Fayetteville Sexual Abuse Attorney

At McMath Woods, we believe that victims of sexual abuse must never be silenced, and their voices must be heard. Those who have been sexually abused have the legal right to seek justice and compensation as part of the path to true healing. Holding an abuser accountable in a court of law is a vital step in the process of healing.

What is Sexual Abuse?

Sexual abuse is essentially unwanted sexual activity of any type. When an abuser uses threats, force, a position of authority, or other means to coerce another to engage in sexual activity, it constitutes abuse. Sexual abuse can be inflicted on victims of all ages, from the youngest child to elderly adults.

Types of Sexual Abuse

Sexual abuse can take many forms, some of which are listed here:

Child Sexual Abuse: These crimes include any sexual activity involving a minor, such as fondling, molestation, rape, or other illegal action.
Rape: This is non-consensual sexual intercourse which may involve acts of force, threats, intimidation, or coercion.
Molestation: These actions include inappropriate sexual contact, such as touching or fondling a minor.
Incest: Sexual activity performed by a parent, sibling, or other family member.
Sexual Assault: This type of abuse includes actions such as rape, groping, or attempted rape.
Sexual Harassment: When an individual is the victim of unwanted sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, or other types of verbal or physical harassment, it is abuse.
Sexual Exploitation: These are actions involving taking advantage of another for sexual purposes, such as using the individual to create pornographic images or videos or sex trafficking.
Online Sexual Abuse: Those who use the internet to engage in sexual abuse, such as “sextortion,” grooming, or other harmful actions, are committing sexual abuse.
Sexual Battery: This is the illegal touching of another person’s body without their consent.
Statutory Rape: These cases involve sexual activity with an individual who has not yet reached age 16, even if it is claimed that consent was given.
Sexual Misconduct: A teacher, counselor, coach, therapist, doctor, member of the clergy, or other person in a position of authority who engages in sexual activity with those under their care is committing sexual abuse and must be held accountable.

The Consequences of Sexual Abuse: Long-Term Trauma

Victims of sexual abuse may suffer from a range of emotional and mental health challenges. The impact is so significant that the individual may have great difficulties in establishing relationships and suffer from clinical depression, PTSD, and a range of other life-altering emotional challenges. The abuser must be held accountable and brought to justice. While the legal system may lead to criminal charges, conviction, and incarceration, seeking compensation for all damages requires litigation in civil court. That is when it is time to call on the Fayetteville sexual abuse attorneys at McMath Woods. You can trust that your case will be handled with total discretion, with the support of an attorney who is dedicated to the pursuit of justice in sexual abuse cases.

What Types of Compensation Can be Sought in Sexual Abuse Cases?

A civil lawsuit can be filed, even decades after the sexual abuse occurred. In 2023, the “Justice for Vulnerable Victims of Sexual Abuse Act” was amended to extend the window for filing claims. Initially set to close in January 2024, it has been extended until January 31, 2026. The time extension gives victims of sexual abuse additional time to file claims. The claim is often filed against an organization rather than an individual, such as a church, school, or other group. The amount pursued in civil court will reflect the long-term impact on the abused individual, who may have suffered severe emotional and mental damage through these acts.

Why Choose Us?

At McMath Woods, you can trust that we will handle your case with confidentiality, kindness, and understanding. All of our sexual abuse lawyers in Fayetteville are driven by the pursuit of justice in civil court for the benefit of our clients and to help bring about a better world in our communities by shining the light of truth on these perpetrators.