Lawsuits for Sexual Abuse in Mercer

Lawsuits concerning sexual abuse have gained significant national attention in recent years. This has led to the criminal prosecution of clergy members, Boy Scout leaders, and other prominent individuals accused and convicted of these serious crimes.

If you or a loved one has been the victim of sexual abuse, the team at Logue Law Group is here to support you. A compassionate Mercer criminal lawyer from our group will listen to your story and work tirelessly to ensure you receive the justice you deserve.

Sexual Assault

Sexual assault includes a range of non-consensual sexual acts, from unwanted touching over or under clothing to attempted rape and rape. While the legal definition of sexual assault can vary between states, the core concept remains the same across Pennsylvania: it is any sexual encounter where one party has not given consent, was coerced, was incapacitated, or was underage. A Mercer DUI lawyer can help you understand the specific laws that apply to your case.

It is widely recognized that consent can be withdrawn at any time during a sexual act. A significant legal milestone occurred in 1993, when all fifty states and the District of Mercer officially recognized marital rape as a form of sexual assault and a punishable crime.

Forcible Rape

Forcible rape involves using physical force to compel someone to engage in a sexual act against their will. The statistics on rape in the United States are deeply concerning:

• Nearly 20% of women report having been raped at some point in their lifetime.
• Approximately 2% of reported forcible rape victims are men.
• In 80% of reported cases, the female victim is under the age of 25.
• While college campuses have a reputation for such crimes, only about 20% of these incidents are reported.
• Around 30% of male victims experienced rape during their childhood.
• According to FBI statistics, a forcible rape occurs every six minutes in the USA, yet only 25% of rapists are prosecuted.

In the majority of cases, the perpetrator is someone known to the victim, such as a dating partner, an intimate partner, a former partner, an acquaintance, a spouse, or a relative. If you need guidance, a Mercer DUI lawyer from our group can also provide initial support and direct you to the right legal expert.

Child Sexual Abuse

While all sexual abuse is a heinous crime, abuse against a child carries a particularly damaging dynamic. Our Mercer criminal lawyers have handled hundreds of cases involving brutality against children. Child sexual abuse occurs when an adult or an older adolescent pressures, forces, or manipulates a child for sexual gratification. This can take many forms, including:

• Coercing or using psychological pressure to make a child participate in a sexual act.
• Forcible rape.
• Exposing genitals to a child or forcing them to view pornography.
• Creating child pornography.
• Groping or fondling a child, either over or without clothing.

In most of these tragic situations, the abuser is a relative, parent, or another trusted individual. The impact on the child can be devastating, often leading to lifelong trauma, depression, PTSD, and anxiety. Even religious and social organizations are not immune; priests, camp counselors, or Boy Scout leaders are sometimes the perpetrators. Our church abuse lawyers have represented over 525 men who were abused as Boy Scouts.

If you or a loved one has endured such a disturbing ordeal and are now ready to speak out and seek justice, please contact us at 412.389.0805 at Logue Law Group. Our dedicated Mercer criminal lawyer is here to help you navigate the path forward.