Sexual abuse can take many forms, and each one can have profound emotional, physical, and psychological impacts on survivors. At Andreozzi + Foote, we exclusively focus on sexual abuse cases and have earned national recognition for our representation. With over 50 years of combined experience and a proven track record in high-profile, complex litigation, our trauma-informed attorneys are committed to standing with survivors and their families every step of the way.
Understanding the different types of sexual abuse and how to hold institutions accountable for enabling or covering up abuse is an important step toward justice. Andreozzi + Foote handles all types of sexual abuse cases. No matter the circumstances, we seek to empower survivors and hold those who enabled it accountable.
What Are the Different Types of Sexual Abuse?
Sexual abuse isn’t always immediately apparent, especially when perpetrated by those in positions of trust in supposedly secure environments. Survivors don’t often recognize or acknowledge what has happened to them. However, many exhibit sudden changes in behavior, anxiety, depression, withdrawal, fear of certain people or places, sleep disturbances, or unexplained physical symptoms. Recognizing these red flags is the first step toward helping someone.
The following are some common forms of sexual abuse:
Child Sexual Abuse
Child sexual abuse occurs when an individual engages a minor in sexual activity. Such activity can involve direct physical contact and non-physical acts like exposing the child to pornography or forcing them to observe sexual behavior. This form of abuse often occurs in settings where children should feel safe, including schools, religious institutions, foster care, or youth programs.
All 50 states have mandatory reporting laws for suspected child abuse, and many states now offer extended or revised statutes of limitations so that survivors can pursue civil action when they are ready. Federal laws like the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act, or CAPTA, also protect survivors.
Rape
Rape involves any form of non-consensual sexual penetration, including vaginal, oral, or anal intercourse.
Perpetrators often use force or otherwise coerce the victim. However, rape also occurs when a victim is incapable of consenting, such as when they’re asleep, intoxicated, drugged, unconscious, or lack the capacity to consent. Furthermore, minors and incapacitated individuals cannot legally consent to sexual activity.
Rape occurs in a wide range of environments, including college campuses, institutional care, correctional settings, or within families.
Rape is a crime under state and federal laws. In addition, survivors can pursue civil lawsuits against the perpetrators and any parties or institutions that allowed or enabled the abuse. Meanwhile, many survivors are also protected under the Violence Against Women Act and, in correctional institutional settings, the Prison Rape Elimination Act.
While rape is often discussed in the context of female survivors, one in 33 men experience sexual violence. Male survivors often face unique barriers in reporting due to stigmas surrounding masculinity, highlighting the importance of understanding warning signs.
Sexual Assault
Sexual assault includes any unwanted sexual contact without penetration, including groping, forced touching, or fondling. Survivors often feel violated and unsafe, especially when the contact occurs in spaces run by those with the duty to protect them, like schools, treatment centers, or community programs.
The laws vary by jurisdiction, but sexual assault is generally a criminal offense. Survivors may also pursue civil lawsuits against the perpetrators and those organizations that enabled the assault by failing to respond appropriately to complaints or address known risks.
Workplace Sexual Harassment
Sexual harassment at work involves unwanted sexual advances, verbal or physical harassment, or coercive behavior tied to employment status or environment. The misconduct may involve inappropriate comments, touching, or retaliation for rejecting advances. Supervisory structures, corporate environments, internships, and mentorship programs often introduce professional power dynamics that play a role in coercing or silencing victims.
Title VII of the Civil Rights Act is a federal law prohibiting sexual harassment in the workplace and holds employers accountable for failing to address complaints or protect employees. Many states also have employment laws governing sexual harassment.
Campus Sexual Violence
Campus sexual violence includes rape, assault, or harassment occurring within academic institutions. Peers, faculty, or staff may harm victims. Many survivors face additional harm when institutions prioritize their reputation over student safety.
Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 requires federally funded schools to investigate and respond to reports of sexual violence, and schools may face consequences for failing to uphold this duty. Additionally, survivors can also pursue civil lawsuits for negligence when the institution’s administration fails to implement proper prevention policies or respond to reports.
Digital Sexual Abuse
Digital sexual abuse involves the use of technology to sexually exploit, threaten, or violate someone. Examples include sextortion, sharing explicit images without consent, online grooming, or using spyware to track someone’s private life. These experiences often occur through messaging apps, social media, gaming communities, or digital classrooms.
Federal laws, such as the PROTECT Act, criminalize online exploitation. Many states allow survivors to file civil claims for emotional harm, reputational damage, and privacy violations. Survivors may be able to hold institutions accountable if they failed to monitor or report digital misconduct.
Institutional Abuse
Institutional abuse occurs when a school, religious group, sports league, health care provider, or other organization allows abuse to occur as a result of negligence, willful ignorance, or intentional cover-ups. This type of abuse may be ongoing and involve multiple survivors over many years.
Survivors have successfully pursued civil lawsuits against institutions like the Boy Scouts of America and the Catholic Church.
Intimate Partner Sexual Violence
Sexual abuse within an intimate relationship involves coercing or forcing a partner to engage in sexual activity without consent. This type of abuse can occur in marriages, dating relationships, or domestic partnerships, and may be escalated by emotional, physical, or financial control.
All 50 states recognize marital rape allow for criminal prosecution and civil remedies. Survivors may also be eligible for counseling services and relocation assistance under assorted state and federal programs.
Sexual Elder Abuse in Care Facilities
Elder sexual abuse in nursing homes and assisted living facilities is a grossly underreported issue. Survivors may have cognitive impairments, mobility limitations, or speech barriers that prevent them from reporting what happened. Abuse may come from staff, other residents, or visitors when facilities fail to properly respond to signs of abuse.
The federal Elder Justice Act and related state laws impose strict reporting and care standards on long-term care facilities. Civil lawsuits can uncover systematic neglect and secure financial compensation for victims and their families.
Drug-Facilitated Assaults
Drug-facilitated sexual assault occurs when someone is intentionally given alcohol or drugs, such as benzodiazepines, GHB, or excessive alcohol, which impairs their ability to consent. Survivors may not remember the event clearly but may wake up with physical pain, confusion, or signs of trauma. These assaults often take place at social events, college parties, or inadequately supervised youth retreats.
State and federal laws recognize this as a serious criminal offense, and institutions may be held liable for failing to prevent access to substances or protect vulnerable individuals in their care. Survivors can also sue parties that enabled the assault with negligence, such as failures in oversight, staff training, and response protocols.
Speak With a Sexual Abuse Lawyer Today
Sexual abuse can take many forms, but all leave lasting emotional, physical, and psychological wounds. Understanding the different types of sexual abuse is the first step in recognizing red flags, supporting survivors, and holding institutions accountable for the harm they allowed to happen.
At Andreozzi + Foote, our trauma-informed attorneys have decades of experience providing compassionate, client-focused representation, with a track record of obtaining life-changing results. We’re prepared to stand with you and help you take the next step forward.
If you or a loved one has experienced sexual abuse, we’re here to listen, support, and fight for the justice you deserve. Contact us today for a free, confidential consultation. Together, we can pursue accountability and help you reclaim your voice.
