What Is Sexual Abuse?

When you or a loved one has experienced sexual violence, you may not fully know how to label it. There are countless types of sexual violence, each with its own long-term consequences and legal options for pursuing justice. Generally, the term “sexual abuse” encompasses many forms of sexual violence, both physical and non-physical.

Sexual abuse is often perpetrated against vulnerable people, such as children, the elderly, incarcerated people, or people with developmental disabilities. It is often perpetrated by people in positions of power, though that is not always the case. Most sexual abuse offenders are acquainted with their victims in some way.

If you are dealing with the aftermath of sexual abuse, you don’t have to face the fight alone. At Andreozzi + Foote, our sexual abuse attorneys have extensive experience advocating for survivors and their families. We understand that emotional support is just as important for survivors as legal support, and we pride ourselves on our ability to balance pressing a case for the best resolution while not interfering with a survivor’s recovery.

What Is Sexual Abuse? Definitions and Legal Implications

Sexual abuse consists of any action that pressures or coerces someone to do something sexually that they do not want to do. It can also refer to behavior committed against a person who lacks the capacity to make informed decisions about sexual activity. 

Sexual abuse can be physical or non-physical, distinguishing it from other types of sexual violence like harassment and rape. All sexual activity between an adult and a minor child is considered sexual abuse—even if it does not involve force, threats, or intimidation—because children cannot legally consent to such conduct.

Types of Sexual Abuse

Many sexual acts qualify as sexual abuse. Contact sexual abuse refers to physical sexual abuse, while non-contact sexual abuse does not involve any physical touching.

Contact Sexual Abuse

Contact sexual abuse involves the forced touching of a person’s genitals, breasts, or buttocks, including penetration for no medical reason. Some of the most common forms of contact sexual abuse include the following behavior:

• Sexual assault
• Rape
• Attempted rape
• Unwanted touching
• Unwanted kissing
• Unwanted rough or violent sexual activity
• Sexual contact with someone who is drunk, drugged, or unconscious
• Threatening or pressuring someone into unwanted sexual activity

Non-Contact Sexual Abuse

Non-contact sexual abuse ranges from sexual harassment in workplaces or schools to indecent exposure and more. Exposing children to sexual content also qualifies as non-contact sexual abuse. Some other forms include:

• Voyeurism
• Exhibitionism
• Sexual harassment
• Indecent exposure
• Showing children pornographic materials
• Making sexual comments to a child
• Harassing, pressuring, or threatening a child to perform sexually
• Refusal to use condoms
• Restricting access to birth control
• Preventing someone from protecting themselves from sexually transmitted infections

Institutional and Familial Sexual Abuse

Unfortunately, sexual abuse is often perpetrated by authority figures. This is especially true with child sexual abuse. Institutions like schools, churches, and other organizations frequently enable cultures of abuse. People in positions of authority in these institutions can use that authority to compel others to engage in otherwise unwanted sexual activity. Additionally, a high percentage of child sexual abuse occurs within families with a family member abusing a child.

What Are the Common Misconceptions About Sexual Abuse?

• Myth: Sexual abuse always involves physical force.
  • Fact: Non-contact forms of sexual abuse like harassment and indecent exposure do not involve any physical force or touching.
• Myth: Only some demographics of people are affected by sexual abuse.
• • Fact: While members of vulnerable populations are more commonly subjected to abuse, anyone can be a victim of abuse. According to the CDC, one in two women reported experiencing unwanted sexual contact at some point in their lives, as did one in four men.
• Myth: Victims typically report abuse immediately.
• • Fact: Many survivors of sexual abuse do not realize the severity of what they’ve endured until years after it occurred. Most sexual abuse is never reported for various reasons. For example, some victims fear retaliation, while others fear they will not be believed.
• Myth: All sexual abuse has visible signs.
• • Fact: Not every form of sexual abuse involves physical contact, and even when contact sexual abuse occurs, there are not always visible physical signs.

Signs and Effects of Sexual Abuse

Not all victims of sexual abuse show physical signs, but psychological effects are extremely common. Physical injuries may include bruises, scars, and sexually transmitted infections, while emotional damage ranges from anxiety to post-traumatic stress disorder. Survivors of sexual abuse often experience long-term effects, such as issues building trust, issues forming and maintaining healthy relationships, and mental health problems.

Victims of child sexual abuse may experience effects like self-blame, depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, self-harm, and suicidal ideation. If a child is being abused, they may experience nightmares, bed-wetting, social withdrawal, mood swings, or other behavioral changes.

What Are the Legal Options for Sexual Abuse Survivors?

To seek justice for sexual abuse, survivors can report the abuse to law enforcement, who may investigate and pursue criminal charges against the perpetrator. However, there is another option that survivors have greater control over—they can file civil lawsuits against their perpetrators and the institutions that enabled the abuse. Through civil cases, survivors can recover financial compensation for the harm they’ve suffered. 

Many states have deadlines for filing these cases, so it’s important to speak with an experienced sexual abuse attorney to learn more about your legal options.

At Andreozzi + Foote, our attorneys have a proven track record of successfully handling complex, high-stakes sexual abuse cases. We have spent decades thoroughly researching and actively engaging state laws, regulations, rules, policies, and procedures nationwide to help you and your family determine if you have a case against the perpetrator or organization. Our attorneys are prepared to help you fight back, ensuring the perpetrators of your abuse pay for their crimes.

Supporting a Survivor of Sexual Abuse

If someone you know discloses abuse to you, it’s crucial to listen to their story and offer support. Many survivors never come forward because they fear no one will believe them–letting a person know you believe their story can significantly impact their healing process. It can also help to ensure the survivor knows their rights and the resources available to them, including therapy, support groups, and sexual abuse hotlines. The RAINN National Sexual Assault Hotline is available 24/7 by calling 800-656-4673.

At Andreozzi + Foote, we are committed to a holistic approach that gives survivors the legal resources and healing tools they need to move forward. When appropriate, we strive to connect our clients with programs, advocates, and therapists to ensure they are in the hands of trusted professionals with adequate trauma-informed practices proven to help.

Prevention and Recovery

Prevention of sexual abuse involves education and spreading awareness but also implementing protective measures in institutions to ensure that perpetrators are held accountable.

When recovering from sexual abuse, medical care and therapy are crucial. Immediately after experiencing abuse, get to a safe place if possible, contact someone you trust, and seek medical care for any injuries or to have evidence collected. If you feel comfortable, report the incident to the police and seek legal help–this can play a crucial role in survivors’ recovery.

Get Expert Legal Help for Sexual Abuse from Andreozzi + Foote 

Sexual abuse is a serious offense. While seeking justice through a civil suit cannot undo the harm done, it can give survivors some closure, knowing that their perpetrator and any enablers have been held accountable. It’s critical to have an experienced legal team by your side when pursuing justice for sexual abuse, and supportive, dedicated legal help is available.

If you or someone you know has experienced sexual abuse, Andreozzi + Foote is here to help. As one of the nation’s leading law firms representing sexual abuse survivors, our firm is committed to creating life-changing results for victims and their families. Led by experienced, trauma-informed attorneys, we strive to create a safe and supportive environment for survivors. Contact Andreozzi + Foote today for a free, confidential consultation by calling 866-311-8640 or filling out our online contact form, and let us fight for your rights.

FAQs About Sexual Abuse