Sexual Abuse Lawsuits in Mercer

In recent years, more and more stories of sexual abuse have come forward, giving survivors the opportunity to seek the justice they rightfully deserve. Thanks to increased media coverage and social media discussions, many cases involving powerful individuals have been brought to public attention. Often, these cases involve situations where the victim felt unable to speak out because the abuser was in a position of authority, such as a clergy member, a Boy Scout leader, or another prominent figure.

At Logue Law Group, our experienced lawyers have been handling sensitive cases of sexual abuse for many years. We understand the immense difficulty survivors have faced and approach each case with the utmost compassion. Our goal is to ensure that you or your loved ones receive the justice you are entitled to. If you need a Mercer criminal lawyer, we are here to support you through every step of the legal process.

What Is Sexual Assault?

Sexual assault includes acts like rape, attempted rape, or unwanted touching of a person’s body, even over their clothes, without their consent. The definition of sexual assault is similar across all states in the U.S., where the core element is that the victim was pressured, coerced, or did not consent to the sexual act. Since 1993, marital rape has been recognized as a crime in all U.S. states and the District of Columbia.

What Is Forcible Rape?

Forcible rape occurs when an assailant uses physical force or threats to pressure a victim into a sexual act without their consent. The statistics surrounding forcible rape are deeply concerning and reveal the widespread nature of this crime. A knowledgeable Mercer DUI lawyer understands the complexities of criminal cases, including those involving force.

• Nearly 20% of women report having been a victim of forcible rape at some point in their lives.
• In 80% of these cases, the victims were under the age of 25, meaning many were of college age at the time of the assault.
• Only about 20% of forcible rapes are ever reported to the authorities.
• Approximately 2% of reported victims are men, and 30% of all victims were raped as children.
• Arrests are made in only 25% of cases, and often, the rapist is never arrested or prosecuted.
• Frequently, the perpetrator is someone the victim knows, such as a former partner, a dating partner, or even a spouse.

Child Sexual Abuse

Cases of child sexual abuse are tragically common. In these situations, a child is typically manipulated, coerced, or pressured into a sexual act by an adult or an older adolescent. These acts can include:

• Forcible rape
• Using psychological pressure on a child for sexual gratification
• Showing pornographic materials to a child
• Watching child pornography

Often, the abuser is someone the child trusted and who was in a position of authority, such as a parent, older sibling, relative, priest, Boy Scout leader, or camp counselor. This profound breach of trust can lead to lifelong issues for the survivor, including depression, PTSD, and anxiety. Seeking guidance from a Mercer criminal lawyer is a critical step for families navigating these devastating circumstances.

Victim’s Rights in a Sexual Assault Case

In Pennsylvania, a victim of sexual assault has several important rights, including:

• The right to file a civil lawsuit to seek compensation for lost wages, as well as physical and mental suffering.
• The ability to file a criminal lawsuit, depending on the severity of the assault.
• The right to seek permanent changes in a workplace, including new prevention policies and the termination of the perpetrator.
• The ability to file a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) or the appropriate state agency.

Connect With a Mercer Sexual Assault Lawyer

If you are in Mercer and searching for a sexual abuse lawyer, contact us at Logue Law Group. Whether you need a lawyer for a separate matter or compassionate legal support for an assault case, our team is ready to help. A dedicated Mercer criminal lawyer will listen to your story diligently and fight to ensure you achieve the justice you deserve. For a confidential consultation, please call us today at 412.389.0805.