According to the American Psychological Association, sexual abuse is unwanted sexual activity, with perpetrators using force, making threats or taking advantage of victims not able to give consent. Sexual abuse can also be referred to as molestation, rape and sexual assault. It involves behavior that is sexual in nature, unwanted, unwelcomed and forced upon one person by an attacker or assailant. Typically, when the abuse occurs as an isolated incident or one that occurs randomly or infrequently, the incident is classified as sexual assault. When the abuse is prolonged, predatory, ongoing and repetitive in nature, the classification is sexual abuse or molestation. The person who is being abused is known as the victim, while the person who inflicts the abuse, is known as the perpetrator, offender or molester.
Additional Sexual Abuse Statistics
- Nearly 91% of sexual assaults are perpetrated against women with 9% being perpetrated against men.
- Roughly 1 in 10 women report being raped by a close or intimate partner at some point during the relationship.
- Nearly 8 out of every 10 rape cases are reportedly carried out by a person the victim knew and is presumably comfortable around.
- It is estimated that 1 in 45 men were forced to penetrate a partner.
- 8% of incidents take place while a victim is at work.
- Approximately one-third of sexual assault victims who reported the occurrences before the age of 18 were attacked again during adulthood.
Sexual abuse spans all demographics, and can happen at any time.
Sexual abuse is not limited to the stereotype of older perpetrators preying on younger victims. Abusers can be the same age, older or even younger than the victim. It is estimated that 1 in 5 women and 1 in 71 men will be sexually assaulted at some point during the average lifetime.
Sexual Abuse
According to the American Psychological Association, sexual abuse is unwanted sexual activity, with perpetrators using force, making threats or taking advantage of victims not able to give consent. Sexual abuse can also be referred to as molestation, rape and sexual assault. It involves behavior that is sexual in nature, unwanted, unwelcomed and forced upon one person by an attacker or assailant. Typically, when the abuse occurs as an isolated incident or one that occurs randomly or infrequently, the incident is classified as sexual assault. When the abuse is prolonged, predatory, ongoing and repetitive in nature, the classification is sexual abuse or molestation. The person who is being abused is known as the victim, while the person who inflicts the abuse, is known as the perpetrator, offender or molester.
Sexual abuse spans all demographics, and can happen at any time.
Sexual abuse is not limited to the stereotype of older perpetrators preying on younger victims. Abusers can be the same age, older or even younger than the victim. It is estimated that 1 in 5 women and 1 in 71 men will be sexually assaulted at some point during the average lifetime.
Additional Sexual Abuse Statistics
- Nearly 91% of sexual assaults are perpetrated against women with 9% being perpetrated against men.
- Roughly 1 in 10 women report being raped by a close or intimate partner at some point during the relationship.
- Nearly 8 out of every 10 rape cases are reportedly carried out by a person the victim knew and is presumably comfortable around.
- It is estimated that 1 in 45 men were forced to penetrate a partner.
- 8% of incidents take place while a victim is at work.
- Approximately one-third of sexual assault victims who reported the occurrences before the age of 18 were attacked again during adulthood.
Work with Pennsylvania’s Experienced Sexual Abuse Lawyers
Work with Pennsylvania’s Experienced Sexual Abuse Lawyers
Types of Sexual Abuse
There are several categories of sexual abuse
There are various categories of sexual abuse, ranging from sexual harassment to physical abuse. Understanding the type of abuse a victim has suffered involves having a firm grasp on the various categories of abuse. While the following list may be extensive, it is by no means inclusive. It is important to note that abuse or sexual harassment occurs anytime a victim is made to feel uncomfortable or ashamed because of the actions and behavior of the abuser.
- Rape: Rape occurs when there is a forced sexual intercourse against the victim’s will. This can happen to female and male victims, and the abuser can be either male or female.
- Molestation: Molestation occurs when there are unwanted, unwelcome and annoying sexual advances toward another person. The victim as well as the abuser can be a child or an adult.
- Child Molestation: Child molestation occurs under the exact circumstances as molestation, except the victim is under 18 years of age. This also extends to abuse that is verbal and/or emotional.
- Forcible Sodomy: Forcible sodomy involves any forced penetration, either anal or oral, without consent and against a victim’s will.
- Marital Rape or Intimate Rape: Marital rape/intimate rape is a type of assault that occurs between husband and wife (or ex-husband and ex-wife).
- Sexual Harassment: Sexual harassment consists of any unwelcome advances, requests for sexual favors, promises of work-related rewards in exchange for favors or any other physical, emotional and verbal harassment deemed sexual in nature.
- Acquaintance Rape: Acquaintance rape can happen in any relationship and is often perpetrated by someone the victim knows and trusts. This is the most common form of sexual assault, responsible for more than 80% of all rapes.
- Drug-Assisted Sexual Assaults: Drug-assisted sexual assaults occur in social settings where ‘date rape’ drugs such as Rohypnols, GHB, or Ketamine are secretly laced into a victim’s beverage.
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Why Hire Anzalone & Doyle Trial Lawyers?
- We care about our clients and put their needs above our own.
- We are effective both in negotiations and during trial.
- We have secured a $1.5 Million settlement for a sexual abuse victim, demonstrating our commitment to fighting for survivors of these traumatic crimes.
- We are Board Certified in Civil Trial Law by the National Board of Trial Advocacy (NBTA) – an honor held by only 3% of attorneys in the country. This certification requires rigorous qualifications and passing a comprehensive 6-hour examination.
- Our team includes members of the American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA), having secured over 20 verdicts and meeting rigorous qualifications for trial advocacy excellence.
- We are members of both the Million Dollar Advocates Forum and Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum – membership limited to attorneys who have won million and multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements. Fewer than 1% of U.S. lawyers are members.
- Our attorneys have been selected as Pennsylvania Super Lawyers multiple consecutive years, a rating service recognizing outstanding lawyers who have attained a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement.
- We have been named among America’s Top 100 Attorneys through an invitation-only, multi-phase selection process evaluating professional experience, achievements, and significant results.
- Our attorneys have been recognized by the National Academy of Personal Injury Attorneys as Top 10 Attorneys Under 40 in Pennsylvania and by the American Institute of Personal Injury Attorneys as 10 Best Attorneys Under 40 in Pennsylvania.
- We are admitted to practice before the United States Supreme Court, Pennsylvania Supreme Court, and Federal District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania.
- We have been recognized for our work with national and local awards.
Long after the physical injuries of an assault heal, victims are often left with emotional injuries that are slower to heal. In many cases, these emotional injuries follow the victims around indefinitely.
Long after the physical injuries of an assault heal, victims are often left with emotional injuries that are slower to heal. In many cases, these emotional injuries follow the victims around indefinitely.
Sexual Assault Injures
Long after the physical injuries of an assault heal, victims are often left with emotional injuries that are slower to heal. In many cases, these emotional injuries follow the victims around indefinitely.
Common physical injuries of sexual assault include:
- STDs (sexually transmitted diseases)
- Chronic pain from forceful injuries
- Frequent migraines or other frequent headaches
- Gastrointestinal disorders
- Issues with conception and/or carrying a child full-term as well as other gynecological complications
- Internal and external genital injuries
Common psychological injuries include:
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Depression often with thoughts of suicide
- Anxiety, guilt, and shame
- Sleep disorders and flashbacks
- An overall emotional detachment from loved ones
- Lowered self-esteem and self-isolation
- Avoidance of intimacy including sexual intercourse
Places Where Sexual Abuse Occurs
Since incidents of sexual assaults are so abhorrent, it’s easy to see why many would believe such acts could only take place in dark, secretive hideouts. However, the reality is much different and incidents occur anywhere and at any time. In many cases, assaults occur in the places people have been taught to respect most.
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- Schools: Children (under 18 years old) can be very easily manipulated and abused by a trusted teacher, faculty member or even another student.
- Workplace: Sexual harassment is common, where a co-worker may say and do inappropriate things or a boss may promise rewards in exchange for sexual favors.
- Churches/Religious institutions: People tend to trust religious and authoritative figures and this trust often turns to an abuse of power by the perpetrator.
- Doctor or therapist’s office: Another place where people are vulnerable and looking for guidance. Many times this trust is violated by health care and mental health care professionals.
- Residential care facilities: For the elderly and those with special needs, patients and family members look to caretakers for care and comfort, not pain and abuse.
- Foster care homes and youth group homes: Intended to be safe havens, yet trusted caretakers sometimes prey on children’s weaknesses and vulnerabilities.
- Nursing homes: Many nursing homes are charged each year with abusing patients both physically and emotionally.
- A trusted friend/relative or neighbor’s home: Sometimes that trust is breached and exploited when the trusted caretaker uses the opportunity to abuse an unsuspecting child.
Places Where Sexual Abuse Occurs
Since incidents of sexual assaults are so abhorrent, it’s easy to see why many would believe such acts could only take place in dark, secretive hideouts. However, the reality is much different and incidents occur anywhere and at any time. In many cases, assaults occur in the places people have been taught to respect most.
What to do if You Suspect You or Someone You Love is Being Sexually Abused
There are many stigmas that are attached to sexual assaults. Often, the victim feels shame for the attack and believes there is some self-blame or responsibility for the assault. This shame can affect and alter intimate or personal relationships as well as platonic and work relationships. Experts understand that these types of assault are not the victim’s fault, but the fault of the attacker. There is help and hope available to the victims and the families of the victims.
Being the victim of an assault can be devastating to the victim and the victim’s loved ones; however, there is hope and help available. Don’t hesitate to ask for help at the hospital or police station. There are dedicated survivor groups trained to specifically help victims make sense of the attack and move on in the healthiest way possible.
The following steps may be helpful for victims of abuse:
- Immediately seek a safe shelter far away from the attacker (hospital, police station or anywhere where trusted adults may be).
- Call 911 or contact proper authorities immediately.
- Call a trusted family member or friend to talk with or comfort you following the assault.
- Be sure to seek medical attention immediately to be examined and screened for potential sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) or pregnancy.
- Even though it may be instinct, do NOT comb your hair or clean any part of your body following the assault. Police will be collecting evidence including hairs, fibers, and bodily fluid samples.
Helpful Resources:
- National Domestic Violence Hotline: 800-799-SAFE (7233) or 800-787-3224 (TDD)
- National Sexual Assault Hotline: 800-656-HOPE (4673)
Quick Tips to Help Lower Your Risk of an Attack
- Always be aware of your surroundings. Notice where groups of people are or where possible emergency exit points may be located.
- Avoid using headphones or earbuds that may drown out important environmental sounds while walking and/or jogging.
- Walk confidently and briskly to your destination and try to avoid walking alone at night or in dimly lit areas.
- When in social settings including dates and parties, know your limits when it comes to alcohol use, and refrain from all illicit drug use.
- Lock all of your doors and windows regardless of how quickly you will be returning.
- Always trust your initial instinct. If you feel like you may be in danger, flee the area as soon as possible.
- Keep your keys handy and utilize your car’s ‘panic’ button, if possible. Also attach a whistle and/or pepper spray to your key ring.
When you choose Anzalone & Doyle Trial Lawyers for your sexual abuse case, you’re choosing a firm with nationally recognized credentials and a compassionate approach to representing survivors. Our attorneys’ Board Certification in Civil Trial Law from the National Board of Trial Advocacy, membership in the American Board of Trial Advocates, recognition as Pennsylvania Super Lawyers, selection to America’s Top 100 Attorneys, and induction into both the Million Dollar Advocates Forum and Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum demonstrate our commitment to achieving justice for victims of sexual abuse while treating each client with dignity and respect throughout the legal process.
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