On average, about 1 in every 7 women will be the victim of sexual assault in their lifetime. We pray that this never happens to you or your loved ones. However, it is a possibility that we have to face. Although most sexual assaults in Arizona go unreported, the statistics are still staggering.
According to the Arizona Coalition to End Sexual and Domestic Violence, 1 in 3 women and 1 in 7 men will receive unwanted sexual attention at some point in their lives. This means that up to a third of all women in Arizona may, at some point, become the victim of sexual assault or harassment.
The numbers are even scarier for gay men and transgender people. Half of all transgender people will become the victim of unwanted sexual attention. And 40% of all gay men have been raped at some point in their lives.
With these numbers in mind, Arizona sexual assault victim lawyers have worked hard to get their clients justice. Nobody should have to put up with any sort of sexual assault. Whether it’s a young college person who’s violated at a party or a man on his way home from work, it’s wrong.
The criminal justice system in Arizona does have harsh penalties in place for perpetrators of sexual assault. However, for sexual assault victims, this is little comfort. These victims have to deal with more than the immediate medical treatment related to their assault. They will have to deal with a lifetime of fear, anxiety and depression.
The people who cause this trauma need to be held responsible. That’s what Arizona sexual assault victim lawyers do. They get you compensation for these injuries.
The Impact of a Sexual Assault Can Last a Lifetime
Believe it or not, it costs about $127 billion a year to treat victims of sexual assault. This includes men, women and children. Sadly, nobody is immune from this type of assault. Some of the most common cases do involve children.
When a woman or child is sexually assaulted, it’s usually at the hands of someone they know. This means two things. First, they may be more afraid to report it. Not only will they have to deal with the repercussions in court, but they also have to deal with their inner circle. Sexual assault victims feel a sense of guilt over what happened. The last thing they want to do is cause a divide in their family. This will only add to their discomfort, grief and guilt.
The second thing this means is that the victim can clearly identify their assailant. When it comes time to pursue charges against the perpetrator, the victim knows exactly who is responsible. Whether they choose to file criminal charges or not, they always have the option of a civil suit.
What Kind of Damages Can You Demand in a Sexual Assault Case?
A civil suit against the person who assaulted you is completely separate from a criminal case. The person who sexually assaulted you may or may not be sentenced to jail time. Given that 97% of rapists never spend a day in jail, this may be unlikely.
When it comes to the injuries sexual assault victims in Arizona sustain, there’s no reason they shouldn’t be compensated. Arizona sexual assault victim lawyers will go after the person responsible. They’ll demand that they be held accountable for the damage they’ve caused.
Some of the damages involved in a sexual assault civil case includes:
- Medical bills – Whatever medical and psychological care is required after a sexual assault, the perpetrator should have to reimburse you for this. Most sexual assault victims require long-term therapy and care. The person responsible should have to compensate you for these expenses.
- Pain and suffering – Clearly, there will be a great deal of pain and suffering caused by a sexual assault. Your sexual assault victim lawyer in Arizona will demand you’re compensated for this.
- Lost wages – If you miss a great deal of time from work, the defendant will have to pay for this. Your lawyer will submit evidence showing how much time you missed.
Your Arizona sexual assault victim lawyer will pursue whoever is responsible for your injuries. If the assault took place at work or at some other institution, he’ll file suit against them as well. This will increase your chances of recovery.
Contact an Arizona Sexual Assault Victim Lawyer Today
If you or a loved one have been the victim of sexual assault, you’re going to have a hard road ahead. You don’t have to face it alone. Call and speak with an experienced Arizona sexual assault victim lawyer today.
Your attorney can fight to get you the compensation you deserve. Call and schedule your free initial consultation with attorney Nathaniel B. Preston today at Warnock MacKinlay Law. The consultation is free and you pay nothing until you win your case.
