Sexual Abuse Impact in Adulthood

The Impact Of Sexual Abuse In Adulthood

Jed Dietrich, Esq., Acclaimed as an American Institute of Trial Lawyers Litigator of the Year and Best Lawyer of America, and His Team of Determined, Disciplined, and Dedicated Attorneys at the Dietrich Law Firm P.C. Fight to Obtain Justice for Survivors of Sexual Abuse in Buffalo, New York.

---

According to the Rape Abuse Incest National Network (RAINN), every 73 seconds, an American is sexually assaulted. Most sexual assault victims are under 30 years old. The Crime Victims Center (CVC) estimates that there are 60 million survivors of childhood sexual abuse throughout the country. Unfortunately, some victims struggle the rest of their lives trying and overcome the horrifying abuse that was forced upon them as innocent children. It can take many years of intensive therapeutic therapy, counseling, and other psychological treatments for victims to learn ways to deal with their anguish. Even long after the abuse stops, the severe emotional wounds can still have a grave impact on the survivor’s self-esteem and quality of life.

With or without help, suffering sexual abuse is an irreversible trauma that is often kept secret. Too many survivors feel ashamed or detached due to their grave anxieties, fears, and post-traumatic stress disorders. If you, or a loved one, have been sexually traumatized, the Dietrich Law Firm P.C.’s veteran lawyers would be honored to represent you in pursuing justice. Jed Dietrich, Esq., a recognized member of the Premier Lawyers of America, is committed to holding responsible perpetrators liable for their repulsive acts. Our lawyers believe that no instance of sexual abuse should ever go unpunished. This also includes any organizations that may have enabled or covered-up complaints of sexual abuse.

After being unfortunate enough to endure sexual abuse, seeking justice may be one of the most important things you ever do. Although nothing can erase your emotional pain and suffering, you may be eligible to pursue a sexual abuse claim against the responsible monsters. The Dietrich Law Firm P.C.’s battle-tested team of sexual abuse lawyers appreciate how difficult of a time it is for you and your family. The last thing you want is to be forced to relive the abuse. You have been through enough already and should not be forced to confront your abuser all alone. Our elite attorneys will be by your side during the entire process. If you have suffered sexual abuse, you need the best attorney in Western New York to pursue your case and hold those responsible liable for all your damages.

Jed Dietrich, Esq., recognized as an American Institute of Personal Injury Attorneys 10 Best Attorneys, founded the Dietrich Law Firm P.C. in 2005 with a mission to provide the highest level of personal injury service to victims. Since 1999, Jed Dietrich, Esq. has exclusively handled serious personal injury cases. Over time, our highly skilled attorneys have seen the devastating impact that sexual abuse can have on survivors and, ultimately, their loved ones. That is why the best of the best at the Dietrich Law Firm P.C. are prepared to provide the highest level of personal injury service to the victims of horrific sexual abuse. We will help ease the anger and fear associated with your mistreatment. It would be our honor to help you finally obtain some sense of closure for you by ensuring that justice is served. Insurance companies have paid Jed Dietrich, Esq. over $175,000,000.00 in verdicts and settlements to compensate his clients. Should you have any questions or need assistance, we invite you to contact us for a complimentary case evaluation. The Dietrich Law Firm P.C.’s seasoned team is available 24 hours per day and 7 days per week at (716) 839-3939 or by filling out the online consultation form.

Adult Symptoms of Childhood Sexual Abuse

Countless survivors of childhood sexual abuse continue to suffer well into their adult lives. Even as adults, trying to deal with the trauma of abuse can have detrimental effects. The severe emotional and psychological wounds can affect every aspect of their lives, from their ability to hold a job to maintaining meaningful relationships. Even survivors that lead relatively productive lives often still bear the agony and emotional problems connected to their sexual abuse. Sexual abuse does not affect every victim in the same way. Whether the abuse occurred recently or years ago, the physical, emotional, and psychological repercussions can include:

1. Major depression;
2. Negative self-image;
3. Suicidal thoughts and tendencies;
4. Feelings of unworthiness;
5. Severe mood swings;
6. Aggressive behavior;
7. Flashbacks;
8. Persistent fear and anxiety;
9. Panic attacks;
10. Dissociation;
11. Extreme paranoia;
12. Self-isolation and withdrawal;
13. Disrupted sleeping patterns;
14. Eating disorders, such as anorexia or bulimia;
15. Difficulty maintaining healthy relationships;
16. Poor physical health;
17. Bad hygiene; and
18. Either high-risk promiscuous sexual behavior or no interest in sex.

The aftermath of sexual abuse can tarnish almost every aspect of a survivor’s adulthood. Recent studies have even found that the substantial long-term toll of sexual abuse can cause high blood pressure and a 20 percent increased risk of suffering from heart disease. For those with severe depression and other mental health problems that continue for an extended time, it is vital to seek emotional support and treatment from a mental health professional. Psychiatrists and psychologists are trained to assess and treat sexual abuse. It would be best to talk to a mental health professional who specializes in treating victims of sexual trauma. Additionally, we recommend joining the Adult Survivors of Child Abuse (ASCA) for self-help and additional support.

The Child Victims Act

The New York Child Victims Act (CVA), which came into effect in 2019, extended the statute of limitations for pursuing sexual abuse lawsuits. The CVA allows survivors of childhood sexual abuse to bring civil cases until they turn 55 years old. Additionally, the law included a one-year window for time-barred victims. Victims who allege sex crimes against them while under the age of 18, are entitled to pursue a civil case against their perpetrators and any organizations that may have facilitated or concealed the abuse, no matter how long ago it took place. This act applies to various cases against establishments, such as the Boy Scouts of America, schools, and the Catholic Church.

Before the CVA, adult survivors only had up to 5 years after turning 18 years old to bring a claim. The Child Victims Act reflects the reality that many victims often need years, if not decades, to come forward about their childhood abuses and pursue accountability. According to CHILD USA, a nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting children and preventing abuse, most victims of childhood sexual abuse do not disclose their abuse until they are grownups. Victims of sexual abuse often face numerous obstacles in initially recognizing their ill-treatment as abuse, revealing the abuse to others, and formally reporting the misconduct to the proper authorities. The average age a survivor discloses sexual abuse is 52 years old. The reasons why victims may not reveal their abuse until later in life can be extremely complicated, such as psychological issues, the power dynamic between them and the abuser, repressed memory, stigma, or level of power of the institution responsible.

Sexual abuse suffered as a child is not a trauma that simply ends as a grownup but regularly causes grave harm to Victims throughout their entire lives. Every sexual abuse survivor deserves an opportunity to have their story heard and to be able to seek justice for the harm inflicted upon them. The Best way for victims of sexual abuse to seek recourse is by filing a sexual abuse lawsuit against the abuser. Our seasoned attorneys are dedicated to treating all of our clients with the dignity, compassion, and understanding that they deserve. We will be by your side every step of the way to ensure that you feel safe and protected. Our honorable commitment to exceeding your expectations and delivering an exceptional outcome is what sets us apart from the competition. The Dietrich Law Firm P.C., recognized as a Best Law Firm of America, offers complimentary lawsuit evaluations and consultations. Jed Dietrich, Esq. and his battle-tested team of sexual abuse attorneys would be honored to speak with you about your case. Time and time again, former clients of the Dietrich Law Firm P.C. have said that Jed Dietrich, Esq. is the best personal injury lawyer in Western New York. View our Google 5 Star rating and clients’ testimonials by clicking here. Our caring team is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, at (716) 839-3939, or by filling out the online consultation form. We are the aggressive, tenacious, and hardworking personal injury lawyers who are ready to fight for the justice and compensation that you deserve!

---

Call the Dietrich Law Firm P.C. immediately at (716) 839-3939 so that our aggressive, tenacious and hardworking personal injury lawyers can fight to obtain the best result for your personal injury claim in Buffalo, New York. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and there is never a fee until we WIN for you!

---