Child Sexual Abuse

What is Sexual Abuse?

Sexual abuse refers to any non-consensual act involving sexual contact, whether it includes clothes or not. This covers acts where consent is not provided, where coercion is applied, or where the individual is incapacitated or underage. Importantly, definitions of sexual abuse may vary across different states in the United States.

One critical consideration is that consent can be revoked at any moment, even during an ongoing act. Since 1993, this principle has been recognized in state laws nationwide. Additionally, all 50 U.S. states and the District of Columbia have criminalized marital rape. While the majority of sexual assault victims include women and minor or adolescent boys and girls, men can also become victims of these egregious acts. If you or someone you know has experienced sexual abuse, seeking support from an experienced Erie criminal lawyer at Logue Law Group can help.

Forcible Rape

Forcible rape refers to situations where an individual is compelled to participate in sexual acts through physical force or coercion.

• Around 20% of women experience forcible rape at some point in their lives.
• Over 80% of victims are typically aged 25 years or younger when the crime occurs.
• Alarmingly, only about 20% of these cases are formally reported.

More often than not, the perpetrator is someone the victim knows, which might include a current or former intimate partner, dating partner, spouse, or even a stranger.

Child Sexual Abuse

Child sexual abuse happens when a minor is forced, pressured, or deceived by an adolescent or adult into engaging in sexual acts meant for the perpetrator’s sexual satisfaction. Different forms of child sexual abuse include:

• Forcible rape
• Manipulation through psychological pressure to coerce a child into sexual activities
• Indecent exposure, where a child is exposed to inappropriate behaviors
• Displaying pornographic content to a minor
• Participating in sexual activities or producing sexually explicit materials involving a child, also known as child pornography

The effects of child sexual abuse are often severe and long-lasting, leading to conditions such as anxiety disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and depression. A significant number of these cases involve perpetrators who are members of the victim’s family or social circle. Others may occur in trusted environments, such as religious or social organizations, led by authority figures like camp leaders, scout leaders, or clergy members.

Legal Representation for Victims

At Logue Law Group, our compassionate Erie DUI attorney ensures justice for abuse victims. For example, our attorneys have successfully represented 525 survivors of sexual abuse that occurred during their time in scouting programs.

Groping

Groping involves the non-consensual touching or fondling of another person’s body, either beneath or through clothing, causing significant distress or harm.

Female victims often report inappropriate touching of their breasts, buttocks, inner thighs, or genitals, while male victims may endure violations involving their penis, testicles, or buttocks. There are also instances of perpetrators pressing or rubbing their own bodies against their victims during these actions.

If you have experienced such violations, contacting an experienced attorney, like an Erie criminal lawyer with Logue Law Group, can ensure justice is pursued in a way that brings closure and accountability.

About Logue Law Group

At Logue Law Group, we understand how daunting it can be to face these experiences. Our highly experienced and compassionate attorneys are here to listen, advise, and stand beside you throughout your case. If you’re seeking support and legal representation from a knowledgeable Erie DUI attorney, we’re ready to help.

Take the first step toward healing and justice. Contact 844.PITT.DUI Logue Law Group today to set up a consultation.