Sex Abuse Victims Resources

The Dietrich Law Firm P.C., Recognized as a Best Law Firm of America, Has an Elite Team of Dedicated Personal Injury Attorneys That Will Tirelessly Defend Victims Injured as a Result of Sexual Abuse.

Every 73 seconds, someone becomes a victim of a sexual assault. That amounts to roughly 1,100 individuals every day who suffer abuse at the hands of strangers, family members, partners, or acquaintances. Although the last 30 years have seen a drop in the number of sexual abuse reports, it is still a very real and horrible threat which faces society today. Sexual abuse is not limited to college campuses or clergy members. It infiltrates every corner of society, from prisons to the military, and occurs to individuals at all stages of life, from childhood to the late stages of adulthood.

Jed Dietrich, Esq. has spent the past twenty years working as a personal injury attorney, tackling countless personal injury cases across the Western New York area. Today, he and his team of top rated injury attorneys are more than prepared to represent individuals who are the victims of sexual abuse. Their priority is to ensure that you receive compensation for your injuries. Call us today at (716) 839-3939 or visit us online for your free consultation.

Sexual assault refers to any “sexual contact or behavior that occurs without the explicit consent of the victim.” While an assault implies a single occurrence, sexual abuse can refer to ongoing or repeated instances of assault over a period of time. Both assault and abuse can include rape or attempted rape, coercion of one individual to perform sexual acts on another or have sexual acts performed on them, as well as any unwanted physical contact. Sexual abuse applies to any individual that is being forced against their will to engage in a sexual act.

Adult survivors of child sexual abuse are more likely to develop depression, drug additions, and even Post Traumatic Stress Disorder as a result of the trauma they endured. The Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN) also reported that in incidents of child sexual abuse:

1. Among minors, 1 out of every 9 girls and 1 out of every 53 boys are the victims of sexual abuse;
2. Girls are 4 times more likely to be the victims of a sexual assault than boys;
3. For adolescents, 34% of sexual abuse victims are under the age of 12, and 66% are between the ages of 12 and 17; and
4. 93% of sexual perpetrators knew the victim, and of that amount, 34% are family members.

In many cases of sexual abuse, the victims knew their attackers prior to the assault. It is not uncommon for individuals in a relationship to experience abuse at the hands of their significant other. An abuser can even be a long-term sexual partner. Remember, any use of physical or emotional coercion to convince another to take part in a sexual act constitutes sexual abuse in the United States.

The Dietrich Law Firm P.C. has been helping victims throughout Buffalo, New York, for over a decade. In that time, it has championed countless personal injury claims. If you are looking for a team of dedicated, hardworking, and skilled lawyers to represent you, the Dietrich Law Firm, P.C., is your top choice. For more information on how we might best represent you, call us today for your free consultation at (716) 839-3939 or contact us online.

Recently, the New York State Senate voted to instigate the Child Victims Act. This Act, which hopes to replace the previous legislation governing child sexual abuse cases, made numerous changes to improve justice for victims. One of the primary changes was to extend the statute of limitations concerning sexual abuse cases. A statute of limitations refers to the length of time an individual has to bring forward a lawsuit. Previously, a sexual abuse claim had to be filed within five years of the incident, after which time an individual could not bring forward a lawsuit. The Child Victims Act extended this period so that a sexual abuse victim had until they turned 55 to file an abuse claim. Under this Act, the countless child sexual abuse victims throughout New York State would have more time to bring “civil actions for physical, psychological or other injury suffered as a result of child sexual abuse against any party whose intentional or negligent acts or omissions are alleged to have resulted in abuse.”

One of the most difficult decisions for victims of sexual abuse is whether or not to report their assault. Many survivors find it hard to come forward due to feelings of guilt or shame, in order to protect their loved ones from the truth, or because they believed the authorities would not be able to help. However, reporting an assault is the best way to prevent future instances of sexual abuse from occurring. Survivors of sexual abuse do not need to fight alone. With the resources available today on the internet and across the United States, there are countless organizations dedicated to assisting and supporting individuals who have suffered sexual abuse.

1. The Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN) is an organization dedicated to fighting sexual violence in the United States. Their website has information on sexual abuse, safety, and prevention tips, as well as statistics and opportunities to volunteer or fundraise in support of their mission.

2. The United States Department of Health & Human Services website offers numerous resources for children who have suffered sexual abuse. It includes information on how to prevent sexual assault from occurring, as well as details on adverse childhood experiences and how to overcome trauma.

3. The American Psychological Association recommends writing in any form as a therapeutic tool for working through trauma. Writing in a diary, completing daily writing prompts, and even freewriting can help to relieve the burden of trauma. The APA website also includes a resource page for ways to work through the aftereffects of sexual abuse and other sources of aid.

4. The National Sexual Assault Hotline is available for any individual in need of help. They can be reached by phone at (800) 656-4673 or through their online chat.

Determined and disciplined, Jed Dietrich, Esq. believes that in a personal injury claim, the client’s needs should come first. At the Dietrich Law Firm P.C., our lawyers are highly educated and experienced, and your best resource when it comes to determining the steps to take in a sexual abuse case. We can be reached twenty-four hours a day and seven days a week at (716) 839-3939 or by contacting us online, and we are ready to assist you with the utmost compassion.

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!