Child Sexual Abuse
Child Sexual Abuse Lawyer: Legal Help When Children Are Hurt In Foster Care, Disability Placements, School and At Home
No parent, guardian or even attorney for the child ever wants to imagine their child being sexually abused. But the heartbreaking reality is that child sexual abuse happens far more often than most people think and is epidemic in foster care. If your child has been sexually abused, you’re probably feeling shocked, angry, and confused about what to do next. You need to know that specialized legal help is available. A child sexual abuse lawyer can fight for your child and help you get the justice and compensation they deserve which is critical to help the child and certainly after they reach majority.
Child Sexual Abuse: The Shocking Truth About How Common It Really Is
Child sexual abuse is one of the most serious crimes against children, and the statistics are absolutely devastating. The numbers show just how widespread this problem has become in our society.
At least one in four girls and one in 20 boys in the United States experience child sexual abuse (https://www.cdc.gov/child-abuse-neglect/about/about-child-sexual-abuse.html) before they turn 18. That means 1 in 5 girls and 1 in 20 boys are victims of child sexual abuse (https://victimsofcrime.org/child-sexual-abuse-statistics/). These aren’t just numbers – they represent millions of children whose lives have been forever changed.
Self-report studies show that 20% of adult females and 5-10% of adult males recall a childhood sexual assault or sexual abuse incident (https://victimsofcrime.org/child-sexual-abuse-statistics/). This suggests that many cases of child sexual abuse go unreported and undiscovered for years.
During a one-year period in the U.S., 16% of youth ages 14 to 17 had been sexually victimized (https://victimsofcrime.org/child-sexual-abuse-statistics/). Even more alarming, over the course of their lifetime, 28% of U.S. youth ages 14 to 17 had been sexually victimized (https://victimsofcrime.org/child-sexual-abuse-statistics/).
The reality is that nearly 70% of all reported sexual assaults (including assaults on adults) occur to children age 17 and under (https://laurenskids.org/awareness/about-faqs/facts-and-stats/). This means children are the primary victims of sexual violence in our country.
The data is far worse for children in for children in foster care. Research indicates that approximately 30% of children in foster care experience sexual abuse, a figure significantly higher than their peers outside the system (Sullivan & Van Ness, 2000; Child Sexual Abuse in Foster Care: A Review of the Literature*. Child Abuse & Neglect, 24(3), 157-169.). In Florida, 30 to 41% of the children received targeted case management for mental health services were victims or sexual aggressors.
Child Sexual Abuse: Who Are the Perpetrators?
One of the most disturbing facts about child sexual abuse is that most victims know their abuser. About 90% of child sexual abuse is perpetrated by someone known and trusted by the child or child’s family members (https://www.cdc.gov/child-abuse-neglect/about/about-child-sexual-abuse.html). According to a 2003 National Institute of Justice report, 3 out of 4 adolescents who have been sexually assaulted were victimized by someone they knew well (https://victimsofcrime.org/child-sexual-abuse-statistics/).
Perpetrators of child sexual abuse include:
- Other foster children who are victims of sexual abuse
- Foster parents, their family and relatives who have not been carefully screened
- Family members (parents, stepparents, siblings, relatives)
- Family friends and acquaintances
- Teachers, coaches, case workers and other authority figures
- Babysitters and childcare workers
- Neighbors and community members
- Other children and teenagers
- Strangers (though this is less common)
In 88% of the sexual abuse claims that child protective services substantiates or finds supporting evidence of, the perpetrator is male (https://rainn.org/statistics/children-and-teens). However, female perpetrators are also a significant concern. Recent figures from empirical studies indicate that between 5 and 20% of child sexual abuse is perpetrated by female offenders (https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1359178921001415).
The Hidden Epidemic: Child-on-Child Sexual Abuse
One particularly disturbing aspect of child sexual abuse is when the perpetrator is also a child. Child-on-child abuse is common. At Children’s Advocacy Centers in 2022, 16% of people alleged to have abused a child were themselves children (https://www.nationalchildrensalliance.org/media-room/national-statistics-on-child-abuse/) (in cases where the age of the alleged abuser was known).
Juvenile perpetrators account for over 25% of all sexual offenses, and over one-third of such offenses are against victims under the age of 18 (https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8583394/). This means that a significant portion of child sexual abuse is committed by other minors.
Excluding prostitution, NIBRS reports that 7% of all juvenile sex offenders are female and that they account for 1% of adolescent-committed forcible rapes
(https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Juvenile_sex_offenders_in_the_United_States). A report done by ChildLine found that 15% of youth who called their hotline in 2005 and 2006 about experienced sexual abuse stated that their perpetrator had been female (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Juvenile_sex_offenders_in_the_United_States). In the following two to three years, that percentage increased to 24%.
However, in foster care, the perpetrators are frequently other foster children who are victims themselves of the system. Children who have been victims, who are sexually reactive or who are known perpetrators themselves are often placed with younger and more vulnerable children without safety plans to warn the foster parents and protect younger children in the more. This has been the pattern for many of the cases we handle at Justice for Kids®. https://justiceforkids.com/sexual-abuse-child-on-child-sexual-abuse/ Frequently, the perpetrators are also pedophiles who slip through licensing procedures for foster parents and other caretakers for children and even case workers or other staff for private agencies caring for foster children. https://justiceforkids.com/sexual-abuse-foster-parents-and-caretakers-of-children/
Why Child Sexual Abuse Goes Unreported
The true scope of child sexual abuse is likely much larger than official statistics show. Approximately 30% of sexual abuse is never reported (https://laurenskids.org/awareness/about-faqs/facts-and-stats/). The median age for reported child abuse is 9 years old, and 85% of child abuse victims never report their abuse (https://www.indianaprevention.org/child-abuse-statistics).
Children don’t report child sexual abuse for many heartbreaking reasons:
- They’re too young to understand what’s happening
- They’ve been threatened by their abuser
- They feel ashamed or believe it’s their fault
- They’re afraid no one will believe them
- They don’t want to get someone they love in trouble
- They don’t have the words to describe what happened
- They’ve been told it’s “normal” or “a secret game”
- They’re afraid of what will happen to their family if they report an abuser who threatened them
Child Sexual Abuse Lawyer: Recognizing the Warning Signs
Child sexual abuse often leaves specific signs that parents, teachers, and other adults need to watch for carefully. Children who are being sexually abused may not be able to tell you directly what’s happening, so you need to know what to look for.
Physical Signs of Child Sexual Abuse:
- Unexplained injuries to private areas
- Difficulty walking or sitting
- Torn, stained, or bloody undergarments
- Pain, itching, or bleeding in genital or anal areas
- Frequent urinary tract infections or yeast infections
- Sexually transmitted infections
- Pregnancy (in older children)
- New physical complaints without medical cause
Behavioral Changes That May Indicate Child Sexual Abuse:
- Age-inappropriate sexual knowledge or behavior
- Sexual language, behaviors or actions that seem too advanced for their age
- Acting out sexual situations with toys, dolls, or other children
- Excessive curiosity about sexual topics
- Sudden fear of specific people or places
- Regression to younger behaviors like thumb sucking or bedwetting
- Extreme changes in eating habits
- Sleep problems, nightmares, or fear of going to bed
- Withdrawal from activities they used to enjoy
- Sudden decline in school performance
- Self-harm behaviors or suicide attempts
- Masturbation and self-stimulation
- Staring at adults or children who are changing clothes or showering
- Writings depicting sexual fantasies
- Running away from home or refusing to go certain places
- Eneuresis (bed-wetting) or Encopresis (Bowel problems)
- Sexting
Emotional Signs of Child Sexual Abuse:
- Intense shame or guilt
- Depression or severe mood changes
- Anxiety or panic attacks
- Low self-esteem or feeling worthless
- Difficulty trusting adults
- Fear of being touched, even appropriately
- Dissociation or seeming “not present”
- Anger or aggressive behavior
- Feeling different or damaged compared to other kids
If you notice any of these signs, see a professional with expertise in sexual abuse, document everything immediately and contact authorities and a child sexual abuse lawyer right away. Quick action can stop more abuse from happening and start getting your child the help they need.
The Devastating Impact of Child Sexual Abuse
Child sexual abuse causes damage that can last a lifetime. The trauma affects every aspect of a child’s development and future well-being, creating ripple effects that can continue into adulthood.
Immediate Effects of Child Sexual Abuse
Children who experience child sexual abuse often develop serious problems right away:
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Depression and anxiety disorders
- Attachment disorders that make it hard to trust people
- Developmental delays
- Problems with concentration and memory
- Self-destructive behaviors
- Sleep disorders and nightmares
- Eating disorders
This trauma often sets the stage for a series of adverse life outcomes. The effects of child sexual abuse can be long-lasting and affect the victim’s mental health. Victims are more likely than non-victims to experience the following mental health challenges: About 4 times more likely to develop symptoms of drug abuse, About 4 times more likely to experience PTSD as adults, About 3 times more likely to experience a major depressive episode as adults: https://rainn.org/statistics/children-and-teens).
Long-Term Consequences of Child Sexual Abuse
The effects of child sexual abuse don’t end when the abuse stops. Research shows these children face serious challenges throughout their lives:
Educational Impact: Child sexual abuse severely disrupts education and development. Many victims struggle in school due to concentration problems, trust issues, and trauma symptoms.
Employment Struggles: Adults who experienced child sexual abuse as children often have difficulty maintaining stable employment due to ongoing mental health challenges and relationship problems.
Relationship Problems: Child sexual abuse makes it difficult to form healthy relationships. Many survivors struggle with intimacy, trust, and parenting their own children.
Mental Health Crisis: Adults who experienced child sexual abuse have significantly higher rates of depression, anxiety, PTSD, substance abuse throughout their lives and suicide attempts
Physical Health Problems: Compared to those with no history of sexual abuse, young males who were sexually abused were five times more likely to cause teen pregnancy, three times more likely to have multiple sexual partners and two times more likely to have unprotected sex (https://victimsofcrime.org/child-sexual-abuse-statistics/).
The Cycle of Abuse
One of the most tragic aspects of child sexual abuse is how it can perpetuate itself. While most victims never become abusers themselves, some do continue the cycle. Some child victims of sexual abuse become perpetrators themselves. Many studies compare the backgrounds of juvenile sex offenders to adult sex offenders in order to demonstrate the correlation between historical childhood maltreatment and the commission of sex crimes as a youth (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Juvenile_sex_offenders_in_the_United_States).
However, there’s hope. Treatments offered for children and youth with problematic sexual behaviors are successful; after treatment, 98% never go on to hurt another child (https://www.nationalchildrensalliance.org/media-room/national-statistics-on-child-abuse/).
Legal Rights in Child Sexual Abuse Cases
When child sexual abuse occurs, victims and their families have important legal rights. A specialized child sexual abuse lawyer can help you understand and protect these rights. When have been sexually abused in foster care, it is important that the child sexual abuse lawyer you contact understands foster care systems, child protection systems, and/or disability systems.
Civil Lawsuits for Child Sexual Abuse
Civil cases allow victims to sue for monetary damages. A child sexual abuse lawyer can file cases against:
- Perpetrators who committed the abuse
- Institutions that failed to protect children (foster parents, group homes, residential placements, disability placements, case workers, state, local public and private child welfare systems and providers, schools, churches, sports organizations)
- Employers who failed to properly screen employees
- Organizations that ignored warning signs or covered up abuse
- Government entities that failed in their oversight duties
Statutes of Limitations for Child Sexual Abuse
Many states have very short statutes of limitations to sue potential defendants which can be short as two years from the time of abuse. There also may be many exceptions which vary by state where the statute of limitations are tolled or stop running such as during a child’s minority, when a child does not have a parent, guardian or attorney to protect their interests or in other very specific circumstances. Many states have extended or eliminated time limits for filing child sexual abuse lawsuits, recognizing that victims often don’t come forward until years later. However, these laws vary by state, so it’s crucial to contact a child sexual abuse lawyer as soon as possible to protect your rights.
Child Sexual Abuse Lawyer: Securing Comprehensive Compensation
While no amount of money can undo child sexual abuse, compensation can provide the resources your child needs for recovery and a better future. A fierce child sexual abuse lawyer fights for compensation that covers everything your child will need.
Medical and Therapeutic Costs
- Emergency medical treatment for physical injuries
- Specialized trauma therapy and psychiatric care
- Long-term mental health treatment
- Medication management
- Case workers, mentors and others who can help persons with developmental, physical and emotional disabilities
- Crisis stabilization
- Programs to teach skills for independent living
- Inpatient residential treatment programs when needed for sexual abuse and trauma
- Alternative therapies like art therapy, play therapy, trauma informed therapy or (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR) for post traumatic stress disorder.
Educational Support and Services
- Special education evaluations and services
- Tutoring to address academic disruption
- Educational therapy for learning disabilities
- College preparation and support
- Vocational training and career counseling
- Life skills training and support
Economic Damages for Child Sexual Abuse
- Lost earning capacity due to educational and psychological impacts
- Lifetime medical and mental health costs
- Special accommodations and support services
- Independent living assistance and housing support
Pain and Suffering Compensation
- Physical pain and emotional distress
- Loss of childhood and normal development
- Inability to form healthy relationships
- Lifelong psychological harm and trauma
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Permanent psychological damage
The total lifetime economic burden of child sexual abuse in the United States in 2015 was estimated to be at least $9.3 billion (https://www.cdc.gov/child-abuse-neglect/about/about-child-sexual-abuse.html). This staggering figure shows why comprehensive compensation is so important for victims.
Choosing the Right Child Sexual Abuse Lawyer
Child sexual abuse cases require lawyers with specific expertise and sensitivity to trauma. Not all lawyers are equipped to handle these delicate and complex cases properly.
Essential Qualifications for a Child Sexual Abuse Lawyer
Look for lawyers who have:
- Extensive experience with childhood sexual abuse cases
- Deep knowledge of trauma and its effects on children
- Track record of significant verdicts and settlements
- Understanding of trauma-informed legal practices
- Relationships with expert witnesses and specialists
- Commitment to child advocacy beyond just legal work
Trauma-Informed Legal Representation
The best child sexual abuse lawyers understand that victims need special handling:
- Creating safe, comfortable environments for children
- Minimizing re-traumatization during legal proceedings
- Coordinating with therapists and other support professionals
- Using child-friendly interview techniques
- Advocating for court accommodations when needed
- Protecting children’s privacy and dignity throughout the process
Justice for Kids®: Leading Child Sexual Abuse Legal Representation
Justice for Kids®, a division of Kelley Kronenberg, specializes in representing children who have experienced child sexual abuse. Our legal team understands the unique challenges these cases present and the sensitive handling they require.
Our Approach to Child Sexual Abuse Cases
We provide comprehensive legal representation that addresses every aspect of our clients’ needs:
Thorough Investigation: We leave no stone unturned in building your case, investigating all potential sources of liability and gathering evidence that other lawyers might miss. We are very careful not to have our attorneys interview child victims and submit them to unnecessary interviews, statements and depositions. We make sure that qualified psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists and other sexual abuse experts are present and take all precautions that they recommend which could include having you and/or your child’s professional present, scheduling the statement or deposition in an appropriate environment, videotaping the statements or depositions, limiting questions and taking all precautions that the professionals recommend. We will seek protective orders to ensure that statements and depositions are not taken if they could even possible cause damage or injury to your child. Frequently, we will try totally avoid the necessity of statement or deposition. Most importantly, we recognize that your child’s well-being is more important than any case.
Expert Team: We work with leading specialists in child psychology, trauma medicine, and child development to build the strongest possible case for your child.
Trauma-Informed Practice: Our entire approach is designed to minimize additional trauma while maximizing your child’s legal rights and recovery.
Comprehensive Damages: We fight for compensation that truly addresses the lifetime impact of child sexual abuse, including all medical, educational, and support needs.
Our Track Record in Child Sexual Abuse Cases
Our child sexual abuse lawyers have secured significant compensation for victims:
- Multi-million-dollar settlements for children sexually abused by family members
- Substantial verdicts against institutions including foster care placements and facilities that failed to protect children from child sexual abuse
- Landmark decisions that improved child protection policies
- Comprehensive awards providing lifetime care and support
- For examples of our settlements and verdicts see https://justiceforkids.com/sexual-abuse-child-on-child-sexual-abuse/
More Than Legal Representation
We understand that healing from child sexual abuse requires more than just legal victory. We connect our clients with:
- Specialized trauma therapists experienced in childhood sexual abuse
- Educational advocates who secure appropriate school services
- Medical professionals who understand the impacts of childhood trauma
- Support groups and peer networks for survivors and families
- Financial planners who help manage settlement proceeds
- Life care planners who ensure ongoing and future needs are met
Taking Action After Child Sexual Abuse
If your child has experienced child sexual abuse, immediate action is crucial for their safety and legal rights.
Immediate Steps to Take
- Ensure Safety: Make sure your child is in a safe environment away from the abuser
- Seek Medical and Psychological Care: Get immediate medical attention for any physical injuries and emotional harm from professionals
- Document Everything: Write down what happened, when, and any evidence you have
- Report the Abuse: Immediately contact law enforcement and child protective services
- Contact a Lawyer: Reach out to a child sexual abuse lawyer immediately
Moving Forward: Healing and Hope After Child Sexual Abuse
While child sexual abuse causes profound harm, children can heal and thrive with the right support and resources. Legal action provides the foundation for this recovery by:
- Holding abusers and negligent parties accountable
- Securing resources for lifelong care and support
- Validating the child’s experience and trauma
- Creating safer conditions for other children
- Empowering families to advocate for better protection
Contact a Child Sexual Abuse Lawyer Today
If your child has experienced child sexual abuse, don’t wait to seek help. Contact Justice for Kids® immediately for a free, confidential consultation. Our experienced legal team understands the sensitive nature of these cases and the urgent need for action.
We offer:
- Free, confidential case evaluations
- Trauma-informed legal representation
- Contingency fee arrangements (you pay nothing unless we win)
- Coordination with medical and therapeutic professionals
- Comprehensive investigation and case building
- Aggressive advocacy for maximum compensation
- Ongoing support throughout the legal process
Child sexual abuse represents one of the worst betrayals of trust imaginable, but justice is possible. Our legal team has the experience, resources, and commitment needed to fight for your child’s rights and future. Together, we can hold responsible parties accountable while securing the resources your child needs to heal and thrive.
Don’t let your child suffer in silence. Contact Justice for Kids® today and take the first step toward justice, healing, and hope. Your child deserves justice, and we’re here to fight for them every step of the way.
This article provides general information about child sexual abuse legal matters and is not legal advice for any specific situation. Reading this content does not create an attorney-client relationship. For help with your particular situation involving child sexual abuse, please contact qualified legal counsel at Justice for Kids®, a division of Kelley Kronenberg.