Qualified Legal Representation for Sexual Abuse Victims in Glen Burnie, MD

Glen Burnie Sexual Abuse Lawyers: Empowering Survivors through Legal Advocacy

Our Maryland sexual abuse law firm is specialized in representing survivors of sexual abuse in Glen Burnie, Maryland. As experienced and committed sexual abuse lawyers, we acknowledge the immense bravery it takes for survivors to come forward and share their traumatic experiences. Our team is dedicated to offering unwavering guidance and support throughout the often complex and sensitive legal process.

Deeply Committed to Serving Sexual Abuse Survivors

Our commitment to survivors is two-fold. Beyond providing skilled legal representation, we also offer emotional support tailored to respect the mental and emotional well-being of our clients. We value your courage, provide a safe space for your story, and strive for justice with tenacity and resilience, always respecting your personal boundaries and decisions.

Aaron Blank Esq.

Sexual Abuse Lawyer

Blank Kim Injury Law
8455 Colesville Rd #920,
Silver Spring, MD 20910
XXWC+74 Silver Spring, Maryland

Guiding Role of a Sexual Abuse Attorney

A sexual abuse attorney offers survivors crucial support, providing a confidential space for them to share their experiences and obtain tailored legal advice. These lawyers carry out thorough investigations to gather evidence, such as medical records and witness statements, to support the case.

They also represent survivors throughout all legal proceedings, safeguarding their rights and ensuring their voices are heard. They help navigate the complex legal system, meet all procedural requirements and deadlines, and negotiate fair settlements when possible.

If a case goes to trial, the attorney presents the survivor's case, cross-examines witnesses, and advocates for the best outcome. They also connect survivors with essential resources like counseling and support groups. Overall, a sexual abuse attorney advocates for survivors, protects their rights, and strives for justice and compensation on their behalf.

Which Types Of Conduct Constitute Sexual Abuse Or Assault?

Sexual abuse or assault encompasses a range of inappropriate and non-consensual sexual behaviors and actions, which may include, but are not limited to, the following:

1. Non-consensual sexual acts: This is the most commonly understood form of sexual abuse or assault. It involves engaging in sexual activity with someone without their explicit consent. This can include rape (including spousal rape), attempted rape, forcing a victim to perform sexual acts, and other forms of sexual penetration.
2. Child sexual abuse: This involves any form of sexual activity with a minor or child, including molestation, incest, indecent exposure, and exploitation through child pornography.
3. Sexual harassment: Sexual harassment can be a form of sexual abuse or assault, often occurring in professional or social environments. It involves unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, or other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature that creates a hostile or offensive environment.
4. Exhibitionism, voyeurism, and indecent exposure: This involves someone exposing their genitals or sexual acts to an unsuspecting person or spying on someone as they engage in private activities, such as undressing or sexual acts.
5. Sexual exploitation: This involves manipulating or coercing a person into engaging in a sexual act, often for the benefit or pleasure of another party. It can include sex trafficking or prostitution, non-consensual pornography (often referred to as "revenge porn"), and "sextortion."
6. Groping or unwanted sexual touching: This involves touching or fondling a person’s body without their consent.
7. Drug-facilitated sexual assault: This involves the administration of drugs or alcohol to compromise an individual's ability to consent to sexual activity. This category includes what's commonly referred to as "date rape."
8. Online sexual harassment or cyber sexual abuse: This includes unwanted sexual advances, comments, or threats made online, as well as non-consensual sharing of explicit images or videos (sometimes referred to as "revenge porn").

It's important to remember that the above actions are considered sexual abuse or assault regardless of the relationship between the perpetrator and the victim. No matter the circumstance, everyone has the right to personal autonomy and respect, and any violation of these rights may constitute sexual abuse or assault. If you or someone you know has been a victim of sexual abuse or assault, seek help immediately from local authorities and supportive services like a trusted sexual abuse lawyer in Glen Burnie, MD.

What Is Child Sexual Abuse?

Child sexual abuse involves any form of sexual activity with a minor or child. It constitutes a severe violation of a child's rights and is a criminal offense. The abuse can be physical, involving direct contact, or non-physical, involving no physical contact but causing harm nonetheless.

Here are different types of child sexual abuse:

Contact Sexual Abuse:

This form of abuse involves physical contact between the perpetrator and the child. It may include:

• Sexual kissing
• Fondling or touching a child's genitals, or forcing the child to touch someone else's genitals
• Oral, anal, or vaginal penetration
• Sexual intercourse
• Any form of penetrative abuse using an object or a part of the body

Non-Contact Sexual Abuse:

Non-contact sexual abuse can cause significant harm to the child even without physical contact. It may include:

• Indecent exposure/exhibitionism, or deliberately exposing oneself to a child
• Making a child view or listen to sexual acts
• Showing pornography to a child or using them to produce child pornography
• Engaging in explicit sexual talk or "sexting" with a child

Online Child Sexual Exploitation:

This form of abuse happens on the internet and may include:

• Grooming, or befriending and establishing an emotional connection with a child, to lower the child's inhibitions for sexual abuse
• Live streaming of child sexual abuse
• Sharing indecent images or videos of children

Child Sexual Exploitation:

This involves manipulating or deceiving a child into sexual activity. The child might be given gifts, money, drugs, or affection in exchange for engaging in sexual activities. Child sexual exploitation can occur through gang activity or organized networks.

Child Grooming:

Child grooming involves building a relationship, trust, and emotional connection with a child or the child's family to gain access to the child, lower their inhibitions, and ultimately sexually abuse them. This process can take place over weeks, months, or even years before any sexual abuse occurs.

Any child can become a victim of sexual abuse, regardless of their gender, ethnicity, culture, or socioeconomic group. It's crucial to understand that child sexual abuse is never the fault of the child. It is the responsibility of the adult not to engage in sexual activity with children. If you suspect a child may be a victim of sexual abuse, it's essential to report it to local authorities to ensure the child's safety and provide them with necessary support services.

Reporting Sexual Abuse Laws In Maryland - Statute Of Limitation

The statute of limitations for sexual abuse cases in Maryland can vary depending on the specifics of the case, including the age of the victim at the time of the abuse and when the abuse was discovered.

For child sexual abuse victims, Maryland law generally allows lawsuits to be filed until the victim reaches the age of 38. This was a significant change made by the Maryland General Assembly in 2017, which extended the previous age limit of 25.

However, Maryland has a special rule known as the "discovery rule" for sexual abuse cases. If the injury and its cause were not immediately apparent or discoverable after turning 18, the victim might have additional time to file a lawsuit. This rule recognizes that the trauma of sexual abuse can often lead victims to repress memories or not understand the harm until years later.

In cases of rape, Maryland does not have a statute of limitations for filing criminal charges. This means that a person can be charged with rape no matter how much time has passed since the alleged crime.

Despite these general rules, the specifics of each case can significantly impact the timeline for reporting sexual abuse and filing a lawsuit. Therefore, if you or someone you know is a survivor of sexual abuse, it is essential to consult with a knowledgeable sexual abuse attorney in your local area as soon as possible to understand your rights and the legal options available to you.

Continue reading related articles from our Westminster sexual abuse law office.

Djembayz, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons