Fighting Against Sexual Molestation and Abuse
Sexual harassment is unfortunately something that occurs all too often. In the wake of so many verdicts against the perpetrators of sexual abuse and molestation (including recent high-profile cases involving well-known names of rich or powerful people) we might think that such things are a distant memory. We might think that those who commit these acts would be chastened and learn to keep their proclivities in check, if for no other reason than that they may be caught and prosecuted. Sadly that’s not the case.
Whether those who commit this acts feel they are above the law or safe due to a position of authority, sexual molestation, harassment and abuse cases continue find their way onto Orange County court dockets. One notable case in which I took part as sexual molestation attorney involved a minor who was molested by a teacher in a local school district. I’m proud of the fact that I, as part of the team who fought for the victim, secured compensation of $6.8 million. The highest awards and settlements which I list on the Verdicts Page of this website involve sexual molestation. I think that speaks to the severity of these crimes.
Sexual Harassment Defined
Sexual harassment as defined by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission:
It is unlawful to harass a person (an applicant or employee) because of that person’s sex. Harassment can include “sexual harassment” or unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical harassment of a sexual nature.
While some teasing or offhand comments may not meet the standard of harassment, when these become so frequent that it creates a hostile work environment illegal harassment has indeed occurred. Some of the bases for sexual harassment law come from Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 which covers many forms of discrimination in the workplace.
Sexual Molestation or Abuse
By sexual molestation, for the purposes of this discussion, we refer to abuse of a sexual nature committed against a minor. This may include penetration or other bodily contact between the abuser and the victim but it may also include things such as exposing genitalia to a child, having them watch pornography or pressuring them for sex. Abusers in this area tend to be primarily men and the majority are known to their victims. Sexual molestation is considered a type of child abuse. It’s always wrong. It’s illegal and it should be reported. A sexual molestation attorney will fight for justice for these innocent victims.
Resources for Victims of Sexual Abuse
Orange County has a variety of resources for victims of sexual abuse, one of which is the website 211oc.org (with offices in Santa Ana) which lists a number of support groups for victims of abuse, rape and domestic violence among others. Nationally there are hotlines and counselors available to the sexually abused such as those of the RAINN organization. Victims can remain anonymous and RAINN will put them in touch with the closest sexual assault service provider.
Sexual molestation and harassment are crimes and they need to be reported to law enforcement. Without doing so perpetrators will continue to get away with these crimes and not be held accountable. It takes the courage of a victim to make that first, initial effort and let the law take its course
The Role of the Sexual Harassment Attorney
Sexual abusers, once identified, will be prosecuted in a criminal court. For us in Tustin, it’s the Superior Court of Orange County in Santa Ana. However, a conviction in a criminal court, while a victory for victims, does not address the pain and suffering that abuse brings for victims. The abuser may be punished as an individual but when that person is an authority figure, perhaps in the employ of a local Orange County business, that business may need to be held to account for the actions of its employee. In the successful case I referenced above, it was a school district which was ordered to compensate my client. As the employer of the teacher who committed the abuse, they had a responsibility to keep their students safe and they were liable for the pain and suffering of my client.
The hardest thing imaginable is to admit that you have been the victim of sexual abuse by another. I know from personal experience the kind of fortitude my clients needed to finally bring the abuse out into the open. If you have been the victim of sexual harassment in Orange County, or have a loved one who has suffered sexual molestation I urge you to contact the proper authorities to begin the process of justice and—yes—healing. That, in conjunction with abuse support can help victims adjust to life following these types of abuse.
The third step in the pursuit of justice is to contact a sexual molestation or harassment attorney in Orange County like me. Abuse is such a delicate subject that it’s important to work with a lawyer who not only has a successful track record in such cases, but who is also compassionate. Each one of the sexual abuse survivors who walks through the doors of my Tustin office is treated with the empathy and sensitivity these cases require. That’s what you’ll find at Kyle Scott Law. If you or a loved one is a victim of sexual molestation, harassment or other abuse, please pick up that phone and call me. I guarantee you will find understanding, guidance and a relentless pursuit of justice in your case. Call me today at 714-544-1460.