Types of Sexual Abuse

This content contains sensitive subject matter related to sexual abuse.

Anyone can be a victim of sexual abuse. Sexual abuse can be committed against women, children, and men. In many cases, someone is abused by someone in a position of power or someone the victim knows. It can be difficult for a victim of abuse to speak out about what happened to them.

Victims of sexual abuse may be able to take their abuser to court. In addition to being a crime, a victim can seek compensation in a civil lawsuit for abuse. Civil lawsuits vary from state to state. If you want to know about your legal options, contact a local sexual abuse attorney for legal advice.

What Is Sexual Abuse?

Sexual abuse involves abusive sexual behavior toward another person. Sexual abuse can involve the use of force, deception, or threats. Sexual abuse or molestation can involve family members, someone in authority like a teacher, a church representative, or strangers.

The types of sexual abuse committed may depend on the state’s legal definition of abuse. For example, in California, civil sexual battery can include:

• Harmful or offensive contact with the genitals or an intimate body part
• Apprehension of offensive intimate contact
• Removing a condom during sexual activity without consent

But not all sexual abuse requires physical contact. Indecent exposure or exhibitionism in front of a child could be child sexual abuse. Abuse can even happen online, like revenge porn abuse.

Common Types of Sexual Abuse?

Abuse comes in many forms, including verbal abuse, physical abuse, sexual abuse, and psychological abuse. Sexual abuse generally involves some sexual contact or sexual acts without consent. Types of sexual violence can include:

• Rape
• Statutory rape
• Sexual assault
• Child sexual abuse
• Sexual harassment
• Domestic violence or intimate partner sexual violence
• Drug-facilitated sexual assault
• Gang rape
• Sexual exploitation
• Acquaintance rape

What Are the Penalties for Sexual Abuse?

There are criminal penalties for sex crimes, including indecent exposure, statutory rape, child pornography, and sexual violence. Many sex crimes are charged as felony offenses, with penalties including prison time, supervised probation, and registering as a sex offender. As a sex offender, the person may be prohibited from being around children or living near schools or parks.

Can I File a Lawsuit for Sexual Abuse?

Abuse can be a type of tort. A tort is a legal word for a civil wrong done to someone. Assault, battery, and false imprisonment are other types of torts. If the abuser is found responsible for unwanted sexual contact, they may be liable for damages. Damages in a sexual abuse case can include physical injuries and harm to your mental health.

Even if the perpetrator is not criminally prosecuted, you may still be able to file a civil claim. The burden of proof in a civil court is lower than in a criminal court. In criminal court, the jury has to find the person guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. In civil court, you only have to show that, more likely than not, the person committed abuse.

How Can a Lawyer Help Me File a Sex Abuse Claim?

It can be frightening to come forward after sexual abuse. But victims of sexual assault may have to speak out to stop the perpetrator from abusing others. A civil lawsuit can help you hold the abuser accountable for their actions. A lawsuit can also help you get money to pay for the care you need.

A lawyer familiar with sexual abuse claims can review your case, gather evidence, and file a lawsuit in court. Your lawyer can also advise you on settlement options or your rights to take your case to court. If you want to know about your legal options after sexual abuse, talk to a sexual abuse lawyer for legal advice.