Where Does Sex Abuse Happen?

May 7, 2020 | By Greene Broillet & Wheeler

Sexual abuse is a terrible crime that cuts across boundaries of race, class, religion, and location. It affects people of all age groups, from children to the elderly.

There is one element that many instances of sex abuse have in common: the victims are some of the most vulnerable members of the community.

Below, our Los Angeles trial attorneys discuss places and situations in which sex abuse occurs, and what you can do if you suspect it.

Sex Abuse: A Common Crime

The vast majority of sex abuse cases are committed by someone close to the victim. This is a calculated move. Sexual abusers know that they can take advantage of trusting relationships to confuse their victims and make it less likely that their crimes will be reported.

Common relationships that sexual abusers manipulate to commit their crimes include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Parent and child
• Teacher and student
• Doctor and patient
• Coach and player
• Religious worker and churchgoer

As such, the locations in which sex abuse takes place can include a private residence or a public area, such as a school, hospital, or church.

Identifying Sexual Abuse

Given the prevalence of sexual abuse, it’s important for you to be able to identify the warning signs of this crime and know how to report it.

The warning flags of sexual abuse include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Sudden behavioral changes, including emotional withdrawal, anxiety, or depression
• Unexplained bruising or swelling, particularly around the genital area
• An unwillingness to be left alone with a particular person

If you suspect abuse, report it to your state’s proper authorities. In California, this would be any police department or sheriff’s department, the county probation department, or the county welfare department.

Experienced Childhood Sexual Abuse? We’re Here to Help

If you experienced childhood sexual abuse and you would now like to seek justice, our team is here to help. California’s recent extension to the statute of limitations for childhood sexual abuse gives you more time to come forward.

We’re here to help walk you through the process as seamlessly as possible.

Don’t spend another second in silence. Contact Greene Broillet & Wheeler, LLP today at (866) 634-4525 to schedule a confidential consultation with our team.