Lower Merion Township Sexual Assault Lawyer

According to the Prairie Center for Sexual Assault, every 68 seconds, an American is sexually assaulted, and every 9 minutes, that victim is a child. Being a survivor of sexual assault or abuse is an unfortunate reality for so many individuals, and yet only 310 out of every 1,000 assaults are reported. After such a traumatizing incident, victims need to know that they have a safe place and that they are loved.

If you or someone you know has been a victim of sexual assault, consider speaking with a Lower Merion sexual assault lawyer. Your conversation with an attorney from Laffey Bucci D’Andrea Reich & Ryan is always free and always confidential. We want to assure you that you are not alone, that we believe you, and that we will fight with you and for you to seek justice against the perpetrator who caused you harm. So, if you’re ready to take the next steps to pursue justice, consider reaching out to our law firm for a free initial consultation with one of our compassionate attorneys.

Warning Signs of Sex Abuse

The term sexual violence is a general umbrella term that covers all types of sexual assault and abuse, including rape, molestation, harassment, and more. These acts occur differently for different victims, and although a lot of the signs of abuse are similar across all victims, not all victims will exhibit the same signs.

Some of the most common signs of sexual abuse or assault to keep an eye out for are:

Physical

Signs to look for include:

• Sudden acts or attempts of self-harm
• Sudden weight gain or loss
• Unexplained cuts, bruises, or other marks on the skin

Behavioral

You’ll want to be on the lookout for:

• Sudden change in behavior around a specific person
• Sudden fear of being with a specific person or people
• Unexplained emotional changes
• Sudden change in appetite

Psychological

Individuals who have been sexually abused may experience:

• Panic attacks
• Insomnia
• Unexplained withdrawal or psychological changes
• Low self-esteem

If you or someone you know has suffered abuse or assault at the hands of another person, you can reach out to the Lower Merion Police Department to report the crime. In the event that you don’t wish to contact law enforcement, there are other resources available to you, such as the Rape Crisis Hotline (610) 277-5200 and, of course, us at Laffey Bucci D’Andrea Reich & Ryan. A Lower Merion Township sexual assault lawyer is available to take your call.

Who Are the Perpetrators of Assault?

According to data from Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN), eight out of ten rapes are committed by someone known to the victim; in fact, 39% are committed by an acquaintance, and 33% are committed by a current or former intimate partner.

Perpetrators can be any of the following:

• Family members
• Friends
• Teachers
• Priests or religious leaders
• Law enforcement or emergency personnel
• Counselors or youth leaders
• Doctors or medical staff
• Nurses or care workers
• Coaches or managers
• Therapists

Of the sexual abuse cases involving juveniles that were reported to law enforcement, 93% of the juvenile victims knew the perpetrator. The data shows that 59% were acquaintances, 34% were family, and 7% were strangers.

Compassionate Justice for the Harm You Suffered

Often, those who choose to assault or abuse others are in positions of power or authority and can coerce or threaten their victims into staying silent. But if you are such a victim, you can find your voice by reaching out to a sympathetic Lower Merion sexual assault lawyer.

Our team at Laffey Bucci D’Andrea Reich & Ryan has experience handling traumatic and sensitive cases just like yours, and we will stand with you to ensure your abuser is brought to justice. Don’t hesitate any longer; reach out to our office today and let us help you gain some closure and peace.