Fort Lauderdale Sex Assault Attorney

Helping Survivors of Rape and Sexual Violence in Fort Lauderdale Broward County and the Surrounding Areas

Do Not Delay. Call Today. 866-608-5529

Crimes of sexual violence are always viewed as heinous acts. These crimes are hard for victims to speak about because they feel like they will be blamed or that no one will believe them. Our Fort Lauderdale Sex Assault Victim Attorneys at Whittel & Melton want survivors to know that we are on their side and that we will help them fight for the justice they deserve. We have significant experience in handling rape, sexual assault, and all other cases involving crimes of sexual violence in Florida, including South Florida, Fort Lauderdale and surrounding area. We are available 24/7 and can offer you a completely confidential and free consultation any time of day or night.

What is Sexual Assault/Rape?

• Rape is any type of sexual encounter that occurs without the other person’s consent.
• Rape or sexual assault can happen between friends, acquaintances, strangers, husbands and wives, and intimate partners.
• Sexually violent crimes can also happen when one person is disabled, drugged, drunk, coerced, threatened, or even trafficked.
• Rape, sexual assault, and other sexually violent crimes can happen to men, women, and children.
• Rape is a form of sexual assault and is never your fault. The attacker uses crimes of sexual violence to hold power over their victims.

Important Things for Sex Assault Victims and Families to Know

Victims of sexual assault often feel like time is standing still around them. They are often overwhelmed and struggling to survive physical injuries as well as mental and emotional ones that others may not be able to see. There are a few things our Fort Lauderdale Sex Assault Victim Attorneys at Whittel & Melton want you to know:

1. Your attacker is to blame. Rape and sexual assault are crimes committed by a perpetrator. You did nothing wrong and are not to blame for what has happened to you. You are not guilty of any crime; your attacker is the only person that did anything wrong.
2. You may feel alone after suffering a sexual assault, but you are not. Crimes of sexual violence can be isolating experiences, but there are many resources available to you whether you have been the victim of a sexual assault or if you just want to help a loved one get through this difficult time.
3. You have legal options and rights. You can work with us and we can be a liaison for you and the DA or ASA (District Attorney or Assistant State Attorney) to make sure that they press charges against your attacker. We can also help you file a civil suit seeking financial damages from your attacker. If you are worried about your identity, rest assured that we can keep your information private. There are time constraints on how long you have to make a claim, so we strongly urge you to speak with us as soon as possible, even if you just want to get more information so that you can make the best decision. Depending on the circumstances of the abuse you suffered, there may be more than one person to blame, so we can help you hold every person accountable for their wrongful actions.
4. The healing process from a sexual assault is different for everyone. There are no rules on when or how you have to heal. This is an extremely sensitive issue, and you are allowed to take all the time you need to focus on yourself and mending from what was done to you. There is no time frame on this, but just know that in time you will start to recover, and that is okay.
5. We want you to know that we are on your side. We are your ally. Taking your attacker to court is scary, we know this. That is why we are your advocate, determined and dedicated to make sure we fight for you, your family, and your future.

Rape and Sexual Assault can Happen Anywhere

Rape and sexual assault can happen anywhere, at any time. These crimes involve men and women acting as perpetrators, so anyone can carry out these sexually violent crimes. In fact, the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN), most sexual assault occur at the following places:

• 55% happen in or near the victim’s home
• 15% happen in an open, public space
• 12% happen at or near a family member’s home
• 10% happen in an enclosed, public space
• 8% happen at school

Here is the breakdown of what the majority of sexual assault victims were doing at the time they were attacked:

• 48% were sleeping or doing another activity inside their home
• 29% were shopping, running errands, or travelling
• 12% were working
• 7% were at school
• 5% were doing an unknown activity

Do We Handle Cases of Child Sex Abuse in Florida?

Yes, we do. Sex abuse can be devastating to all victims, but especially children. Whether a family member, youth mentor, caregiver, teacher, coach, or stranger abused you or your child, we can help bring the attacker to justice. We know that the mental and emotional scars from child sex abuse can last a lifetime, which is why we will fight aggressively to make sure that your abuser is held accountable for their horrific actions.

We handle cases involving elementary, middle and high schools, colleges and universities, summer camps, churches, youth programs like BSA, bus companies, cruise ships, and even ride share companies like Uber and Lyft. We will hold any person and institutions that played a role in the abuse accountable through civil litigation.

Call us today at 866-608-5529 or contact us online to take your first steps towards justice.

How can I Take Legal Action Now?

If you are ready to hold your sexual abuser accountable for what they have put you through, then we are here to help. Those that abuse their trusted positions of authority over others must be held responsible for their behavior, otherwise they will continue to do so until someone stops them. We want to put a stop to the sexual violence. If you or someone you love is an adult victim of rape or sexual assault or a childhood sex abuse survivor, we may be able to help you recover financial compensation for the suffering you had to endure.

Our Fort Lauderdale Sex Assault Victim Attorneys at Whittel & Melton are dedicated to taking on sexual predators who use their power over innocent people. We are ready to fight for you and get you the justice you deserve so that you can move forward with your life. Let us help you. Call us today at 866-608-5529 or contact us online for a completely free and no-obligation consultation.