Sexually Abused as a Child in Washington?

Child abuse can take many forms, including:

• Physical abuse: Inflicting bodily harm through hitting, burning, or other violent actions.
• Emotional abuse: Subjecting a child to constant criticism, threats, or rejection, leading to long-term psychological harm.
• Neglect: Failing to provide necessary care, supervision, and basic needs such as food, shelter, and medical attention.
• Sexual abuse: Exploiting a child in any sexual manner, including molestation, trafficking, or exposure to explicit material.

According to state reports, Washington has seen a troubling rise in reported cases of child maltreatment in recent years. While law enforcement and child welfare agencies work tirelessly to protect children, legal representation is often necessary to ensure justice for victims and their families.

If you or someone you know is a victim of child abuse in Washington, you should first and foremost ensure the safety of the individual. If a child is in immediate harm, call 911 right away. Law enforcement can intervene quickly to ensure safety.

Next, report the incident to Child Protective Services. Washington State law requires certain professionals (such as teachers and doctors) to report suspected child abuse, but anyone can make a report. Contact Washington State's Child Abuse Hotline at 1-866-363-4276 (1-866-END-HARM). This number connects you to CPS, which will assess and investigate the situation.

You can also report abuse directly to your local police department or sheriff’s office. They can investigate criminal aspects of abuse and coordinate with CPS.

If the child has been physically harmed, seek medical care immediately. Doctors and nurses can document injuries, provide necessary treatment, and report suspected abuse to authorities.

For continued support, there are local and national organizations that provide legal, emotional, and shelter support for abuse victims, such as:

• Washington State Coalition Against Domestic Violence (WSCADV) – www.wscadv.org
• National Child Abuse Hotline – 1-800-4-A-CHILD (1-800-422-4453)
• King County Sexual Assault Resource Center – www.kcsarc.org

Lastly, you should consider legal action. Victims and their families may have legal options, such as pursuing a restraining order or seeking compensation for damages. Consulting with an attorney who specializes in child abuse cases can help understand your legal rights.

For legal assistance, our attorneys who specialize in child abuse cases can help you to understand your legal rights and options.

In Washington State, the statute of limitations for child abuse depends on the type of abuse and whether it is a criminal or civil case. 

Criminal Statute of Limitations

Washington has no statute of limitations for felony sex crimes against minors, including:

• Rape of a child
• Child molestation
• Sexual exploitation of a minor

For other felony child abuse crimes, such as physical abuse or non-sexual exploitation, the statute of limitations can vary, often depending on the severity of the offense.

For misdemeanor child abuse crimes, the statute of limitations is generally one to three years from the date of the offense.

Civil Statute of Limitations (For Lawsuits)

Victims of childhood sexual abuse have until the age of 55 to file a lawsuit against their abuser or the institutions that enabled the abuse. Alternatively, a lawsuit can be filed within three years of discovering the abuse caused harm—whichever is later.

For non-sexual child abuse, such as physical abuse or neglect, victims typically have three years from turning 18 to file a civil claim.

Since laws can change and circumstances can vary, Morgan & Morgan can help determine the best course of action. If you or someone you know is considering legal action related to child abuse, it's advisable to consult with a legal professional to understand how these statutes may apply to your specific situation.

Yes, compensation is available for victims of sex abuse in Washington. Victims can pursue several types of compensation through civil lawsuits. Here’s a detailed overview of the potential compensation and the process involved:

Types of Compensation

Economic Damages:

• Medical Expenses: This includes the cost of therapy, counseling, psychiatric care, and any other medical treatments related to the abuse.
• Lost Wages: Compensation for income lost due to the inability to work or diminished earning capacity resulting from the abuse.

Non-Economic Damages:

• Pain and Suffering: Compensation for the physical and emotional distress caused by the abuse.
• Emotional Distress: This includes compensation for anxiety, depression, PTSD, and other psychological impacts.
• Loss of Enjoyment of Life: Damages for the negative impact the abuse has had on the victim's quality of life.

 
Punitive Damages:

Punitive Damages: These are awarded in cases where the defendant’s conduct was particularly egregious or malicious, intended to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar conduct in the future.

Childhood sexual abuse is traumatic, often leaving survivors with long-lasting physical and psychological issues. Depression has been found to be the most common long-term psychological symptom among survivors, according to a study on the long-term effects of childhood sexual abuse. Other symptoms may include:

• Anxiety disorders
• Eating disorders
• Personality disorders
• Post-traumatic stress disorder
• Relationship and intimacy issues
• Somatic disorders

Childhood sexual abuse has also been found to cause lasting physical symptoms that may affect a survivor for the rest of their life. A meta-analysis of studies investigating the long-term physical health consequences of childhood sexual abuse found that survivors were more likely to have health problems in general, and more specifically with:

• Gastrointestinal health
• Gynecologic or reproductive health
• Pain
• Cardiopulmonary symptoms
• Obesity

If you are a survivor and have had to deal with one or more of these symptoms, you may be able to recover compensation for past and future treatment.

If you are a survivor of childhood sexual abuse in Washington, we may be able to help you recover compensation for the physical and psychological issues your abuse may have caused.

Contact us today for free, no-obligation, and confidential case evaluation to learn more about how we may be able to help. There are no upfront fees or costs to speak with a member of our team, and we can provide comprehensive support, from legal representation to investigative resources to help you through the legal process.

While a lawsuit can’t undo the damage caused by unthinkable abuse, it can provide the means necessary to receive treatment and move forward with your life while holding guilty parties accountable for their wrongdoing. 

We are here to listen. Contact us anytime or get started with your claim in minutes with a free case evaluation.