We specialize in representing survivors of sexual abuse. Our compassionate and experienced legal team is dedicated to providing personalized, effective representation for those who have experienced the pain and trauma of abuse. We are committed to being a strong advocate for our clients, ensuring that their voices are heard and that their abusers are held accountable for their actions.
If you or a loved one has experienced sexual abuse, it is essential to understand your rights and the legal resources available to you. Our team of knowledgeable Gaithersburg sexual abuse lawyers is here to guide you through the process, from understanding your options to pursuing justice and obtaining compensation for your suffering.
Aaron Blank Esq.
Sexual Abuse Lawyer
Blank Kim Injury Law
8455 Colesville Rd #920,
Silver Spring, MD 20910
XXWC+74 Silver Spring, Maryland
Our sexual abuse lawyers in Gaithersburg, MD, have years of experience representing survivors of sexual offenses such as sexual abuse, sexual assault, rape, and other unwanted sexual activities. We understand the profound impact that sexual abuse can have on a person's life, and we are dedicated to providing compassionate support and strong legal representation to help our clients heal and move forward. We offer:
Compassionate and personalized representation: We recognize that every survivor's experience is unique, and we tailor our approach to meet the specific needs and goals of each client. We take the time to get to know our clients and develop a deep understanding of their situation, so we can provide the most effective and best possible representation.
Experience and expertise: Our legal team has extensive experience handling sexual abuse cases, and we understand the complexities and challenges involved in these cases. We are well-versed in the laws and legal procedures surrounding sexual abuse and are prepared to navigate the legal system on your behalf.
Commitment to justice: Our primary goal is to help our clients obtain justice and hold their abusers accountable. We aggressively pursue compensation for the harm caused by sexual abuse, including medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and emotional distress.
Confidentiality and sensitivity: We understand the sensitive nature of sexual abuse cases and the importance of maintaining confidentiality and protecting your rights. We handle all cases with the utmost discretion and compassion, ensuring that our clients feel supported and heard throughout the process.
Survivors of sexual abuse have several legal options available to them, depending on the specifics of their case. These options may include:
Criminal charges: If the perpetrator has been identified and there is sufficient evidence, the state may pursue criminal charges against the abuser. Criminal cases are intended to punish the perpetrator and protect society from future harm.
Civil lawsuit: Survivors of sexual abuse may also have the option to pursue a civil lawsuit against their abuser. In a civil case, the survivor seeks compensation for the damages they have suffered, such as medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and emotional distress.
Institutional claims: If the sexual abuse occurred within an institution, such as a school, church, or sports organization, the survivor may have the option to pursue a claim against the the institution for their role in the abuse. Institutions have a legal obligation to protect their members from harm, and if they fail to do so, they may be held liable for damages.
Criminal restitution: In some cases, survivors of sexual abuse may be entitled to restitution from their abuser. Restitution is a court-ordered payment from the perpetrator to the survivor to compensate for their losses, such as medical expenses or lost wages.
Our sex crime attorneys can help survivors understand their legal options and choose the best path forward for their individual situation. We work closely with our clients to develop a comprehensive legal strategy that takes into account their specific goals and needs.
Sexual trauma, such as sexual abuse, can have profound and long-lasting effects on survivors. The trauma of sexual abuse can impact survivors in a variety of ways, including:
Physical health: Survivors of sexual trauma may experience physical health problems such as chronic pain, headaches, gastrointestinal problems, and sexual dysfunction.
Mental health: Sexual trauma can have a significant impact on a survivor's mental health, leading to conditions such as depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and substance abuse disorders.
Relationships: Survivors of sexual trauma may have difficulty forming and maintaining healthy relationships due to trust issues and fear of intimacy.
Self-esteem: Sexual trauma can cause survivors to have low self-esteem and negative self-image, leading to feelings of shame, guilt, and self-blame.
Sexual behavior: Survivors of sexual trauma may engage in risky sexual behavior or have difficulty with sexual intimacy due to the trauma they have experienced.
Work and school: Sexual trauma can impact a survivor's ability to perform in school or at work, leading to difficulties with academic and professional success.
It is important to note that the effects of sexual trauma can be long-lasting and can impact survivors well into adulthood. Survivors of sexual trauma may benefit from therapy and other forms of support to help them heal from the trauma and move forward in their lives.
Child sexual abuse is a form of sexual exploitation that involves sexual contact between an adult and a child or adolescent. Child sexual abuse can take many different forms, including fondling, sexual touching, penetration, and exposing a child to sexual material or behavior.
Child sexual abuse can have severe and long-lasting effects on a child's physical, emotional, and psychological well-being. Children who are sexually abused may experience anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and other mental health issues. They may also experience physical symptoms such as chronic pain, sleep disturbances, and eating disorders.
It is important to note that child sexual abuse can occur in any setting, including the home, school, church, sports teams, and other organizations. Perpetrators of child sexual abuse can be anyone, including family members, friends, teachers, coaches, and other authority figures.
If you suspect that a child is being sexually abused, it is essential to take immediate action to protect the child and report the abuse to the appropriate authorities. Reporting child sexual abuse can be a difficult and emotional process, but it is essential to ensure that the child receives the help and support they need to heal and recover from the trauma.
The statute of limitations for filing a civil lawsuit related to childhood sexual abuse was extended to allow survivors to file a claim until they reach the age of 38. This was a significant increase from the previous limit, which was age 25.
This change was enacted through the Hidden Predator Act of 2017, also known as House Bill 642. This law also opened a two-year "lookback window" for any survivor of any age to file a lawsuit, regardless of how long ago the abuse occurred. This window ended in September 2019.
However, laws and rules can change, and different rules might apply depending on the specific circumstances of the case. Therefore, it's always a good idea to consult with a legal professional who is familiar with the current laws in Maryland for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Keep in mind that this information applies to civil cases, not criminal cases. The statute of limitations for criminal charges related to sexual abuse can be different. To learn more, visit: https://www.legalmatch.com/law-library/article/maryland-statutes-of-limitations-for-sexual-abuse.html
Survivors of sexual abuse often require support and resources beyond legal representation. Fortunately, there are several local organizations in Gaithersburg, MD, that provide vital services to survivors, including:
Family Justice Center of Montgomery County: The Family Justice Center provides comprehensive services to survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and other forms of abuse. They offer crisis intervention, counseling, legal assistance, and other support services.
Montgomery County Abused Persons Program: The Abused Persons Program provides crisis intervention, counseling, and support to survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. They also offer legal advocacy and assistance with obtaining protective orders.
Victim Assistance and Sexual Assault Program (VASAP): VASAP is a community-based organization that provides crisis intervention, counseling, and advocacy to survivors of sexual assault and their families. They also offer education and prevention programs to raise awareness about sexual violence.
These organizations are staffed by compassionate professionals who are dedicated to helping survivors heal and recover. If you or someone you know has experienced sexual abuse, we encourage you to reach out for support.
If you or a loved one has experienced sexual abuse, our experienced legal team is here to help. We offer compassionate and effective representation to survivors of abuse, and we are committed to helping our clients obtain justice and compensation for their suffering.
Contact our Rockville, MD sexual assault law firm today to schedule a consultation and learn more about how we can help you if in Rockville.
This originally appeared at https://abuseguardian.com/sexual-assault-lawyer/maryland/sexual-abuse-lawyer-gaithersburg-md/.