How Can Bulut Law Help in Sexual Abuse Cases?
Sexual abuse cases often involve institutions covering up or facilitating abuse. For instance, a church may hide complaints about inappropriate behaviors from a priest, making the institution liable for survivors’ damages. At Bulut Law, we have experience challenging powerful institutions for justice. We can help you build a strong case against individuals or corporations to seek damages. Our attorneys can handle your case and protect your identity, allowing you to focus on healing.
Understanding Sexual Abuse Sexual abuse includes any unwanted or nonconsensual sexual acts. This can involve forcing, pressuring, intimidating, or coercing someone into sexual activities they don’t consent to. It can occur within various relationships, such as spouses, family, friends, coworkers, or strangers. In Los Angeles, sexual abuse can involve:
- Unwanted hugging or kissing
- Inappropriate sexual touching
- Violent sexual acts without consent
- Sexual contact with someone under the influence, drugged, or unconscious
- Physical assault or molestation
- Attempted rape, rape, or statutory rape
- Verbal or nonverbal harassment or discrimination
- Indecent exposure or psychological abuse
Sexual abusers may target both children and adults, using various forms of abuse. If you suspect you're a survivor of sexual abuse, Bulut Law can arrange a confidential meeting to discuss your experience and options for the future.
Our focus at Bulut Law includes workers’ compensation law, which in California, offers financial assistance to all injured employees, regardless of the injury’s severity. This program also covers instances where one or more employees commit crimes against a coworker. While workers’ compensation can cover costs like lost wages and therapy, it doesn’t typically reimburse for non-economic damages such as emotional distress.
If you've experienced sexual abuse, harassment, or discrimination at work in Los Angeles, it's advisable to consult with a Los Angeles workers’ compensation attorney about potentially filing a civil claim against your employer. Your employer might be vicariously liable for the actions of its employees or directly liable for facilitating sexual abuse. It’s crucial to explore this possibility before accepting a workers’ comp settlement, as doing so may prevent you from pursuing further claims against your employer.
California Sexual Assault Laws
While sexual abuse and sexual assault are sometimes used interchangeably, they have distinct legal definitions. In California, sexual assault involves touching the intimate part of another person while they're restrained, against their will, and for the perpetrator’s sexual gratification or abuse (California Penal Code Section 243.4). Sexual abuse, however, refers to an ongoing pattern of assault, often seen in cases involving children.
The penalties for sexual assault or battery in California range from jail time to fines, depending on the severity of the offense. For specific questions about California's sex abuse laws, consulting with a local sexual abuse attorney in Los Angeles is recommended.
Warning Signs of Sexual Abuse
Recognizing signs of sexual abuse can be challenging, as survivors may not always come forward. Fear, lack of understanding, or physical limitations can prevent disclosure. Loved ones should be attentive to potential signs of abuse, which can vary based on the victim's age.
