Understanding the Legal Process for Sexual Abuse Cases: How We Advocate for Victims

An experienced lawyer for victims of sexual abuse can do more than just help a victim take legal action against an alleged perpetrator. While they’ll provide a better understanding of your legal rights, they can also perform victim advocacy at the same time.

Whether you call a sexual abuse victim attorney to assist with criminal prosecution or a civil lawsuit, you can count on them to deliver the guidance you need during a very difficult time in your life. See below how a lawyer can advocate for you.

Exploring Your Legal Rights

The statute of limitations for sexual abuse cases in Texas and many other states has changed in recent years. States have started to provide sexual abuse victims with more time to file criminal and civil cases.

Still, you may not know your legal rights when you’re first considering legal action in a sexual abuse case. Fortunately, a lawyer for victims of sexual abuse can step in and talk to you more about them. They can also walk you through the different legal options available to you based on your specific case.

Staying by Your Side During Police Interviews

If you haven’t ever spoken with the police about your sexual abuse, participating in interviews with law enforcement can cause stress, anxiety, and other mental health issues. Frankly, you may struggle to take part in these interviews even if you have talked to the police about your alleged perpetrator’s actions in the past.

A lawyer for victims of sexual abuse can sit by your side as you discuss everything with the police and provide emotional support. They can also ensure you don’t say too much to the police and address any questions or concerns you may have throughout interrogations.

Filing Criminal and Civil Complaints

Whether your goal is to file a criminal complaint or a civil lawsuit against your alleged perpetrator, a lawyer for victims of sexual abuse can handle this part of the legal process. They can file the appropriate paperwork with the proper court and include all the necessary information.

An attorney who specializes in sexual abuse cases can also work closely with you to begin building your case by collecting evidence related to it.

Seeking Protective Orders

Studies have suggested that about two-thirds of sexual violence crimes go unreported. One survey found that about 20% of sexual violence victims fail to report crimes because they fear retaliation from their alleged perpetrators.

If you’ve delayed reporting sexual abuse out of fear, a sexual abuse lawyer can seek protective orders on your behalf. Your options include:

• Emergency Protection Order
• Temporary Protection Order
• Permanent Protection Order

As you prepare to file a criminal or civil complaint, an attorney who advocates for victims of sexual abuse can work on securing protective orders to keep you safe throughout the legal process.

Representing You in Court

Hiring a lawyer experienced in sexual abuse cases and filing a criminal or civil complaint against an alleged perpetrator is, unfortunately, only half of the battle. You will also need to make regular court appearances regarding your case.

Having a trustworthy attorney for victims of sexual abuse in your corner can help make this part of the process less stressful. They can also connect you with other sexual abuse advocates who can provide invaluable resources during your legal proceedings and even help you seek trauma-informed care and other services.

Trust a Lawyer for Victims of Sexual Abuse From Our Law Firm To Advocate for You

Are you a sexual abuse victim who is readying to start the legal process to fight for your legal rights? Hiring the right sexual abuse victim lawyer to provide legal representation is an important step.

Call us at Fadduol, Cluff, Hardy & Conaway, P.C., at 800-433-2408 for a free consultation with an attorney for victims of sexual abuse.