Sexual Abuse

Trust Jed Dietrich, Esq. to Fight to Obtain the Best Result for Sexual Abuse Victims

The Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN) estimates that every 98 seconds someone in the United States is sexually assaulted. Although sexual violence has decreased by over 50% since 1993, approximately 481,000 people are still victimized each year.

Jed Dietrich, Esq. and the trial lawyers of the Dietrich Law Firm P.C. are experienced in handling sex abuse cases in Buffalo, New York, and can assist you in evaluating your unique situation.

In 2012, Jed Dietrich, Esq. represented a 21-year-old woman who was raped while she was admitted to a hospital in Buffalo, New York. Jed Dietrich, Esq. sued the case in the New York State Supreme Court, conducted extensive discovery and fought to obtain a favorable and successful settlement for the young lady.

Each victim of sexual abuse has a unique story about what happened and how the experience has impacted their life. You deserve the best personal injury lawyer in Buffalo, New York to represent you and make sure that you are adequately compensated. Jed Dietrich, Esq. and his team of sexual abuse lawyers in Buffalo, New York at the Dietrich Law Firm P.C. will battle to secure your best possible result!

What Is Sexual Abuse?

The National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC) reports that 1 in every 3 women and 1 in every 6 men in the United States will experience some form of sexual violence at some point in their life.

Sexual abuse is defined by the New York State Penal Law as subjecting another person to unwanted or non-consensual contact of a sexual nature.

Non-consent results from:

1. An abuser using force; and
2. A victim being unable to consent because of their age (status as a minor), mental disability, physical disability or other impairment that renders them unable to consent.

In addition to non-consensual, sexual fondling and touching, sexual abuse also includes:

1. Unwelcome touching, fondling, patting or squeezing of the body;
2. Sexual stimulation of any variation, including oral and penetrative sex;
3. Rape;
4. Forced removal of clothing through the use of threats or physical force;
5. Sexual intimidation, threats and comments;
6. Repetitive and unwelcome sexual remarks, behaviors and gestures;
7. Refusal to engage in safe sex;
8. Exposing children to explicit images or pornography, or sexually charged language;
9. Taking or requesting inappropriate photographs of a minor, either for personal use or distribution to others; and
10. Revealing ones private parts to a child.

There are many more acts that constitute sexual abuse that are not included in this list. If you believe that you, or someone you love, has been, or are a victim of sex abuse, immediately call the Buffalo, New York sexual abuse lawyers of the Dietrich Law Firm P.C. at 716-839-3939 for the help that you need. We can be reached 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We will come to you and there is never a fee until we WIN for you.

ANYONE, can be a victim of sex abuse, including: men, women, children, the elderly and physically or mentally handicapped individuals.

Children often fall victim to sex abuse by people in a position of authority. Often sexual predators of children will “groom” their victims so that they can establish a relationship of comfort and trust. Once that relationship is established, the abuser then takes advantage of the situation and inflicts harm upon the victim.

The National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC) reports the following statistics about sexual violence and abuse victims:

If you, or a loved one, have experienced sex abuse you are not alone. Contact the Buffalo, New York sex abuse lawyers at the Dietrich Law Firm P.C. now by calling 716-839-3939 so that we can help you. Jed Dietrich, Esq. and his team are your best option to help you with your sex abuse claim.

Sex Abuse By Professionals

Sex abuse often involves an inappropriate use of power and other factors such as authority, coercion, physical size and age. Sadly, even professionals that we trust to care for our children, our friends and ourselves may take advantage of their authority and sexually abuse individuals under their control.

Some occupations prohibit sexual relationships between professionals and the individuals they serve. Examples include:

1. Counselors – Section A.5.a. of the American Counseling Association Code of Ethics prohibits counselor-client sexual interactions or relationships.
2. Psychiatrists – Section 2, comment 1 of the American Psychiatric Association’s principles of Medical Ethics prohibits sexual activity between a psychiatrist and a patient.
3. Clergy Members – Some religious institutes, such as the Catholic Church, require priests to take vows of celibacy.
4. Teachers – Principle III(A)(8) of the Model Code of Ethics for Educators prohibits sexual or romantic relationships between educators and students.

If you, or a loved one, has experienced sex abuse by a counselor, psychiatrist, clergy member, teacher or other professional, contact Jed Dietrich, Esq. and his team of sex abuse lawyers in Buffalo, New York at 716-839-3939. We are top sex abuse lawyers in Buffalo, New York.

A victim of sexual abuse can generally file a lawsuit against a sexual abuser for the physical and emotional injuries that they suffered as a result of the abuse. However, there are very strict time deadlines applicable to bringing cases such as this. The time limit to bring a claim may be as short as 90 days to bring a sex abuse claim against a municipality or other institution. Your best advice is to contact our office immediately so that we may advise you appropriately.

If the sex abuse took place at an business or other institution such as a hospital or nursing home facility, the institution may also be liable if it was negligent. That is, if it failed to act with the same level of care that a reasonable institution would have in like circumstances. Negligence may be established using evidence of the failure to enact or follow proper protocols and procedures to monitor staff, co-patients and visitors.

Under the theory of Respondeat Superior an employer is responsible for the acts of its employee while an employee is at work. However, it is incumbent upon the person bringing the claim to prove that the employer knew of the employee’s bad acts. Jed Dietrich, Esq. and the tenacious lawyers at the Dietrich Law Firm P.C. have brought claims like this in the past and obtained successful and favorable outcomes.

Additional information regarding nursing home abuse can be found here.

Sex abuse by a professional such as a therapist or a priest may lead to an abuser’s employer being held responsible if the employer was negligent. An employer’s negligence may be proved through evidence of:

1. Negligent hiring and/or supervision;
2. Failure to conduct adequate background checks;
3. Failure to reasonably respond to known dangers posed by the employee;
4. Failure to properly investigate allegations of an employee’s sexual misconduct; or
5. Failure to maintain adequate protocols or procedures.

Each sexual abuse case has a unique set of circumstances. It is best to contact the Dietrich Law Firm P.C. now at 716-839-3939 so that we can help you. Jed Dietrich, Esq. and his highly rated team of Buffalo, New York sex abuse lawyers are your best option to help if you have experienced sex abuse.

Victims of sex abuse may suffer life-long physical, mental and emotional injuries. Often, victims of sex abuse blame themselves for the abuse they endured. As a result, victims may develop unhealthy ideas about relationships and sex that can lead to emotional distress or engaging in destructive behaviors.

Victims of sexual abuse commonly experience:

1. Depression: Depression is classified as a mood disorder. Those diagnosed with depression often experience prolonged periods of sadness or hopelessness.
2. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): PTSD is classified as an anxiety disorder. Those diagnosed with PTSD often experience flashbacks, hyper-arousal and avoidance, which results from the experience of a traumatic event. 

If the victim was a child at the time they experienced sexual abuse, they may also experience a reduced sense of self-worth, low self-esteem and depression. This may be evidenced by sudden changes in behavior including violent outbursts or decreased quality of schoolwork. As the years go on, victims of childhood sex abuse are often more susceptible to suffering from anxiety, depression, personality disorders and alcohol or drug addictions.

If you, or someone you know, has experienced sexual abuse, contact Jed Dietrich, Esq. and his team of sex abuse lawyers in Buffalo, New York at 716-839-3939 for your free consultation.

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!