Where Can I Find a Child Sex Abuse Attorney in Big Pine Key, Florida?

No parent ever wants to discover that their precious child experienced egregious sexual abuse. Childhood sexual abuse can have a lasting impact on survivors and potentially affect their quality of life and mental health well into adulthood. In addition to the physical and emotional cost of abuse, the financial damage over a victim’s lifetime can be astronomical. 

However, abused individuals and their families could file a civil lawsuit to recover damages. While compensation cannot turn back time, it can help provide for medical needs, psychological counseling, and other recovery costs.

If you are wondering, “Where can I find a child sex abuse attorney in Big Pine Key, FL?”—get in touch with Morgan & Morgan. Our compassionate and determined child sex abuse attorneys are here to help you and your child get what you deserve after experiencing the most difficult time in your lives. Contact us today for a free consultation to determine how we can help you.

What Is Child Sex Abuse?

Child sexual abuse occurs when sexual behaviors or acts are forced upon a minor child. 

Children are unable to consent to sexual activity. Therefore, if a perpetrator engages in sexual behaviors with a minor (under the age of 18), they are generally acting unlawfully as per Florida law. Child sexual abuse does not necessarily include physical contact between the child and the perpetrator. Instances of abuse can include but are not limited to:

• Exhibitionism
• Intercourse of any kind (vaginal, oral, or anal)
• Taking, owning, or sharing photographs and videos of a sexual nature involving minors
• Obscene phone calls or text messages
• Engaging in sexual activity in front of a child
• Forcing a minor to masturbate
• Fondling
• Sex trafficking
• Other sexual acts or behaviors involving children 

Signs of Sexual Abuse

Noticing signs of child abuse can be vital. In many instances, an abused child may not open up about what is happening to them. The abuser may threaten or convince the child to keep quiet. In some cases, children feel ashamed or think the abuse is their fault. If you notice any of the following symptoms, your child may experience sexual abuse:

Unexplained Changes in Behavior

Any drastic changes in character or behavior should be investigated. A child experiencing abuse might show any of the following changes:

• Withdrawal
• Aggression
• Clinginess
• Difficulty sleeping
• Frequent nightmares
• Bedwetting

Avoiding the Perpetrator 

The child may try to avoid spending time alone with a particular person or seem afraid of them. 

Inappropriate Behavior 

An abused child may behave sexually inappropriately for their age or use obscene language.

Physical Signs

There may be physical signs that your child is experiencing sexual abuse, such as:

• Difficulty walking or sitting
• Soreness in the genital and anal areas
• Sexually transmitted diseases
• Pregnancy

Problems in School

An abused child could have trouble keeping up at school. They may find learning and concentrating difficult and experience a drop in their grades.

Becoming the victim of sexual abuse can affect a child for many years and present a considerable emotional burden. If you or your child suffered from sexual abuse, our attorneys can help you find support and identify your legal options for getting justice. 

How to Report Child Abuse in Big Pine Key, Florida

Reporting child abuse is mandatory in Florida. Anyone who suspects or discovers that a child is subjected to sexual abuse must make a report to the authorities as soon as possible. You can report child abuse in Big Pine Key by calling the 24-hour hotline provided by the Florida Department of Children and Families at 1-800-962-2873. The toll-free number connects you to counselors waiting to help you. You could also file an online report on the department’s website: https://reportabuse.dcf.state.fl.us/. 

Compensation in Child Sex Abuse Cases

The amount of compensation that survivors and their families could receive from a child sex abuse claim varies depending on several factors, such as:

• The type and length of abuse 
• The physical and psychological effects of sexual abuse on the victim
• Expenses such as medical and counseling bills
• Estimated future costs of medical care and psychological treatment

There could be a range of damages available for victims and their families. However, since every case is unique, consider speaking to our child sex abuse attorneys to determine the worth of your claim.

Proving a Child Sex Abuse Case

Child sex abuse cases can be complex, as the perpetrator could be held to account with a criminal and a civil trial. Criminal lawsuits focus on punishing the abuser. A civil case, on the other hand, is initiated by the victim or family to pursue monetary damages. The burden of proof in a civil trial is somewhat lower than in a criminal trial. You and your attorney will have to show a “preponderance” of evidence to hold an abuser to account in a civil lawsuit. Evidence other than the victim’s statement can include: 

Medical Records

Photographs of any injuries and physician or psychologist statements can help an attorney build a solid case against an abuser. Our attorneys can liaise with your medical providers to obtain statements and relevant medical records showing physical injuries from abuse. 

DNA Evidence

Timing is of the essence when collecting DNA evidence. A medical examination is usually necessary to collect DNA immediately after the sexual act. However, DNA could also be present on clothing, underwear, bedding, and elsewhere. While DNA evidence is not available or applicable in every sexual abuse case, it can be a valuable tool to prove abuse. 

The Perpetrator’s Statement

In some cases, a perpetrator can get tripped up by their own lies and contradict prior statements, lending more credibility to the victim’s account. Moreover, some perpetrators admit to the crime when questioned. 

Internet Evidence

Abusers often leave an internet trail of their activities. For example, they may be exchanging illegal pornographic child images or messages and emails with other abusers. Our attorneys can work with professional investigators who can uncover any digital trails left by an abuser, whether on social media or elsewhere on the internet. 

Finding a Child Sex Abuse Attorney in Big Pine Key, FL

Finding an experienced, compassionate, and determined lawyer who fights vigorously for the rights of abuse victims can be crucial. While there are many personal injury lawyers, concentrate on finding an attorney who has experience in handling child sex abuse claims and a successful track record. 

While word-of-mouth can be an excellent way to find an attorney, it is understandable that victims and close family members may not want to talk openly to friends and wider family about what happened. However, you can find suitable attorneys from the privacy of your home, using the internet as a resource. An online search for “child sex abuse lawyers near me” can bring up attorneys’ names and the details of law firms handling child abuse claims. You could also contact the Florida Bar for contact details of attorneys near you.