Sexual abuse is a crime in Illinois, punishable by prison time and fines. However, many people are unaware that victims can file civil actions against perpetrators. Civil actions are another way to seek justice and can help compensate plaintiffs for the physical, financial, and emotional injuries an abuser inflicts.
A person who commits sexual assault may work as a teacher, coach, minister, or priest, or they may be famous. They could be your neighbor, friend, or relative, even your spouse. If you experience unwanted sexual contact or your child is the victim of a predator, contact a Chicago sexual abuse lawyer at Kaveny + Kroll. Our dedicated injury attorneys draw on over 65 years of experience to prove liability. We are committed to winning not just any case, but your case.
What Is Sexual Abuse?
In most cases of sexual abuse, the perpetrator and the non-consenting adult, or child who cannot give consent, know each other. Abuse comes in many forms, but it is basically sexual contact forced on an unwilling partner. Some examples include:
- Rape: Forced anal, oral, or vaginal penetration
- Unwanted touching: Using hands or objects in a sexual manner
- Assault of a minor: Minors cannot consent to sexual contact and a person 17 or older who engages in a sex act with a minor can be charged with statutory rape (except for consensual sex between parties who are both over 14 with an age difference of less than five years, i.e., a Romeo and Juliet law)
- Date rape: When one party drugs the other and engages in sexual activity with them
- Sexual abuse of the elderly: When someone tasked with caring for a person in a nursing home engages in unwanted sexual activity
- Spouse or partner sexual abuse: Forcing an intimate partner to engage in sexual relations without consent
Our Chicago attorneys understand that discussing the intimate betrayal associated with sexual abuse can be uncomfortable. We will do everything in our power to treat you with care and concern throughout the legal process. We value you both as a person and a client, and are committed to seeking justice and compensation on your behalf.
Civil Actions Are Different From Criminal Ones
You may wonder if someone who is on trial or convicted of sexual abuse can be brought to civil court on the same charges. The answer is yes. A criminal conviction punishes the wrongdoer, while a civil action aims to restore what they took from you, so bringing a civil suit is not considered double jeopardy. A criminal conviction is strong evidence in your civil suit, where the burden of proof is lower.
Our Chicago legal team will listen to you, study police and medical reports, gather the appropriate documents to back up your claim, and seek as much compensation as your situation warrants. Your medical care requirements could include treatment for physical injuries and the emotional and psychological damage that can last for years, manifesting in fear of others or post-traumatic stress disorder. If you miss work because of your trauma, you can also recoup lost wages.
Kaveny + Kroll is a small firm with the resources and experience of a big firm. Our Chicago sexual abuse attorneys will partner with you to hold the person who abused you responsible for compensation.
Talk to a Compassionate and Tenacious Sexual Abuse Lawyer in Chicago
Nobody is entitled to touch you inappropriately or demand sexual contact without your permission. If you notice that your child is acting withdrawn, depressed, angry, or neglectful of their schoolwork or appearance, you may be witnessing signs of sexual abuse that require intervention. Make sure you and your loved ones are safe from the abuser, and then call a Chicago sexual abuse lawyer.
At Kaveny + Kroll, we deliver exceptional results and provide client support throughout the legal process. We employ a full-time registered nurse to answer your medical questions, and our attorneys are available to provide you with legal advice. Call us today to learn how we can help you hold an abuser accountable for the harm they have caused.