Numerous news reports regarding sexual abuse allegations evidence a disturbing societal cancer that victimizes the most vulnerable. Sexual predators and pedophiles have been exposed in a variety of locales, entities and organizations - clergy, schools, youth groups, and workplaces, to name a few. These incidents often have a devastating effect on victims, with adverse effects on mental health, social and family relationships, and employment.

The sexual abuse litigation attorneys at Swartz & Swartz, P.C. have extensive experience with such claims, having served on the Steering Committee for Sexual Abuse Litigation in the cases against the Archdiocese of Boston, which achieved a landmark $85 million settlement in 2003.

Victims of sexual abuse often are not aware that they are eligible to seek compensation for the abuse and suffering they have endured. Sexual predators may threaten and frighten their victims, using their positions of power and authority to protect themselves and convince victims to remain silent. These cases may involve different types of sexual predatory practices, from opportunistic, to sadistic or vindictive.

Although sexual abuse is manifested in many different circumstances, and affects people of both genders and of all ages, some important initial questions include:

1. Is the victim old enough to consent? Each state sets an “age of consent”, the minimum age at which a person can have consensual sexual relations. Children who do not meet the age of consent requirement cannot acquiesce in or agree to a sexual relationship, which is legally considered to be statutory rape.
2. Does the victim have the capacity to consent? States also define limitations on consent, delineating qualifications one must have including the requisite mental and legal capacity. Those with diminished capacity cannot legally agree to have sex..
3. Did both participants agree to take part? Did the alleged predator exert physical force and/or psychological manipulation in order perpetrate sexual abuse? Any such force, in the form of a threat or other pressure, constitutes rape.

If you or your family has been victimized by an incident or incidents involving sexual abuse, please contact us. We are here to answer your questions and discuss how you can protect your legal rights. To learn more about what we can do for you, arrange a confidential appointment with one of the sexual abuse litigators in our Boston office by calling (617) 742-1900, or toll-free at 1-800-545-3732.

Swartz & Swartz, P.C. - Dedicated Trial Lawyers - Unsurpassed Results

10 Marshall Street
Boston, Massachusetts 02108
Call Toll-Free: 1-800-545-3732 or in Boston: (617) 742-1900