What Are The Types of Sexual Abuse?
Sexual abuse involves non-consensual sexual contact by one person upon another. The term is not limited to a particular sexual act and is commonly used to describe a wide range of sexually abusive behavior – from unwanted touching to sodomy. While anyone can be subjected to sexual abuse – irrespective of their age – the term is particularly used to describe sex crimes committed by adults against minors.
What are the Different Types of Sexual Abuse under New York Law?
The most common non-consensual sexual acts that can be considered sexual abuse under New York law include:
- Touching the sexual or private parts of a person
- Kissing the sexual or private parts of a person
- Fondling or groping a person
- Forcing a person to engage in lewd, degrading, or sexual activities
- Forcing a person to touch their own sexual or private parts
- Forcing a person to touch the abuser’s sexual or private parts
- Forcing a person to watch the abuser masturbate
- Molestation
- Ejaculating on a person
- Rape
- Sodomy
Third Degree Sexual Abuse in New York
Sexual abuse in the third degree involves the touching of private parts of a minor under the age of 17 by an adult. It also applies if a child under the age of five is touched by a person who is over the age of 14.
Second Degree Sexual Abuse in New York
Sexual abuse in the second degree involves the touching of private parts of a person who cannot consent to it – due to intoxication or any other factor – other than their age.
First Degree Sexual Abuse in New York
Sexual abuse in the first degree involves the touching of private parts of a minor under the age of 13 (if the perpetrator is at least 21) or under the age of 11 (regardless of the perpetrator’s age). First degree sexual abuse usually involves the use of force by the perpetrator against the survivor.
Damages You Can Recover in a Sexual Abuse Claim
Under New York law, sexual abuse is considered a criminal as well as civil offense. If you have been sexually abused by someone, you can sue them and recover damages which might include:
- Medical expenses
- Lost earnings
- Reduced earning potential
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress and trauma
- Diminished quality of life
Apart from the perpetrator, you can also sue the parties that enabled or supported the perpetrator’s actions or tried to cover up their actions. Also, you can sue private and public institutions that had the duty and authority to prevent the abuse, but did not do so.
Consult with Our Highly Rated Sexual Abuse Lawyers Today
If you are a victim of sexual abuse, the experienced sexual abuse lawyers at the Law Offices of Michael S. Lamonsoff in New York can help you hold your perpetrator accountable and get the financial compensation you deserve. We will treat you with the dignity and compassion you deserve, offer the emotional support you need, and be on your side during this difficult time.
We have a deep understanding of local, state, and federal laws against sexual abuse and have over 100 years of combined legal experience. We have the resources and experience to fight to get the compensation you are entitled to. Call our law firm today at 212-962-1020 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a free and confidential consultation with a focused and standout New York sexual abuse lawyer who has been through the legal trenches before.