NCJ Number
148649
Date Published
1992
Length
267 pages
Annotation
This is a handbook that guides survivors of childhood sexual abuse in the legal steps necessary to hold their abusers accountable through civil actions.
Abstract
Survivors of childhood sexual abuse often continue to suffer psychologically into adulthood and require costly treatment. Their abusers, on the other hand, continue their lives without disruption, often abusing other children. This handbook instructs survivors of childhood sexual abuse in the law pertinent to their situation. The authors describe how survivors can find and hire attorneys to represent them, including a list of attorneys experienced in this area and a list of screening questions for potential attorneys. Current law that bears upon the plight of the adult survivor of childhood sexual abuse is reviewed. How it affects the survivor, how it should be changed, and how survivors can change it are discussed. One section describes what occurs in a lawsuit and at trial and how the survivor can best maneuver through the process. Other topics addressed are how therapists and lawyers should cooperate in the legal process; where, when, and against whom survivors can sue; and time limits for filing child sexual abuse cases. The book includes definitions of legal terms and case studies of survivors who have brought suits against their abusers. Subject index