April is Sexual Awareness Assault Month

Clore Law · March 3 2014

Sexual assault affects millions of women and men. Most people think of rape when they hear sexual assault, but there are many other kinds. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that in the United States, 1 in 5 women and 1 in 71 men have been raped in their lifetime and nearly 1 in 2 women and 1 in 5 men have experienced other forms of sexual violence at some point in their lives. Approximately 1 in 21 men have been made to penetrate someone else, and 13% of women and 6% of men are sexually coerced in their lifetimes. There are numerous groups, like the CDC, who's goal to to educate and deter sexual assault. Unfortunately, it is still a serious problem. If you were a victim of sexual assault, the Clore Law Group can help you seek justice and closure.

REPORTING SEXUAL ASSAULT

Many sexual assaults are not reported. Victims are understandably reluctant to tell their story- reliving it again in the process. Additionally, victims may not understand their experience is considered sexual violence. A broad definition of sexual accault is any sexual activity where consent is not freely given, including unwanted attempted sex acts or those involving a victim who is unable to consent.

Some victims are surprised to learn unwanted sexual contact or verbal harassment, which does not involve physical contact, is considered sexual violence. Sexual assault can be committed by anyone:

• A current or former intimate partner
• A family member
• A person in position of power or trust
• A friend or acquaintance
• A stranger, or someone known only by sight
• A healthcare provider
• An elder care provider

Sexual violence impacts health in many ways and can lead to long-term physical and mental health problems. Victims may experience chronic pain, headaches, and sexually transmitted diseases. They are often fearful or anxious, and may have problems trusting others. Anger and stress can lead to eating disorders, depression, and even suicidal thoughts. Hopefully criminal prosecution will prevent a perpetrator from continued victimization of others, but how does that help you? You may need money to pay for physical and mental health treatment need as a result of the crime. It is for these reasons you are entitled to file a civil lawsuit, regardless the outcome of any criminal prosecution.

Working to Prevent Sexual Assault

The CDC and other organizations share an ultimate goal to stop sexual violence before it begins. Victims seeking justice through civil lawsuits share this goal too. The cost of civil lawsuits to companies and government institutions has resulted in continuing education in the workplace. Companies and government institutions can be held liable for sexual violence committed by their employees who use their position of power or control to committed sexual assault. This also includes those providing services to people unable to consent including including under age children, incapacitated patients and the elderly. The Clore Law Group understands how difficult it can be to report acts of sexual violence. If you are reluctant, we don't need you to come in or even tell us your name- just give us a call. We'll let you know if what you have experienced is sexual assault and let you know what to expect from the criminal and civil process. We know it's hard, but you have the opportunity to prevent the perpetrator from hurting others the way he or she hurt you.