Sex Abuse

Child, Teen or Adult Victims

Despite increased awareness, sex abuse remains a serious national problem. Nearly one million children are victims of abuse each year, and about 120,000 are victims of sexual abuse. The vast majority of those cases go unreported. Adults can also be the victims of sex abuse in situations involving rape perpetrated by a stranger, relative, or acquaintance.  Abuse can also occur through coercion or exploitation by a boss or employer, teacher, spouse, counselor, doctor, chiropractor, therapist, psychotherapist, psychologist or psychiatrist. On college campuses, rape or date rape have been known to occur at parties, some of which are sponsored by a fraternity, sorority or other campus organization. Date rape can affect people of many ages. 

Organization Defendants

Sex abuse or molestation sometimes is caused by persons in positions of trust: caregivers, day care workers, teachers, baby-sitters, youth counselors, bus drivers, a boss or employer, pastors, priests, ministers, bishops, elders, clergy, preachers, choir directors, or other members of the church. In instances of abuse by those who work for organizations, such as a company, school, church, fitness center or health club, the organization can be held liable in certain circumstances.  Generally, the organization can be liable if its managers or staff:

• were aware of the abuse and took no action;
• failed to conduct a background check; or
• failed to adequately supervise someone whom they knew had a history of sexual misconduct. 

State of Oregon DHS

In some instances, the Oregon Department of Human Services through its child protective services workers or foster parents fail to protect a foster child or other children in their care from child abuse or sex abuse. There also may be a failure to report or investigate child abuse.

The Oregonian newspaper reported on September 3, 2009, that the Oregon DHS would establish a team of outside experts to examine whether Oregon adequately investigates foster parents and complaints of sex abuse of children. The team is expected to report back within 90 days. In 2008, there were approximately 83 children abused in state-certified family foster homes in Oregon. Lawyers with Vangelisti Kocher LLP have handled cases involving sexual and physical abuse of children while in foster care.  The firm is currently accepting new cases in this area.

Remedies

The law cannot undo all of the effects of sex abuse. Victims may, however, be able to take control by exercising their legal rights. In the case of a minor child or minor children, the most important step is to remove the child from further risk of abuse or molestation. If the victim is being abused by a spouse or partner, he or she may obtain a restraining order against the abuser.

A victim may have a secondary goal of obtaining compensation from the abuser or those who allowed the abuser to cause harm. Compensation can be used to obtain counseling to begin to heal the psychological injuries caused by sex abuse. A victim may also seek punitive damages to punish the wrongdoer and deter others from sex abuse.

If you or your loved one has been subject to sex abuse, rape or molestation, it is important to have an Oregon attorney evaluate any personal injury claim you or your loved one may have for the sexual abuse, rape or molestation. The law provides strict deadlines for bringing personal injury claims for sex abuse, rape or molestation. It is critical that you contact an Oregon lawyer or Portland lawyer if you think that you may have a claim. A Portland personal injury lawyer at Vangelisti Kocher LLP can provide you a free, confidential consultation to discuss you or your loved one's injuries and legal rights.

Washington law provides similarly strict statutes of limitations and deadlines.  A Washington injury attorney or Washington accident attorney at Vangelisti Kocher LLP can provide you a free consultation to discuss your legal rights.  

Choosing a Lawyer

It can be difficult to choose a lawyer for an abuse case.  We encourage you to review the credentials of our attorneys and the experts with whom we consult to prepare complex cases.  Make a list of questions that you have about the process.  And, contact us to learn more.