, including:
- Any medical costs that were related to the abuse
- Any counseling and therapy costs related to the abuse
- Emotional trauma
- Pain and suffering
Getting The Assistance Of An Experienced Orange County Molestation Lawyer
Victims of child molestation and their families can suffer significantly from abusers and the organizations that allow them to operate. Fortunately, there are ways to hold these individuals and institutions accountable for what they have done.
The experienced Orange County molestation lawyers at Winer, Burritt & Scott, LLP can help victims of molestation hold their abusers accountable for their actions and offer them closure and healing. Call us or contact us online to schedule a confidential, complimentary consultation.