The scars of childhood sexual abuse can run deep, perpetuating a cycle of shame, guilt and silence. If a loved one struggles with such a harrowing experience, your voice can make all the difference in their path to recovery. There is a legal approach to help them shift the narrative and seek justice for their pain.
Legal action may help survivors on their healing journey
New Jersey law empowers survivors of childhood sexual abuse to seek justice through civil litigation until age 55, or within seven years of realizing the full impact of the abuse on their lives. This legal action can aid your loved one in many ways, such as:
- Holding abusers and negligent institutions (schools, churches, etc.) responsible
- Gaining closure and validation
- Accessing funds for therapy and recovery
- Preventing future abuse by exposing perpetrators
- Inspiring other survivors to come forward
- Obtaining potential financial compensation for damages suffered
The law provides certain protections for survivors of childhood sexual abuse who choose to come forward. For example, survivors can use pseudonyms in court to protect their identities. This ensures that their privacy and dignity remain intact. Courts may also allow testimony via video to reduce trauma.
If your loved one decides to sue their abuser, it is vital that they work side-by-side with an experienced attorney in New Jersey. Survivors deserve a lawyer who is compassionate and understanding throughout the process yet assertive and determined when litigating against an abuser.
Let them know they are not alone and their story matters
Your role in supporting a survivor of childhood sexual abuse, be it a loved one or a non-relative, is crucial. Encourage them to get professional help for their mental health and legal options. Listen without judgment, believe their story and reassure them that the abuse was not their fault.
The pursuit of justice is not about seeking monetary payments. No amount of money can compensate for the trauma that a survivor has endured or continues to endure. This legal remedy is more about empowering survivors to reclaim their lives and break the silence that has held them captive for too long.