> If you are visiting our sexual abuse page, we want you to know that you are being proactive. You are taking steps to understand what has happened and what can possibly happen in the near future.
Sexual abuse can be devastating and may have a lifelong effect on the victim and the victim’s family. In this case, it could be yourself. In many cases, the victim is a child, a vulnerable adult, or someone who has also experienced trafficking or coercion. The perpetrator is often in a position of trust or power over the victim.
In such situations, the victim has the right to hold the individuals and organizations involved accountable, not only for the abuse, but also for their potential role in facilitating or ignoring trafficking-related misconduct.
Cases of sexual abuse, assault, or exploitation are extremely sensitive in nature. An experienced attorney can help victims and their families protect their legal interests, their safety, and their dignity. If you or someone you know has been a victim of sexual abuse or sex trafficking, this page will provide essential information, including survivor rights, statistics, and links to related legal resources.
It’s Not Your Fault
It is not your fault. Whether you feel you were manipulated, drank too much, trusted someone who turned out to be a predator, or were forced into a situation through threats or trafficking, it is not, and will never be, your fault.
Feelings of guilt are common, and it is okay to feel this way now. However, speaking with professionals who have experience with sexual abuse and trafficking recovery may help you process those emotions. While we are “attorneys,” we are often called “counselors at law.” We are here to help, and everything you share with us is confidential.
If you need to speak with a lawyer, contacting Liberty Law is 100% free and private. We are bound by the attorney-client privilege, allowing you to have an open conversation about your experience. Even if you are not ready to pursue legal action, we can assist you with trauma-informed resources, including counseling referrals and connections to anti-trafficking service providers.
Sexual Abuse Stats
Tragically, sexual abuse and sexual exploitation are not uncommon. Studies show that about 33% of all girls and 20% of all boys will become victims of sexual abuse or sexual assault by the time they reach the age of 18. Moreover, studies show that perpetrators rarely victimize just one person. There is often a pattern of abuse, where multiple individuals are harmed over time by the same perpetrator. In some cases, this abuse may be part of a larger pattern of control or trafficking.
After decades of research, it has been shown that survivors react in different ways. Some may report immediately, while others suppress the trauma for years without realizing the lasting effects. For many, the emotional consequences, such as anxiety, fear, and disconnection, can surface much later.
Forms of Abuse & Assault
Sexual abuse and assault can take many forms. These include rape or attempted rape, unwanted touching or kissing, coerced sexual acts, and any behavior that occurs without the victim’s clear and lawful consent. Victims who are underage, incapacitated, or trafficked cannot legally consent under the law.
These acts often occur in institutional settings, such as:
- Hospitals or nursing homes where vulnerable patients are abused
- Schools or daycare centers where employees target children
- Churches or religious groups with a history of ignoring abuse
- Group homes, hotels, or private residences where trafficking or repeated abuse is allowed to continue unchecked
In these situations, the institution may be held responsible for failing to protect victims, especially if previous complaints were ignored or if safeguards like background checks were not properly followed.
Sexual Assault in School
We have often spoken with parents or guardians who have learned that their child has suffered from sexual abuse in school. While this is not uncommon throughout the country, as recently as April 10th 2017, breaking news revealed sexual abuse occurring at a West Contra Costa Unified School District (WCCUSD) employee’s residence in Pinole, just outside of Richmond, CA.
Sexual abuse in schools can be prevented with proper screenings, parent and student education and swift justice. If you are a parent of a child who has been sexually assaulted in school, you may choose to take legal action. We can help you understand the rights of your family in a confidential discussion to learn the facts of the case, and hear your story. Consultations are free, and 100% confidential from an attorney experienced in sexual abuse cases involving perpetrators within the school system. Call attorney Micha Liberty at (510) 645-1000 to learn more about your legal rights, or contact us by clicking here.
Child Sexual Abuse & Assault
Sexual abuse can have dramatic effects on children and the disabled. Children may undergo permanent behavioral changes as a result of the abuse, particularly if the situation is handled incorrectly. Victims of sexual abuse are much more likely to suffer from depression, to use alcohol, to attempt or commit suicide and to abuse drugs than people who haven’t been sexually abused.
Justice For Abuse & Assault
Many sexual abuse victims choose not to pursue legal claims against their attackers. However, other victims view a lawsuit as a chance to pursue legal justice against the perpetrator. In some cases, the abuse can be simple to prove, particularly if it occurred recently and if there is evidence, such as physical evidence from the victim or the crime scene. In other cases, the abuse may have occurred years ago, and the case could be more difficult to prove.
If You’ve Been The Victim of Sexual Abuse in Oakland, Contact Liberty Law
If you are in the San Francisco area and you have been the victim of sexual abuse or a sexual assault, you should investigate your legal rights against the perpetrator. Most likely, the abuse has caused you months or years of pain, and you have a right to make the individual responsible face both criminal and civil penalties for that behavior.
At Liberty Law, Micha Star Liberty believes in speaking up for and protecting the rights of the victims of sexual abuse. If you have been abused, call her at 415-896-1000 or 510-645-1000. She will help you with your case, and give you the sensitivity and compassion you deserve. Call today.
