Unfortunately, there are people living among us all who do not respect the boundaries of others.
As trial attorneys at Davis, Bethune & Jones, LLC, we are proud to do our part through the civil justice system to provide a voice and to secure compensation for those who have been harmed.
Sexual violation is one of the worst kinds of violence a person can be forced to endure. It violates personal boundaries. It violates trust. It violates a person’s sense of control. It impacts all aspects of daily life.
If you are someone you love has been the target of sexual assault or abuse, you are not alone, and we are standing by to help.
Every 68 seconds, an American is sexually assaulted.
SOURCE: RAINN | https://www.rainn.org
The trial lawyers of DBJ have secured over $30,000,000 in settlements for victims and survivors of sexual abuse in 2024.
What constitutes sexual abuse?
Sexual assault or sexual abuse takes many forms. The trial lawyers of Davis, Bethune & Jones, LLC have worked for those who have suffered abuses in hotels, massage parlors, workplaces, medical facilities, schools, athletics, churches, and other places that should be safe and secure.
Any form of unwelcome, unwanted, or non-consensual sexual touching is an assault or abuse, regardless of the resulting physical injury.
“Because sexual trauma changes everything. That — sexual violation is, on one level, the worst kind of violence you can get because what I’ve always taught is that it violates your boundaries, it violates your trust, and it violates your sense of control. And so those three things are pretty essential in day-to-day living and they’re inordinately impressive and important in all relationships, sexual, friendship, work. And if your ideas about boundaries and trust and control had been skewed because of sexual abuse, then a therapist or a psychologist would not know how to interpret a person’s behavior and certainly wouldn’t know how to help them.”
Sexual Violence Can Have Long-Term Effects on Victims
94% of women who are assaulted experience symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Approximately 70% of sexual assault survivors experience moderate to severe distress, a larger percentage than for any other violent crime.
Sexual assault or abuse negatively impacts every aspect of the survivor’s life, including relationships with family, friends, and co-workers.
Many survivors of sexual assault or abuse experience work or school difficulties, which can include significant problems with employers, coworkers, and peers.
Many survivors also experience difficulties in relationships with family and friends, including getting into arguments more frequently than before, not feeling able to trust their family and friends, or not feeling as close to them as before the assault or abuse.
The impact of sexual abuse on victims can be devastating, affecting them physically, emotionally, and psychologically. The trauma experienced by sexual assault survivors can manifest in various ways, and it is essential to understand the long-term consequences they face.
Physically, survivors of sexual abuse may struggle with chronic pain, sleep disturbances, and somatic symptoms. The trauma can take a toll on their bodies, leading to a range of physical health issues. These can include headaches, stomachaches, and muscle tension, among other ill effects.
Emotionally, victims of sexual abuse often experience a wide range of intense emotions. They may feel overwhelming sadness, anger, shame, or guilt. These emotions can be challenging to navigate, and they may lead to difficulties in forming and maintaining healthy relationships.
Psychologically, the impact of sexual abuse can be long-lasting. Many survivors develop mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). These conditions can significantly impact their daily lives, making it difficult to function and engage in normal activities.
The psychological effects of sexual abuse can also lead to self-destructive behaviors, including substance abuse and self-harm. Survivors may turn to these harmful coping mechanisms as a way to numb their pain or regain a sense of control over their lives.
At Davis, Bethune & Jones, LLC, we focus on creating the ideal attorney-client relationship for sexual assault survivors and treat every case with the care and sensitivity required to support those who have suffered sexual abuse. The privacy of the survivor of this type of abuse is a top priority for our legal team...We seek to help victims navigate legal and societal hurdles in the aftermath of abuse and justice through the courts in every way possible.
We proudly offer a free consultation on all cases, so call us today. No matter the nature of your case or your experience in the justice system, we want to speak to you.