[suffusion-widgets id=’2′]
Victims of sex abuse are often abused by someone they know, such as a teacher, babysitter, sports coach, neighbor, family member, etc. According to the Dru Sjodin National Sex Offender Public Website (NSOPW), a public safety resource partnership between the U.S. Department of Justice and state, territorial and tribal governments, about 60% of sex abuse perpetrators are known to the child, but are not family members. About 30% of the perpetrators are family members, and only about 10% of perpetrators are strangers to the child.
Example – A PA Student Sexually Abused by a Known Teacher
Because the victims know the abusers, they may not come forward due to embarrassment or fear that no one would believe them. Consider the following example. A high school teacher in a Pennsylvania private school is one of the most well liked teachers by students and parents in the school. However, he has been having an inappropriate sexual relationship with one of his students. The teacher tells the student that she must tell no one and even if she does, no one would believe her because everyone likes him. Thus, the girl doesn’t tell anyone and continues to be sexually abused by the teacher.
This example shows how important it is for parents to talk to their children about sexual predators and inform children that sexual predators are often people they know. Further, parents must make sure that their children can tell them anything and that they should not be afraid to come to them for help if they are in trouble.
Sexual Abuse Victims’ Legal Rights
Sex abuse victims have legal rights. They may file a criminal case, as well as a civil case, against the perpetrator. A victim may still file a civil lawsuit even if they do not file a criminal case. In addition, indirect perpetrators, those who did not commit the sexual abuse, but did nothing to prevent or stop the abuse, may also face civil lawsuits.
Using the above example, let’s assume that the girl tells another female teacher, a friend of the male teacher, about the relationship. However, for whatever reason, the female teacher does not believe the student and does not report it. In this case, in addition to filing a civil lawsuit against the teacher, the female student may file a civil case against the school. The female teacher had a mandatory duty under PA law to report the suspected sex abuse. Because she failed to do so, the school is negligent and can be liable for the sex abuse of the female student.
Related: Pennsylvania Child Sex Abuse Reporting Law – Major Changes, Effective December 31, 2014
About Guy D’Andrea, a Philadelphia Crime Victims Lawyer
Guy D’Andrea is a former sex crimes unit prosecutor who now represents PA crime victims, including victims of sex abuse. He has represented numerous sex abuse victims and always has his clients’ best interests in mind. If your child or a loved one was abused by a teacher in Pennsylvania, your child/loved one has legal rights. Call Mr. he for a confidential FREE consultation.
PA (866) 641-0806 | NJ Click To Call | Toll-Free Click To Call
DISCLAIMER: This website does not create any attorney-client relationship or provide legal advice. It is crucial to speak to a qualified lawyer prior to making any decision about your case. Read full disclaimer at the bottom of this page.
