As a victim of sexual abuse speaking up is not easy. It takes courage and the ability to confront the pain you may have had to endure over many years. It also requires you to be open and vulnerable as you will have to discuss what happened to you with a Solicitor that you may not know and have never dealt with before.
In addition to physical injuries, sex abuse victims often suffer from serious mental health conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder , depression, and anxiety with many struggling to find meaning in life and regain their sense of self after the abuse takes place. Some victims experience suicidal thoughts and forms of addiction.
Sexual abuse and molestation are always traumatic for the victim. However when sexual abuse occurs at the hands of a trusted person, priest or other person in authority , the victim may also have to struggle with a profound loss of trust and faith.
Burns Nowlan LLP, having represented vulnerable clients in different walks of life over many years empathise deeply with survivors of sexual abuse and assault and understand and are aware of what it means for you to have to speak and disclose what happened
If you have been the victim of clergy sexual abuse you may be entitled to file a claim against your abuser and his/her religious order . Burns Nowlan LLP can help you explore all your legal options for such a claim and advise you on how best to proceed.
Sexual abuse often involves some or all of the following:
- Unwanted groping and touching;
- Sexual assault and rape;
- Coercion, threats, and/or intimidation;
- Physical injuries related to assault;
- Child molestation;
- Child pornography and indecent exposure;
- Lewd comments and other forms of sexual harassment.