Why Confidential Consultations Are Crucial for Sexual Abuse Victims Seeking Justice

A lawyer for victims of sexual abuse can’t assure people they’ll receive justice by taking legal action against their alleged perpetrators. They can, however, ensure their confidentiality and privacy during consultations to discuss their cases.

What makes confidentiality and privacy critical to sexual abuse victims? Find out below.

Makes Them Feel More Comfortable

It takes tremendous courage for sexual abuse victims to come forward and speak with attorneys about their alleged perpetrators’ actions. It’s often very uncomfortable for victims to sit down with lawyers and share such personal details.

Confidential consultations can’t erase all the uncomfortable feelings sexual abuse victims may experience when they walk into their lawyers’ offices. However, they can help mitigate some of that discomfort by providing a safe space.

Victims may be more likely to come forward, knowing that what is said to a lawyer remains confidential.

Allows Them To Talk Openly About Their Cases

Some sexual abuse victims struggle to muster the strength to talk about their situations at first. They worry about what others will think and whether they will be believed. They also sometimes worry about being blamed for their sexual abuse, even though they did nothing to justify what happened to them.

Confidential consultations don’t eliminate the worries of sexual abuse victims altogether. It’s still undoubtedly difficult for them to discuss the details related to their cases.

However, sexual abuse victims might share more about their situations than they would otherwise when lawyers offer them confidentiality and privacy. As time goes on, they may also open up more overall about their cases and share crucial details about them. This could include important forensic evidence to strengthen their claims.

Reduces Their Fear When They’re Thinking About Taking Legal Action

Not all perpetrators of sexual violence are strangers. About 60% are acquaintances of their victims, and roughly one-third are family members.

For this reason, it’s natural for sexual abuse victims to feel fearful about exploring their legal rights. Many are afraid their perpetrators will find out about them meeting with a lawyer who represents victims of sexual abuse and seek retaliation.

Confidential consultations reduce the fear that sexual abuse victims live with when taking legal action against their alleged perpetrators. Their legal representation may further combat those fears by telling them how to file protective orders.

Encourages Them To Rely on Other Advocates for Victims of Sexual Abuse

Lawyers aren’t the only people capable of lending a hand to sexual abuse victims. Advocacy is readily available. Many groups offer to aid those trying to recover from sexual abuse.

These groups can show sexual abuse victims how to gain access to vital resources like:

• Phone numbers for sexual abuse support hotlines
• The names of sexual abuse therapists in their areas
• Information on trauma-informed care and its benefits

However, advocacy groups may not have the opportunity to do any of this if victims are worried about issues like confidentiality and privacy. This is where going through the proper legal channels can be of great benefit.

Confidential consultations with trusted lawyers set the right tone. They show sexual abuse victims that there are people who care about their well-being. This might motivate them to continue seeking help from different advocacy groups.

Reach Out to Us To Speak With a Lawyer for Victims of Sexual Abuse

We understand how important confidential consultations are to sexual abuse victims seeking justice. Contact Fadduol, Cluff, Hardy & Conaway, P.C., today at 800-433-2408 to arrange a free private consultation with a lawyer whose experience and compassion can help set you on the path to healing.