His clients call Michael Lamonsoff “The Bull” because he never stops fighting for them. Thanks to “The Bull” and his team of top-rated litigators, the Law Offices of Michael S. Lamonsoff, PLLC., is consistently rated as one of the top personal injury law firms in New York City.
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“The key to winning a verdict for survivors of sexual abuse is to understand the psychology of both your client and sexual predator.”
Here are some key aspects of sexual abuse:
- Lack of Consent: Sexual abuse involves engaging in sexual acts without the explicit and voluntary consent of all parties involved. Consent should be informed, enthusiastic, and freely given. Any sexual activity without consent is a violation.
- Power Imbalance: Sexual abuse often occurs in situations where there is a power imbalance between the abuser and the victim. The abuser may exert control, authority, or influence over the victim, making it difficult for them to resist or report the abuse.
- Types of Behavior: Sexual abuse can take many forms, including but not limited to:
- Non-consensual sexual intercourse or penetration
- Fondling or groping without consent
- Forced oral sex
- Sexual exploitation, such as human trafficking or pornography involving non-consenting individuals
- Sexual coercion or manipulation
- Unwanted sexual contact or touching
- Sexual harassment, including unwelcome advances, requests for sexual favors, or creating a hostile environment through sexual comments or gestures
- Impact on Victims: Sexual abuse can have severe and long-lasting effects on the victims' physical, emotional, and psychological well-being. It can lead to feelings of shame, guilt, fear, anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and a range of other psychological and emotional difficulties.
- Reporting and Support: It is essential for victims of sexual abuse to have access to resources and support networks. Reporting the abuse to appropriate authorities, such as law enforcement or helplines, can initiate investigations and potentially hold the abuser accountable. Mental health professionals, counselors, or victim advocates can provide support, counseling, and resources for survivors of sexual abuse.
If you or a loved one has experienced any of the above forms of sexual abuse, please contact us today to schedule your free consultation with one of our expert sexual abuse lawyers.
Institutions Where Sexual Abuse Most Often Occurs
Sexual abuse and sexual assault can unfortunately occur in various types of institutions, where individuals may be particularly vulnerable. Here are some common types of sexual abuse and sexual assault that can occur within institutions:
It is important to recognize that these examples are not exhaustive, and sexual abuse and sexual assault can happen in other institutional settings as well. Addressing and preventing such abuse requires a comprehensive approach, including implementing policies, training staff, creating safe reporting mechanisms, and holding perpetrators accountable.
Steps to Take After Sexual Assault
New York sexual abuse attorney Michael S. Lamonsoff, Esq. recommends five important steps that every sexual assault or sexual abuse survivor should take as soon as they can:
Step # 1: Move to a Safe Place
Depending on your age and the circumstances surrounding the sexual assault incident, your first priority should be to move to a safe place. Survivors often experience shock, get overwhelmed, or go through a temporary sense of de-realization or denial. But as far as possible, the first step should be to calm down, move away from a lonely place, and not wander in isolation in order to avoid the danger of another encounter with the assaulter.
Step # 2: Confide in a Trusted Person
According to attorney Lamonsoff, one of the first coping mechanisms in the aftermath of a sexual assault may be to reach out for support and confide in someone who can be completed trusted. You may want to call a trusted family member or a close friend to seek immediate physical and emotional support.
Step # 3: Seek Timely Medical Attention
It’s best to visit an Emergency Room or a medical center equipped to handle sexual assault related medical cases. A medical professional will examine and treat your physical injuries, and if necessary, they may give you medications or other medical support to keep your relaxed. The hospital may also provide you with a sexual assault forensic exam kit (“rape kit”), which can be used to collect bodily forensic evidence and DNA samples. Seek medical attention as soon as you are able to.
Step # 4: Process the Traumatic Experience
Survivors may often try to avoid processing the traumatic experience they have gone through. But avoidance does not lead to healing. Medical support, professional therapy and counseling, and support groups may be helpful in dealing with the damaging psychological and emotional effects of the incident. Support from trusted family and friends combined with professional support can help in processing and coping with your emotions.
Step # 5: Contact the Law Offices of Attorney Michael S. Lamonsoff, Esq.
Even if you feel you are not prepared to file a police report right away, or you are worried about the social impact (particularly if the sexual offender is someone known to you or is a prominent member of the community), or you fear retaliation (if the assaulter is in a position of authority or power, such as an employer), it is still prudent to seek private, confidential and free legal advice from accomplished sexual abuse lawyer Michael S. Lamonsoff, Esq. in New York.
Mr. Lamonsoff and his legal team will listen to your situation and discuss your best legal options according to your needs. If you are ready to file a police report, Mr. Lamonsoff will help ensure that bodily forensic evidence is collected as soon as possible or is frozen and stored at the medical center for future access.
You will feel empowered when you have the full force of the law behind you and an aggressive yet compassionate attorney Michael S. Lamonsoff, Esq. who will leave no stone unturned to get you justice and the financial compensation you rightfully deserve.
Our results: $16 million verdict against the New York City Board of Education for sexual abuse by a New York City teacher
Damages For Sexual Abuse
New York sexual assault attorney Michael S. Lamonsoff, Esq. is determined to pursue maximum possible financial compensation for every victim of sexual abuse or sexual assault. We will work hard to establish a case for the following damages:
Economic Damages: Medical bills, physical therapy, professional counseling, treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), rehabilitation costs, costs related to full or partial disability, current and future loss of income because of injuries or mental distress, relevant transportation costs, assistive devices, and any other associated financial costs may be a part of economic damages.
Non-economic Damages: Compensation for pain and suffering, mental anguish, and emotional distress occurring as a result of the incidence of sexual abuse or sexual assault. Attorney Lamonsoff will aim to establish damages with medical evidence and third party expert testimonies if needed to obtain the largest possible compensation.
Punitive Damages: If the act of sexual abuse or sexual assault was particularly egregious or heinous in nature, attorney Lamonsoff will also seek to establish a case for punitive damages (exemplary damage) so that the victim is rightfully compensated for the extreme physical and mental trauma they have suffered.
Even though the one-year "lookback" window for filing claims under the Child Victims Act ended on August 14th, 2021, some changes made to the statute of limitations for both criminal and civil cases involving survivors of child sexual abuse were made permanent. It means if someone suffered any kind of sexual criminal act, they can still:
- File a personal injury lawsuit against their abuser(s) or a liable third party (like a church or school) until they are 55 years old. This extension applies to all claims that have not already expired under the old statute of limitations, which was one to five years starting after the survivor turned 18.
- File misdemeanor charges until they are 25 years old, increasing the statute by 5 years.
- Press felony charges on the abuser until they (the victim) are 28 years old. Previously, this statute would expire once the survivor turned 23.
If you're looking to contact a Child Victims Act lawyer in New York City, you can reach out to us to set up a free virtual or telephone consultation.