Child Sexual Abuse

Experienced Miami Lawyers Representing Survivors of Childhood Sexual Assault

Child sexual abuse is one of the most devastating crimes a family can face, leaving deep scars that affect survivors for a lifetime. These heinous acts occur in settings where children should feel safe, often perpetrated by individuals the children and their loved ones trust. If your child has suffered abuse, they deserve justice for what they’ve been through and will continue to go through. At Friedman Rodman Frank & Estrada, we are committed to standing with families in their fight for justice, providing thoughtful legal guidance every step of the way.

Where and How Does Child Sexual Abuse Occur?

Child sexual abuse can happen in many environments—but most often it occurs where children are supposed to feel safe and secure. Perpetrators often use their position of trust or authority to exploit vulnerabilities, making it challenging for children to come forward. Common locations and situations where abuse may occur include:

• Schools and Daycare Centers: Educators, staff, or volunteers who have access to children in unsupervised settings may exploit these opportunities.
• Religious Institutions: Abuse by clergy or other members of faith-based organizations has been widely reported, often due to a lack of oversight.
• Youth Sports Programs: Coaches or mentors who work closely with children may misuse their authority to harm them.
• Foster Homes or Group Care Facilities: Vulnerable children in these settings are at risk if proper safeguards are not in place.
• Homes of Trusted Adults: Family members, friends, or babysitters may commit abuse, often taking advantage of established trust.

Abuse is not limited to any specific environment or socioeconomic background, and identifying it requires vigilance and awareness.

The Impact of Child Sexual Abuse

The emotional, psychological, and physical effects of child sexual abuse can be profound and long-lasting. Survivors often carry the weight of their experiences well into adulthood, and the impact may manifest in various ways, such as:

• Mental Health Struggles: Anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and suicidal thoughts are common among survivors.
• Trust Issues: Victims may find it difficult to trust authority figures or form healthy relationships.
• Educational and Social Challenges: Abuse can lead to difficulties in school, withdrawal from peers, and feelings of isolation.
• Physical Health Problems: Chronic pain, eating disorders, and other stress-related conditions may develop.

While no legal case can erase the harm done, pursuing justice can be a critical step in the healing process for survivors and their families. Holding perpetrators accountable sends a powerful message that abuse will not be tolerated and empowers victims to take back control of their lives.

Support for Families Who Come Forward

Reporting child sexual abuse and pursuing legal action can feel overwhelming, but families are not alone in this process. Resources and support systems are available to help survivors and their loved ones navigate the emotional and legal challenges they face.

At Friedman Rodman Frank & Estrada, we approach these cases with compassion, care, and discretion. We understand the courage it takes to come forward, and we strive to make the process as smooth as possible for families. Our team provides:

• Legal Advocacy: We will guide you through every step of the legal process, ensuring your child’s rights are protected and all potential avenues of recovery are pursued.
• Collaboration with Experts: When necessary, we work with child psychologists, medical professionals, and other experts to provide comprehensive support.
• A Safe Space for Your Family: We handle sensitive cases with the utmost respect, prioritizing your child’s well-being throughout the legal proceedings.

By working together, we can help your family find a path toward healing and justice.

Bringing a Legal Case for Child Sexual Abuse

When pursuing a legal case for child sexual abuse, families may seek justice through both criminal and civil courts. Criminal cases focus on punishing the perpetrator, while civil lawsuits aim to secure financial compensation for the victim’s damages in the past and future.

In a civil case, the victim and their family may pursue claims against various parties, including:

• The Abuser: The individual responsible for the abuse.
• Organizations or Institutions: Entities that failed to protect the child, such as schools, daycare centers, or religious organizations.
• Employers of the Abuser: Companies or organizations that negligently hired or retained the perpetrator despite known risks or risks that should have been known.

Civil cases allow families to seek compensation for a range of damages, including medical expenses, decrease in future earning potential, pain and suffering, and, in some cases, punitive damages.

Statutes of Limitations for Child Sexual Assault Cases

A statute of limitations is a law that requires a case be filed within a certain period of time. In Florida, child sex abuse cases are subject to varying statutes of limitations:

• If the victim was under 18 at the time of the abuse, they have until seven years after turning 18 to file a claim.
• If the victim was dependent on the abuser, they have four years from the time they stop being dependent on the abuser to bring a case.
• Four years from the time the victim discovers both the injury and the connection between the injury and the abuse.
• For cases involving sexual battery of a minor under 16 years old, there is no statute of limitations, meaning a claim can be filed at any time.

If you have questions about the timing of your claim, an experienced Miami child sex abuse attorney with Friedman Rodman Frank & Estrada can help determine whether your case falls within the allowable timeframe to be filed.

Contact a Compassionate Advocate for Your Family

If your child has been the victim of sexual abuse, you deserve justice and accountability. At Friedman Rodman Frank & Estrada, we are here to support your family through this difficult time, providing compassionate legal guidance and tenacious advocacy. Together, we can hold those responsible accountable and work toward a safer future for all children. To learn more and schedule your free consultation, call us at (305) 448-8585 or connect with our staff by completing our secure online contact form. No legal fees owed unless and until a financial recovery is secured for you.

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