Underreporting Sexual Assault is a Growing Issue
Every year, thousands of people in the state of Massachusetts are victims of sexual violence. When a person is sexually assaulted, abused, or raped, it can have a damaging impact on their mental, emotional, and physical health and wellbeing. Regrettably, statistics show that one person is sexually assaulted every 73-seconds in the United States. Young children and young adults are victimized at an alarming rate.
Although several laws are in placed to protect victims of sexual abuse, they do not seem to deter perpetrators from engaging in these violating acts. Unfortunately, school-aged children are often targeted. When children are sexually abused, they may not come forward to their parents or other adults about what happened. As a result, the cycle of abuse may continue for several years before any interventions are made. If you or your child is a victim of sexual abuse, there may be legal options available for you. Seeking the assistance of a sexual abuse attorney in Massachusetts can help you move forward.
The Problem of Underreporting
Reports provided by the Department of Justice show that more than 80% of sexual violence cases are not reported. Some of the reasons surrounding why people do not report being assaulted or attacked include:
- They report the incident to people other than law enforcement
- They believe the police cannot do anything to help
- They do not want to incriminate the perpetrator
- They do not feel it is important enough to make a police report
- They fear repercussions
- The believe it was a personal matter that they can handle
When it comes to male victims, they often cite being humiliated, shamed, or blame themselves for the incident. Rather than keeping your experiences inside, it can help for you to come forward and open up to law enforcement and a skilled sexual abuse lawyer in Massachusetts. Some other steps you can take include:
- Contact a support line
- Do not blame yourself for what happened
- List safe places that you can go to in order to escape the abuse
- Document any hostile communication
- Seek counseling
- Call the police
- Reach out to an attorney as soon as possible
Unfortunately, when victims do not come forward about their attacks, the perpetrators are likely to continue the assault on them and others around. Sexual abuse in school is a growing problem that impacts a growing number of students across Massachusetts. If you have been assaulted, it is important that you come forward. Not only can the person who hurt you be charged criminally, but you can pursue civil actions against them as well.
How a Civil Case Can Help You
As a victim of sexual assault, you may be able to recover compensation that can help ease the process of moving forward. In many cases, child sex abuse victims have to go through medical treatment, counseling, and more. A civil case can help you recover the financial compensation that you need to cover these and other costs you face. Additionally, it can provide you with money to help alleviate some of the pain and suffering you have been forced to endure.
We are Here For you
At the Law Office of Carmen L. Durso in Boston, we are committed to helping victims of sexual abuse come forward and seek justice. Contact our Massachusetts law firm today by calling 617-728-9123. Attorney Durso is committed to creating a comfortable environment so you can come forward and tell your story. Contact our law firm today to get the justice you deserve.
