Salinas Sexual Abuse Lawyers

Sexual Assault vs. Sexual Harassment?

Sexual assault and sexual harassment are two different legal issues. The California Penal Code defines sexual abuse (also known as a sexual battery) as “the touching of another person’s intimate parts (meaning a sexual organ, groin, anus, buttocks, or breast) against that person’s will and for the specific purpose of sexual arousal, sexual gratification, or sexual abuse. This means anything from unwanted groping, kissing, rubbing, or forcing the victim to touch the perpetrator in sexual ways.

The perpetrator’s intent is a crucial component of any sexual assault case. If someone accidentally brushes against you at a crowded concert or isle at the supermarket, it is not considered sexual assault. If someone at a bar (whether or not you know them) gropes or kisses you against your will, that is an actionable offense.

Sexual harassment is a form of sex discrimination that violates Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. It includes unwelcome sexual advances and covers discrimination based on gender or sexual orientation. Our Salinas sexual abuse attorneys handle both sexual harassment and sexual abuse cases.

Warning Signs of Sexual Abuse

If you are concerned that someone in your life is being sexually abused, don’t stand by and wait. It can be difficult to talk about, especially for children who may not understand what is happening. Here are some warning signs of sexual abuse.

Emotional Signs

• Depression or withdrawal,
• Unexplained fear or dislike of certain people or places,
• Lack of confidence, or
• Sudden mood swings.

Physical Signs

• Nightmares or sleep disturbances,
• Pain or irritation in the genital area,
• Loss of appetite, or
• Frequent unexplained stomach illness.

Behavioral Signs (typically for children):

• Abnormal interest in knowledge of sexual matters that are inappropriate for the child’s age,
• New words for private parts,
• Having a “secret” with an adult or older child,
• Regression to infant behaviors like bed-wetting or thumb sucking, or
• Fear of specific people or places.

This is not a complete list of warning signs of sexual abuse. Every person responds differently to sexual abuse.

Statute of Limitations for Sexual Abuse

The statute of limitations for sexual abuse is not as straightforward as many other timeframes placed on other crimes and legal causes of action. Factors to consider include:

• The age of the victim,
• The nature and degree of the assault,
• Whether the victim was a minor when assaulted, and
• When the victim became aware of the abuse.

Sexual abuse laws in California allow victims the right to pursue justice as an adult, even if the abuse occurred when they were a child. The nature of sexual abuse is unlike many other legal claims because of the psychological damage it causes. And this type of psychological harm may not manifest itself until many years after the sexual abuse occurred.

Our compassionate Salinas sexual abuse lawyers can help you determine how much time you have to file your case. Understand that to build the best case possible against your abuser, it’s better to act as soon as possible.

Salinas Sexual Abuse Attorneys You Can Trust

Sexual assault victims often do not understand that they have a right to be compensated for damages. We are here to guide you through the process while being sensitive to your emotional needs during this time. We will also help you find resources for support. Contact Silva Injury Law to schedule your case consultation.

Our experienced legal team handles other types of injury cases as well, including:

• Car Accidents
• Truck Accidents
• Dog Bites
• Slip and Falls
• Wrongful Death
• Pedestrian Accidents
• Bicycle Accidents
• Motorcycle Accidents
• Drunk Driving Accidents
• Distracted Driving Accidents
• Nursing Home Abuse