Miami Sex Assault and Rape Victim Attorneys

Helping Victims of Sexual Abuse throughout the Miami-Dade Community
Do Not Delay. Call Today. 866-608-5529

Sexual abuse and assault can leave victims with severe physical, mental, and emotional scars long after the abuse has stopped. Victims may struggle for months and even years to recover from the tragedies that they had to endure. Many are left in need of medical care for physical injuries as well as therapy, counseling, and medication for emotional and mental healing. While getting the treatment they need can be beneficial to the recovery process, the price tag that comes with any medical care can place an unfair financial burden on victims who are already struggling to move on with their lives.

What is Sexual Assault and/or Sexual Abuse?

Sexual abuse and assault are all sexually motivated crimes that can affect anyone including women, men, teens, the elderly, and children. Sadly, statistics show that most of those abused know their attacker, who could be a family friend, pastor or other church official, teacher, youth counselor, youth coach, co-worker, classmate, babysitter, or family member. When someone in an authoritative position abuses their power, victims (especially children) may not even realize they are experiencing sexual abuse or assault.

Some common examples of sexual assault or abuse are:

• Any sexual contact that happens between an adult and a child
• Forcing someone to engage in sex
• Rape, sexual battery, and statutory rape
• Engaging in sexual acts with someone who cannot consent
• Unwanted touching or fondling
• Exposing oneself to another without their consent
• Showing a child pornography or forcing them to watch sexual acts take place
• Incest
• Using drugs or alcohol to engage in sexual conduct with someone

Our Miami Sex Assault Victim Lawyers at Whittel & Melton would like to point out that this list is in no way exhaustive of all the types of sexual abuse out there. If you have been the victim of sexual abuse or assault, we strongly encourage you to reach out to us right away at 866-608-5529 or contact us online so that we can help you understand your legal rights.

Where Does Sexual Assault or Abuse Occur?

Just like anyone can be the victim of a sexual assault, it can occur anywhere at anytime. Assault or abuse can happen at school or on a college campus, at churches, at summer camps, during after-school programs like Boy Scouts of America, at work, or really anywhere. According to Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN), sexual assault and abuse commonly occur at the victim’s house, in a public space, at a faily member or friend’s home, or at school.

What do I do if I Have Been Sexually Assaulted or Abused?

The first thing you should do is call the police and make sure you get to a safe place. You have resources on your side, so getting the police involved can be beneficial. You can get medical care at the hospital for any injuries and they will likely administer a rape kit so that any critical evidence can be preserved. Police will also ask you questions so that they can help identify your attacker and investigate the crime that occurred.

What if There is no Criminal Case or Police Involvement?

This is quite common. Not every single sexual assault or abuse results in a criminal case. There are many factors that play into a criminal prosecution, but that does not stop a victim from being able to fight their perpetrator(s) in court for civil damages. Even if there is no criminal case for your sexual assault, we strongly recommend contacting our Miami Sex Assaut Victim Attorneys at Whittel & Melton to help you understand if you have a valid civil lawsuit. Time is of the essence in these cases, so we encourage you to act fast and not delay as there is a statute of limitations placed on how long you have to file.

What is the Statute of Limitations on Sexual Assault/Abuse Cases in Florida?

The following deadlines are observed in the state of Florida regarding sexual abuse and sexual assault lawsuits:

• 7 years from when the victim reaches the age of majority, which in the state of Florida is 18 years old
• 2 years from when the victim leaves the dependency/care of the abuser or 2 years from the time the abuse occurred
• There is no statute of limitation on assault or abuse that involves a child under the age of 16

We realize these cases can be complex matters, and there may be exceptions to these rules. We can walk you through the legal process and make sure we answer all of your questions.

Are You in Need of Immediate Assistance and/or Crisis Counseling?

If you happen to be struggling with the aftermath of a sexual assault, you may be feeling alone and unsure of how to get help. Your safety is the number one priority, so if you are in immediate danger, always call 911 first. Once you are in a safe place, then we recommend getting in touch with RAINN by dialing their 24/7 hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE. Their services are free and they can get you in touch with a local service provider in your area so that you can have access to counseling, support groups, medical assistance, legal help, emergency shelters, and so much more. Their hotline, online chat, and mobile app is for anyone that is in need of help after a sexual attack.

How can our Miami Sex Assault Victim Attorneys at Whittel & Melton Help You?

Most victims of sexual violence fail to realize that they have legal rights, apart from taking criminal action against their attacker. Victims can take civil action against the perpetrator as well as any other party that could be held liable for their role in the assault. A sexual assault or abuse injury claim helps victims seek financial compensation to cover medical bills, pain and suffering, emotional distress, mental anguish, and more.

As Miami Sexual Abuse Injury Attorneys, we fully understand how hard it can be for victims to come forward and share their story. We commend the bravery this takes and are only here to offer our support and guidance so that you can gain a sense of justice from the person responsible for your suffering. Your attacker is fully to blame, but there could be others that are also somewhat at fault for allowing the abuse to happen such as a school, university or college, a religious institution, a youth sports organization, or another party. We can help you take the necessary legal steps against all responsible parties, and we will be your ally throughout the entire process.