If your child was a victim of sexual abuse while attending elementary school in Maryland, it's vital to contact authorities as well as an attorney who can advocate for your family's rights. Our Maryland elementary school sexual abuse lawyers can help victims seek justice and compensation for the harm they have suffered. They can also provide support to victims and their families throughout the entire legal process. Common questions we are asked include:
We will investigate the case, gather evidence, interview witnesses and ultimately, make sure the perpetrator is held accountable for their actions. Contact the Maryland sexual assault lawyers at Blank Kim Injury Law for a free, confidential case consultation today.
Sexual abuse within Maryland elementary schools is a serious issue that should not be taken lightly. According to Maryland Attorney General Brian Frosh, solicitation of minors, sexual contact and second-degree sexual offenses involving sexual abuse of a minor are all considered serious offenses. In some cases of sexual abuse in schools, a civil case can be brought against the perpetrator by the victim or their family in an effort to hold them accountable for their actions.
Furthermore, any person who commits a sexual offense involving an inmate or confined child can be charged with a second-degree sexual offense and could be subject to up to 20 years in prison. It is important for Maryland elementary schools to take measures to protect the safety of their students, such as providing education on the signs of sexual abuse and making sure to report any cases of sexual abuse of a minor.
Elementary school sexual abuse is a serious issue across the state of Maryland. In fact, the Maryland Department of Education reported 6,914 cases of sexual abuse of children in elementary school from 2016 to 2020. This was a 30% increase in sexual offenses in just four years! This heinous crime can have long-term consequences for child victims and their families. It is important to be aware of the signs of this type of abuse so that it can be addressed as soon as possible. Some of the most common signs of sexual abuse or assault include physical, emotional, and sexual abuse.
Physical signs of abuse can range from minor injuries to more severe bruises, broken bones, and burns. Victims of abuse may also display behavioral changes, such as fear of certain people or places, difficulty sleeping, or sudden changes in mood.
In 2020, all 24 counties, including Baltimore City, reported cases of childhood sexual abuse within their elementary schools, according to reports from the Maryland Department of Education. When a child experiences sexual abuse at a Maryland elementary school, it is important to take the necessary steps to ensure the safety of the child and to hold the perpetrator accountable. The first step is to report the incident to the school principal or another school official who is responsible to report the crime or sexual abuse that occurred, including bullying. This is an important step to take, as it allows the school to investigate the incident and take action. It also serves as a record of the incident, which can be used to hold the perpetrator accountable in both a criminal case and to file a civil lawsuit.
It is important to document the details of any incident, as it can provide evidence and support to those who have been wronged or harmed. A written record is especially beneficial in cases of physical or sexual assault, as it can provide a timeline of events and any other important details that may have been overlooked. This can be especially helpful in cases where the victim may not remember all the details of the attack, as it can provide a comprehensive overview of the incident. Additionally, it can be used to provide evidence to the court when filing a child sexual abuse lawsuit against the perpetrator. Additionally, an investigation may include proving the abuse occurred because the school failed to protect the assault victims.
It is a heartbreaking reality that sexual abuse in elementary schools can occur, and it is important to know what resources are available to survivors of sexual abuse in Maryland. The Maryland Coalition Against Sexual Assault (MCASA) is a great place to start for survivors in Maryland. MCASA is dedicated to ending sexual violence in Maryland through education, advocacy, and public policy. They provide a variety of services for survivors of sexual assault, including crisis counseling, legal advocacy, and support groups. They also provide resources for those who have experienced sexual assault, such as information about the criminal justice process, medical care, and mental health services. Additionally, they offer educational programs to help raise awareness about sexual assault and its effects.
Sexual abuse is not limited to elementary school but can also affect children in middle school. If your Maryland middle school child has been sexually abused, our Maryland sexual abuse attorneys can provide emotional support and advice to help them navigate the complexities of the legal system. With the help of a skilled Maryland sexual abuse attorney, victims sexually assaulted can begin to heal and regain control of their lives.
Learn more: Middle School Sexual Abuse Attorney: Justice For Middle School Victims
If your family has been impacted by sexual abuse that happened at your child's elementary school in Maryland, then you may be considering hiring an attorney for victims of sexual abuse to help you and your family navigate the legal process. A sexual abuse law firm has experience representing victims and can provide a wide range of services to help your family seek justice and closure.
Furthermore, victims are encouraged to speak to an attorney as soon as possible to identify any potential legal issues that may arise. Depending on the age of the victim and how long ago the abuse occurred, there may be exceptions to the limitations for child sexual abuse law in Maryland.
In Maryland, filing a civil lawsuit for abuse at school, such as a sexual act, is possible for victims of sexual assault. An attorney can help victims and their families understand the process and pursue financial compensation for the pain and suffering endured due to abuse at a school. Maryland law allows victims of sexual assault claims to receive financial compensation for their physical and emotional pain. Additionally, punitive damages may be awarded if the abuse at school was severe. It is important for victims to file sexual abuse claims with an experienced attorney as soon as they can to avoid passing the deadline to file.
We understand the turmoil this kind of incident can cause your loved ones, and our team of child sex abuse lawyers is here to help. Give Blank Kim Injury Law a call to schedule your confidential free consultation now with our Maryland sexual assault attorneys. Our law firm has offices throughout Maryland to best serve survivors of childhood sexual abuse occurring at an elementary school.
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