Chicago Sexual Abuse Attorney

Personal Injury Lawyers Assisting the Victims of Sexual Abuse in Chicago, IL

Sadly, sexual assault and sexual abuse are much more common in the United States than most people would like to believe. One out of every three women and one out of every six men experience sexual violence in one form or another during their lifetime. Unfortunately, these crimes often go unreported; 63% of sexual assaults are not reported to the police, and only 12% of child sexual abuse is reported to authorities.

At Tomasik Kotin Kasserman, LLC, we understand the life-long impact that sexual abuse can have on families, and we are dedicated to helping victims achieve justice. We work to hold abusers accountable for their actions, while taking steps to improve public policy and help protect others from harm.

Effects of Sexual Abuse

The physical and emotional trauma of sexual abuse can be devastating for victims, affecting them both immediately and throughout the rest of their lives. Some of the negative effects of sexual abuse include:

• Post-traumatic stress disorder - Victims suffering from PTSD may experience stress and anxiety, including flashbacks to their traumatic experiences and difficulty sleeping. Many victims have difficulty coping and adjusting, leading them to avoid certain situations or lose interest in activities they previously enjoyed.
• Emotional issues - Victims often experience depression and suicidal thoughts, and they may struggle with substance abuse, eating disorders, or the desire to self-harm.
• Physical harm - Sexual abuse and assault victims often experience serious physical injuries, and they may contract sexually transmitted infections or worry about becoming pregnant from an act of assault or abuse.
• Financial costs - Victims of sexual assault and abuse usually experience higher healthcare costs throughout their lifetime. Their ability to work and earn an income is also often impaired.

Cases Involving Sex Abuse

Unfortunately, sexual abuse can occur in a wide variety of situations, including:

• Educational and childcare facilities - Children may be abused by teachers, school officials, or daycare staff.
• Religious institutions - Members of the clergy or other church officials, including the Catholic Church, may take advantage of children in their care.
• Medical facilities - Doctors, dentists, nurses, or medical staff may abuse patients who are under sedation or who are physically incapable of protecting themselves.
• Nursing homes - Residents of nursing homes and assisted living facilities are particularly vulnerable to abuse. These victims are often unable to defend themselves, and they may be afraid to speak up if they experience sexual abuse at the hands of staff members or other residents.
• Children's organizations and activities - Coaches, scout leaders, or those involved in community organizations may act abusively toward children they work with. The Boy Scouts of America is one such organization.
• Colleges - The prevalent use of alcohol and drugs in college dorms, fraternities, and sororities has led to high rates of sexual assault among college students.
• Domestic abuse - Sexual abuse can occur between couples who are married or dating, or between parents and children.
• Workplace harassment and abuse - When someone is pressured into participating in sexual acts in order to avoid harm to their career, this is a form of discrimination, and a victim may be able to pursue a sexual harassment lawsuit.

Contact an Illinois Sexual Abuse Lawyer

If you have been the victim of sexual abuse, the attorneys of TKK can help you understand your options for pursuing a lawsuit against your abuser or any other party who is responsible for the harm you have suffered. We will work to help you make sure that justice is served. For a free consultation, contact our Chicago personal injury attorneys at 312-605-8800.