As in all states, the issues involving sex abuse, sexual battery and molestation affect many people. Florida with its diverse tourist, student and resident populations has these injuries and crimes occur far too regularly. In Hillsborough County these incidents require prosecution and defenses, both criminally and in civil litigation.
Sexual battery is the term most often used in cases involving sexual abuse and molestation. These crimes and injuries are prevalent in the United States. There is another kind of injury, that arising from false accusations, unfortunately. Sexual abuse and molestation are assaults under the law and are dealt with as assault crimes as well as torts in civil litigation cases. Because of the nature of these acts and the charges they bring, there is great emotional damage in its wake, especially for victims. Civil damages, when possible to attain, can mitigate and make whole the wrongs that have been done for victims and their loved ones.
Even locally there are incidents of abuse and molestation that are quite surprising. One of these incidents has included a child under the age of 10 molesting another child. It was perpetrated by a relative under the age of 10 years old. In another case reported in local Tampa area involved a step father who improperly interacted with his step daughter. Cases abound like these and are devastating to the victim and the molester for obvious reasons. The statistics are enlightening. The victim must be protected and made whole from the incident, which can sometimes take years. Civil damages, in addition to criminal charges, can help the victim put their life back together.
In cases that involve false accusations it harms everyone, especially the person falsely accused. The insinuation that one has committed a crime of this nature may never be fully remedied. When one is falsely accused one can be damaged as severely as any other victim of a crime. The causes of a false accusation can arise from an accuser's uncontrolled fears, their retaliation for some act or non action plus a myriad of other reasons. These may be the basis and cause to bring civil proceedings in recovering from the emotional and mental damage and injury to ones reputation and career.
In regards to the signs of molestation and sexual abuse they can manifest as a change in a child's behavior, such as fearfulness, mood swings and withdrawal, to name only a few. There is a large list of warning signs and behaviors that professional assistance through a trained therapist can determine. These signs may have other explanations and need to be carefully dealt with. Seek professional assistance if you suspect something has occurred. Once determined there may be enough evidence to bring criminal charges.
Sometimes there is only the possibility of bringing justice through a civil action. This is when you need to consult qualified lawyers who are knowledgeable in these areas of the law. The Tampa injury lawyers can assess the recovery possibilities, then help restore and repair damage that has occurred for you or a loved one. There are specific time limitations for filing civil actions regarding accidents and injuries.
Michael R. Herron Esq. is a Former Prosecutor, a Gulf War Veteran and an Experienced Trial Attorney who practices Personal Injury Law and Motor Vehicle Accident Law in the Tampa, Florida area. He has handled in excess of 5,000 cases, 60+ Jury Trials, and 250+ Judge Trials. Michael can be reached at http://www.injurytampa.com.
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