While sexual abuse cases involve various categories of plaintiffs (child or adult, male or female), defendants (individual or institutional, professional or non-professional), claims and damages, these cases are generally distinct from sexual harassment litigation. Sexual harassment usually occurs within the employment context and involves disparities of power that are primarily economic or job-related in origin. Sexual abuse, on the other hand, is a form of exploitation that occurs within a trust relationship, where the victim trusts the perpetrator because of his or her status, the respective roles they play, and the power imbalance inherent in their relationship. Often, the sexual abuse victim is, by virtue of the relationship or his or her emotional condition, less powerful or even completely powerless in relation to the perpetrator.

In assessing whether to go forward with claims arising out of sexual abuse, it is important to understand and evaluate the special nature of the claims and case, as well as the problems inherent in the kinds of damage involved.  

The sexual abuse plaintiff is a client with special needs.  For these reasons, the attorney who undertakes to represent victims of sexual abuse must be aware and mindful of the boundaries between attorney and client, and scrupulous in maintaining proper boundaries.  At the Law Office of Harold D. Thompson we respect a victims boundaries while aggressively pursuing justice on behalf of our clients.

If you or someone you know has been a victim of sexual abuse please contact our office today for a free case evaluation.