Damage Caused by Child Sexual Abuse

At Robinson Mahoney we know that each person’s experience of being sexually abused as a child is unique to them. Child sexual abuse does not always come in the same form and the damage that is caused is varied. Each survivor has their own story to tell. As Fairfield Child Sexual Abuse Lawyers, it is our job is to tell each person’s own story.

We know that approximately one out of five girls and one out of thirteen boys will be sexually abused by the time they turn 18 years old. We also know that 90% of the time, the perpetrator is someone known to the child and that roughly one third of abuse is committed by a family member of the child.

As Fairfield Child Sexual Abuse Lawyers, we know that the abuse causes physical and emotional injury. The trauma can damage the child’s brain, causing disrupted neurodevelopment. Or it can cause psychiatric damage resulting in Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Prompt treatment can greatly reduce the damage on the life of the survivor but unfortunately, due to non-disclosure, that early treatment is not often possible.

Again, every case is different but there are common symptoms seen in many survivors. Struggles with drugs and alcohol as the person tries to mask the pain. Increased risk of suicide. Depression and anxiety. Self-blame. Criminal behavior. Broken marriages and relationships. An inability to trust others. Struggles in school and at work.

After decades of representing survivors, we understand how awful it can be. It is our job as Fairfield Child Sexual Abuse lawyers to tell the story of each survivor. For those clients who have received treatment for their abuse, we work with your mental health care provider to use them as experts to explain the ways you have been harmed and what your prognosis is going forward. For those who have not received treatment, but are willing to start now, we try to find someone who will be a good fit for you to help you reduce your pain. For those who do not believe treatment is necessary, we will have you seen by a doctor on just one or two occasions so that person can then offer opinions on the damage that has been caused.

Child sexual abuse harms not only the survivor but the family and friends of the survivor. When they learn about the abuse parents may feel guilty that they did not do more to protect their child; or they may feel guilty that they did not figure it out sooner. The spouse of the survivor may have to deal with angry outbursts or intimacy issues. Marriages can fail. Friendships can be lost due to trust issues.

The ultimate question that needs to be asked is, how would this person’s life have been different if they had not been abused? Would they be in a different career? Would they have attended different schools? Would they be involved in a healthy, happy relationship?

If we represent you in a claim for childhood sexual abuse, we will determine what is the best way to tell your story. Feel free to reach out to us when you are ready for it to be told.