The attorneys at Schlachman, Belsky, Weiner & Davey, P.A., recognize the devastating effects sexual assault has on victims and their families. Victims of sexual assault are often so traumatized that they have difficulty even reporting what happened to them, let alone determining what legal steps they should take.
Schlachman, Belsky, Weiner & Davey, P.A., has litigated many civil cases arising out of sexual assault and abuse all throughout the State of Maryland.
Seeking Justice for Children & Adults
We are familiar with cases, both against the perpetrator and a third-party individual or entity, including the applicable statute of limitations. Regardless of when the assault happened — even if you were still a child — you may still have a course of action thanks to the Maryland Child Victims Act.
Throughout the process, we will maintain absolute confidentiality and will only move forward with what you are comfortable with. We have helped many clients throughout Maryland gain compensation and treatment, and we are ready to do the same for you.
Sexual Abuse Comes in Many Forms
The unfortunate reality is that anyone can encounter sexual assault, regardless of their age or gender. We work closely with various nonprofits that advocate for the rights of victims, as well as experts that can outline the damages associated with the case.
Cases that our lawyers have handled include:
- Human trafficking
- Ongoing sexual abuse from clergy or other religious figures
- Child molestation from a close family member
- Assault or rape by a stranger while in a public place, such as a hotel, shopping center, parking lot or alley
- Sexual predation in a school or another caregiving environment
Beyond criminal consequences for the perpetrator, there may be additional liability, depending on the exact circumstances. To explore these options further, please contact Schlachman, Belsky, Weiner & Davey, P.A., to schedule a free consultation. Our only goal is to help you understand your options and to act on whatever decision you make. You can email our legal team or contact our Baltimore office: 855-865-6185.
What is the Difference Between Rape and Sexual Assault?
Understanding the difference between rape and sexual assault is essential for providing legal representation to victims and advocating for their rights. While both are serious offenses with severe emotional and psychological consequences, rape often carries additional legal implications and penalties.
Sexual assault is more of a blanket term, encompassing a wide range of offenses that can include rape but also includes other non-consentual sexual acts such as unwanted touching, groping, or fondling.
Rape typically refers to forced or non-consensual penetration, often involving vaginal, anal, or oral intercourse. It is considered a specific form of sexual assault that involves physical violence or the threat of violence. It may also involve coercion, manipulation, or intimidation.
Schlachman, Belsky, Weiner & Davey, P.A. offers compassionate and effective legal support to adult and child victims of sexual assault. We have experience litigating cases under a wide variety of circumstances and we are ready and able to go to bat for you, regardless of the situation.
Long Term Effects of Sexual Assault or Abuse
At Schlachman, Belsky, Weiner & Davey, P.A. we understand the profound and lasting impact that sexual assault can have on survivors. Beyond the immediate physical and emotional trauma, the long-term effects of such experiences can significantly impact every aspect of a survivor's life. It's essential to recognize and address these effects to provide comprehensive support and pursue justice for survivors.
Emotional and Psychological Trauma
Sexual assault can cause profound emotional and psychological trauma, leading to conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, and dissociation. Survivors may experience intense feelings of fear, shame, guilt, and self-blame, affecting their sense of self-worth and overall mental well-being. These emotional wounds can persist for years, impacting relationships, work, and daily functioning.
Physical Health Consequences
In addition to the immediate physical injuries sustained during the assault, survivors may experience long-term physical health consequences. These can include chronic pain, gynecological issues, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and reproductive health problems.
Financial and Legal Implications
Sexual assault can have significant financial and legal implications for survivors. Medical expenses, therapy costs, and lost wages due to time off work can create financial strain.
Survivors may also face legal challenges related to seeking justice against their perpetrators, navigating the criminal justice system, or pursuing civil claims for compensation. Legal support and advocacy are essential to ensure survivors' rights are protected and their voices are heard.
At Schlachman, Belsky, Weiner & Davey, P.A. we are committed to supporting survivors of sexual assault and advocating for your rights. Our experienced attorneys provide compassionate and comprehensive legal representation, helping survivors navigate the legal process with sensitivity and respect.
We understand the long-term effects of sexual violence and work tirelessly to hold perpetrators accountable and seek justice for survivors. If you or a loved one has been affected by sexual assault or abuse, contact us today for a confidential consultation.
