This year’s national Sexual Assault Awareness Month campaign is themed “I Ask.” According to the National Sexual Violence Resource Center, this theme champions the message that asking for consent is a healthy, normal and a necessary part of everyday interactions.
About Sexual Abuse
Sexual abuse is devastating. This is especially true when abusers take the form of a trusted person like a mentor, teacher, or caregiver. It can take a lifetime to mend the emotional and mental pain after sexual abuse. This is why The Michael Brady Lynch Firm is dedicated to helping victims of sexual abuse receive civil justice. Someone in a position of authority should have protected you, and we will hold him or her accountable.
Sexual Assault Awareness Month
April is Sexual Assault Awareness month. This year’s theme is “I Ask”. This year’s national Sexual Assault Awareness Month campaign is themed “I Ask.” This theme pushes the message that people should ask for consent before engaging in sexual activity. In fact, asking is a healthy and normal part of everyday interactions. This includes kissing, cuddling and any kind of sex. Even if an individual has given consent in the past, the question should still be asked.
Plus, national sexual assault agencies are pushing for adults to recognize warning signs of sexual assault in young children. These behaviors include any sexually transmitted infections, trauma to genitals, inappropriate sexual behavior, bedwetting, and excessive talk about sexual topics. Also, children could regress and use behavior he or she grew out of. This includes thumb sucking, nightmares, fear of being alone at night or excessive worry.
The same warning signs are visible in teens and college-age adults. Some additional ones include weight gain or loss, bruises, STIS, depression, falling grades, changes in self-care or drinking/drug use.
Warning signs for teens include unusual weight gain or loss, unhealthy eating patterns, signs of physical abuse such as bruises, STIs, signs of depression, anxiety, falling grades, changes in self-care, self-harming behavior and drinking or drug use.
Warning signs for college-age adults include signs of depression, self-harming behaviors, low self-esteem, STIs, anxiety or worry, avoiding specific situations or places, falling grades or withdrawing from classes and an increase in drug or alcohol use.
Get Legal Help
Survivors of sexual abuse can file civil suits against perpetrators and other responsible parties, regardless of the outcome or existence of criminal prosecution. Civil lawsuits can help a survivor seek monetary damages. This compensation can never change the abuse suffered but can help rebuild a life.
Also, a civil suit can deter future abuse. This is why it is important if you or a loved one was the victim of sexual abuse to contact The Michael Brady Lynch Firm. We will provide a free consultation and instruct of any avenues available to you for civil litigation.