Sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment are all violations of a person’s right to bodily autonomy. These are distinct actions, though, and it’s important to know what explanation, abuse, and harassment are. Exploitation generally refers to coercion over vulnerable people, abuse generally refers to physical (sexual) violations of another person, and harassment typically has the effect of humiliating, shaming, and degrading the target.
We have a right to be free from unwanted touching and behaviors that constitute exploitation and harassment—yet perpetrators regularly violate this right. If you or a loved one were targeted by anyone’s sexual misconduct, know that you’re entitled to pursue civil action against liable parties.
Definitions of Sexual Exploitation, Sexual Abuse, and Sexual Harassment
The United Nations Refugee Agency defines sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment:
- Sexual exploitation is “any actual or attempted abuse of a position of vulnerability…for sexual purposes,” which can include coercion of a child, employee, or other individual in exchange for some inducement (such as money, services, or promise of other benefits)
- Sexual abuse is “actual or threatened physical intrusion of a sexual nature,” which may include unwanted touching, penetration, any sexual act with a minor, and other forceful or unwanted conduct of a sexual nature
- Sexual harassment is “any unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature that might reasonably be expected or is perceived to cause offense or humiliation,” with verbal comments, digital correspondence, and several other acts potentially qualifying
Even an offensive remark about a person’s sex or appearance could constitute sexual harassment. If you need further clarification of what each of these categories of sexual misconduct means, an attorney will clarify with more definitions and examples.
Understanding the definition of sexual exploitation, harassment, and abuse can help survivors better understand the specific type of misconduct they were subjected to. You should not stop at understanding these terms. If you are a victim of any type of sexual wrongdoing, hire a sex abuse attorney to hold at-fault and liable parties responsible for the harm they have caused you.
Who May Suffer These Life-Changing Forms of Sexual Misconduct and Violence
Sexual wrongdoing can happen virtually anywhere to virtually anybody. Some of the groups often targeted by sexual abusers, harassers, and exploiters include:
- Those who cannot always fend for themselves: Children, the elderly, the infirm, the disabled, and others who may be unable to fend for themselves are often targets for predators. Sexual misconduct is heinous, and the targeting of such vulnerable populations reinforces that fact.
- Those in subordinate positions: Those who are in positions of power may be more likely to engage in harassment, coercion, and other sexual misconduct. These parties may believe that their power insulates them from repercussions or that the victim will not complain because of some inducement—such as money, influence, a promotion, or another valuable entity. Yet, sexual misconduct is sexual misconduct, regardless of whether the perpetrator provides the survivor with anything of value.
- The financially desperate: Financial exploitation can go hand-in-hand with sexual exploitation. If someone is in a dire financial situation, someone may sexually prey on them. Remember that even if someone receives money or another asset, they can still be exploited.
- Anyone who others desire or wish to humiliate: Humiliation is often a direct result of sexual harassment, whether or not that is the harasser’s intention. If someone wishes to humiliate another person, they might harass them. Exploitation, harassment, and abuse can also be the product of someone’s desire for another—and their failure to respect boundaries and control themselves.
- Females: While males can also suffer from unwanted sexual advances of all kinds, females are six times more likely than males to become victims of sexual assault. Sex abuse attorneys help all victims of sexual wrongdoing regardless of gender, but the fact is that females face a heightened risk of sexual crime and non-criminal wrongdoing.
People of all ages, genders, and circumstances can become victims of sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment. You might be one of those victims.
Are These Criminal Offenses?
Financial exploitation, harassment, and abuse can be criminal offenses. Abuse tends to be criminal. Whether harassment or exploitation rises to the level of a criminal offense varies case by case.
Whether or not these are criminal behaviors, they are each grounds for civil action. If you have been victimized by any type of sexual wrongdoing, speak with a sexual abuse and assault attorney about how you may get justice for the harm the perpetrator has caused you.
You Can Get Justice for Sexual Exploitation, Abuse, or Harassment Through the Civil Justice System
The civil justice system allows those affected by sexual wrongdoing to get justice—regardless of whether the perpetrator faces criminal penalties. Some of the benefits of taking civil action are:
- You seek compensation for your damages: When someone faces criminal charges for a sexual offense, the focus is often on the perpetrator’s behavior. While the person they hurt is relevant, criminal penalties may not do much to directly benefit the survivor. When you file a lawsuit, the suit is centered on the damages you’ve suffered and the remedies necessary to address those damages.
- You can hold the perpetrator and other liable parties directly responsible for the harm they’ve caused: Civil courts provide a way to impose accountability on those who have done you harm. You might target the perpetrator, those who facilitated or failed to stop the mistreatment, or other liable parties.
- There is a lower standard of evidence: Civil trials require a lesser burden of proof than criminal trials. Your sex abuse attorney will only need to prove that it’s more likely than not that the liable parties have caused you harm (rather than having to prove this beyond a reasonable doubt). This fact means it is more likely for survivors like you to get justice by suing.
- You may get some closure, regardless of how the criminal justice process unfolds: Many survivors of sexual wrongdoing need to get some sense of finality and closure. While certain symptoms and damages may persist after your case is complete, you may find solace in knowing that justice has been served.
All you have to do is trust in an attorney. There are many sex abuse lawyers whose passion and focus are helping survivors of sexual abuse, exploitation, and assault. Find one serving your area and allow them to be your advocate.
All Survivors of Sexual Misconduct Should Hire an Attorney—Right Away
Hiring a lawyer is not a step you should wait to take. Those affected by sexual violence and other sexual misconduct should hire a trusted sex abuse lawyer right away because:
- Lawsuits have deadlines: There are generally statutes of limitations for civil cases. Cases that involve sexual wrongdoing are not an exception. You should hire your lawyer right away to ensure you don’t miss these deadlines, which can make or break your ability to sue.
- Perpetrators and liable parties may try to dispose of evidence of their wrongdoing: Some perpetrators wrongly assume they will get away with harassment, abuse, or exploitation. If those parties come to believe they can face criminal or civil penalties for their wrongdoing, they may dispose of or destroy evidence of their wrongdoing. An attorney can take legal action that compels liable parties to preserve any relevant evidence.
- An attorney will protect you right away: Survivors of sexual wrongdoing often get little compassion from those they are seeking compensation from. Quite the contrary, liable parties may pressure you to settle, besmirch your name and character, file a counter lawsuit, and take other actions meant to undermine your case. Your lawyer will immediately protect you from any threats to your case.
- You surely want to move on from your case as soon as possible. There is nothing pleasant about your type of case. These are painful subjects. While you should absolutely seek justice, lawyers know that clients want justice done as soon as possible.
When it’s time to hold parties accountable for sexual wrongdoing, there is no reason to wait. In fact, waiting can diminish your case and reduce the likelihood that your lawyer can hold the perpetrators accountable.
Free Consultations Make It Easy and Risk-Free to Find an Attorney
Attorneys do not expect you to hire them sight unseen. You need to be comfortable with the lawyer and firm leading your case—and the sensitive details involved in that case.
Use free consultations to your advantage. These are:
- Fairly standard offerings across the landscape of sexual abuse and assault attorneys
- The chance for you to learn more about law firms and attorneys and for them to learn more about you and your case
- Great opportunities to figure out which lawyer and firm is the best fit for your case
Consultations are often conducted via phone call, though some firms might have in-person consultations or video conferences. Many firms will complete the consultation in the manner the prospective client prefers.
What a Lawyer Will Do for You (or a Loved One Who Suffered Abuse, Harassment, or Exploitation)
Each civil case is independent. The strategy your lawyer used in a similar case may not be the right strategy for your case. This is why you can expect highly personalized representation from your legal team.
There are several similarities across sexual misconduct cases, though, and your lawyer will:
Secure Evidence to Prove the Exploitation, Abuse, or Wrongdoing
If only courts and liable parties took survivors’ word as truth (as you know it is), your case would be much simpler. This is not how the justice system works. Your attorney will need to prove the fact that you were exploited, abused, or harassed, and may do so with:
- Your account of the sexual wrongdoing
- Eyewitnesses’ statements affirming your account(s)
- Expert testimony about the likelihood that you were victimized
- Medical evaluations
- Mental health evaluations
- Police reports
- Documentation from any relevant criminal proceedings
Your attorney will secure this and all other relevant evidence right away.
Detail Every Damage You’ve Suffered
Sexual abuse and assault lawyers have a unique skill. They can gather documentation related to their clients’ damages without disturbing, triggering, or even making their clients uncomfortable.
You might need to explain what happened to your lawyer. Expect compassion and empathy from your legal team, and to give your statement on your terms. Your lawyer will handle the rest, from securing police reports to hiring experts and pulling relevant medical records.
Calculate Your Case Value
Calculating the cost of sexual wrongdoing can be a complex task. Your legal team will need to determine the exact cost of several non-economic damages, possibly including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), emotional anguish, and lost quality of life.
You might not have fully healed yet. This can mean your sex abuse lawyer needs to project future financial losses stemming from the mistreatment. Attorneys are well-experienced in calculating case values, so you can trust that your lawyer will calculate your losses accurately.
Fight for a Settlement
The majority of civil lawsuits settle. You should not be wary of a settlement, as this can be the most efficient way to resolve your case. Settling does not mean you’ll receive any less compensation than you deserve—it can mean you get all the compensation you deserve.
Fight for Justice Via Lawsuit and Trial (If This Is the Right Course for Your Case)
Those who are liable for sexual wrongdoing, including perpetrators, are not always accountable. Your lawyer will initiate legal action and even go to trial on your behalf if these are the right strategies for your case.
Damages for Victims of Sexual Misconduct
You may have suffered (and possibly continue to suffer) several damages because of the person who exploited, harassed, or abused you. Those damages may include:
- Mental health services
- Medical costs
- Pain and suffering
- Lost income
Each survivor has a story. Your lawyer will listen to your story, ask the right questions, and immediately begin fighting for the justice you deserve.
Do Not Wait a Second Longer to Find Your Attorney
Consider client reviews, the firm’s longevity, and case results—and make sure the firm has experience representing survivors like you. Call a compassionate and focused sex abuse attorney today to lead your case.