Hire a Sexual Assault Attorney

If you or a loved one were affected by sexual assault or abuse, you may be entitled to significant compensation for your losses. A sexual assault lawyer can guide you through process with care and attention.

Sexual assault is a serious offense, and perpetrators must be held accountable for their actions. Many in our communities may be affected by sexual assault and don’t know what their rights are or how to proceed with legal action.

At Levin Simes Abrams, we work closely with survivors of sexual assault and abuse and are well-versed in the deep emotional considerations that must accompany their legal needs. As a women-led law firm, our team focuses on uncovering the structures and mechanisms that often allow assault and abuse to occur in the first place.

Terms like “sexual assault” and “sex abuse” are often used interchangeably. Indeed, there are many commonalities between these terms, but there are also distinct differences in the ways they are used. Our attorneys can help you understand the nuances involved in your case.

Contact us at (415) 426-3000 if you or a loved one have been affected by sexual misconduct and need legal representation to move forward.

Read on to learn more about how these terms are often used and applied:

What Is Sexual Assault?

The term “sexual assault” refers to sexual contact or behavior that occurs without explicit consent of the victim. Some forms of sexual assault include attempted rape, unwanted sexual touching, forcing a victim to view or perform sexual acts, and rape. It can happen in any type of setting, including social settings, home environments, ridesharing arrangements, and at school or work.

Recently, the terms rape and sexual assault have been used interchangeably, especially in light of high-profile cases as well as the #MeToo movement. However, understand that the term covers a broader range of conduct that is unwanted and sexual in nature.

What Is Sexual Abuse?

Similar to sexual assault, the term “sexual abuse” is used to refer to any unwanted sexual activity that is imposed on another person. It can refer more specifically to instances where force or threats are used on persons who are not able to give consent.

Even more specifically, sexual abuse is used to describe ongoing or repeated instances of misconduct, especially where the survivor is a child and the perpetrator knows them closely.

What Types of Damages Are Available in a Sexual Assault Lawsuit? 

Sexual assault incidents are egregious, and the law exists to provide remedies and consequences for assault and abuse survivors. These can cover various costs and expenses that are often not addressed by insurance or other means. 

While no amount of damages can undo an incident, damages in a sexual assault lawsuit can cover: 

• Medical and hospital bills
• Therapy and rehabilitation expenses
• Lost wages and loss of earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Costs associated with emotional distress

In many instances, survivors of sexual assault or abuse may not be aware of exactly what compensation covers in a lawsuit. The caring and compassionate lawyers at Levin Simes and Abrams can help explain what your options and legal rights are with regard to damages. 

If you or someone you know have been sexually mistreated, contact our team of women-led sex abuse lawyers at (415) 426-3000 to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation. We will discuss your situation under private, absolutely confidential terms, and lay out your legal options.

What Are the Long-Term Effects of Sexual Assault and Abuse?

Long-term symptoms and effects of sexual assault and abuse include anxiety, fear, post-traumatic stress disorder, feelings of guilt or shame, and shock or disbelief. These can persist for many years and even decades, and many survivors do not open up or make a report until much later in life.

The psychological effects of sexual misconduct can be the same, whether we call it abuse or assault, or whether it is a single incident or a repeated occurrence (as is often the case with institutional sexual assault cases).