Understanding Sexual Abuse Laws in Pennsylvania
Sexual abuse occurs when someone forces unwanted sexual activity on another person without their consent. Under Pennsylvania law, sexual abuse encompasses a wide range of offenses, from unwanted touching to rape and sexual assault. If you are a survivor, a Pennsylvania sexual abuse lawyer can help.
Sexual abuse survivors in Pennsylvania have legal rights, and our experienced PA sexual assault attorneys are dedicated to helping survivors understand these survivor rights Pennsylvania and navigate the complex legal system to seek justice and sexual abuse compensation.
Key Legal Definitions in Pennsylvania
- Sexual Assault (§ 3124.1): A felony of the second degree when a person engages in sexual intercourse or deviate sexual intercourse with a complainant without the complainant's consent.
- Rape (§ 3121): A felony of the first degree involving sexual intercourse by force, threat of force, or when the victim is unconscious or otherwise unable to consent.
- Involuntary Deviate Sexual Intercourse (§ 3123): A felony of the first degree involving deviate sexual intercourse by force or coercion.
- Institutional Sexual Assault (§ 3124.2): Sexual assault committed by a person in a position of authority within an institution, such as a teacher, healthcare provider, or corrections officer. This is a key area for institutional sexual abuse PA cases.
Sexual Abuse Statistics in Pennsylvania
Sexual abuse remains a significant issue affecting many Pennsylvanians. Understanding the scope of the problem helps highlight the importance of seeking justice and creating systemic change. Reporting sexual assault PA is a critical first step.
Adult Sexual Violence
- Approximately 37.1% of Pennsylvania women and 30.4% of Pennsylvania men experience intimate partner physical violence, intimate partner sexual violence, and/or intimate partner stalking in their lifetimes.
- According to the Pennsylvania Coalition Against Rape (PCAR), sexual violence affects people of all genders, ages, races, religions, incomes, abilities, professions, and sexual orientations.
Child Sexual Abuse
- Pennsylvania's Child Protective Services Law requires mandatory reporting of suspected child abuse. A child abuse lawyer Pennsylvania can explain these laws.
- According to Pennsylvania Department of Human Services data, thousands of cases of child sexual abuse are reported each year.
- Children who experience sexual abuse often face long-lasting psychological effects, including trauma, depression, and anxiety.
These statistics highlight the widespread nature of sexual abuse and the importance of holding perpetrators accountable while supporting survivors through the legal process.
Statute of Limitations for Sexual Abuse Cases in PA
The statute of limitations sexual abuse PA sets the timeframe within which a survivor must file a legal claim. Pennsylvania has recently reformed these laws to provide better access to justice for sexual abuse survivors.
Current Statute of Limitations in Pennsylvania
Criminal Cases
- Major sexual offenses like rape must be prosecuted within 12 years after the offense is committed for adult victims.
- For sexual offenses against minors (under 18), victims can press criminal charges until they reach age 50.
- Certain serious sexual offenses involving children have no statute of limitations.
Civil Lawsuits
- Adult victims of sexual abuse typically have 2 years from the date of the abuse to file a civil lawsuit.
- For child victims, recent reforms allow them to file civil lawsuits until they reach age 55.
- The "discovery rule" may extend these deadlines in cases where survivors were unable to recognize the connection between their abuse and injuries until later in life.
Recent Legal Reforms
In 2019, Pennsylvania enacted Act 87, which significantly extended the statute of limitations for survivors of childhood sexual abuse. These reforms came after the 2018 Grand Jury Report detailing decades of abuse within Pennsylvania religious institutions, a focus for any clergy abuse lawyer PA.
Additional reforms are under consideration that would create a temporary "lookback window" allowing survivors whose claims were previously time-barred to file civil lawsuits against their abusers.
Why Timing Matters
If you or a loved one has experienced sexual abuse, it's crucial to consult with an experienced attorney as soon as possible. The statute of limitations can permanently bar otherwise valid claims if they are not filed within the specified timeframes.
Our trauma-informed lawyers can help determine the applicable deadlines in your case and ensure your legal rights are protected.
Legal Options for Sexual Abuse Survivors
Survivors of sexual abuse in Pennsylvania have several legal options to pursue justice and compensation. Our experienced attorneys, including those in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, will help you understand each option and determine the best path forward based on your specific situation.
Criminal Prosecution
- Report the abuse to local police or district attorney's office.
- Criminal charges may be filed against the perpetrator.
- May result in incarceration, probation, and sex offender registration.
- The burden of proof is "beyond a reasonable doubt".
- You may be entitled to victim compensation through state programs.
Civil Lawsuits
- File a lawsuit seeking monetary damages.
- Can target individual abusers and negligent institutions.
- May provide sexual abuse compensation for medical expenses, therapy costs, pain and suffering, and more.
- The burden of proof is "preponderance of evidence" (more likely than not).
- Can proceed even if criminal charges are not filed or result in acquittal.
Potential Defendants in Civil Sexual Abuse Cases
In civil lawsuits, multiple parties may be held liable for sexual abuse:
- Individual perpetratorswho committed the abuse.
- Institutions and organizations that employed or supervised the abuser (schools, religious institutions, sports organizations, etc.) – a key area for institutional sexual abuse PA claims.
- Employerswho failed to conduct proper background checks or ignored warning signs.
- Property ownerswho failed to provide adequate security measures.
- Healthcare facilitiesthat allowed abuse to occur on their premises.
Types of Compensation Available
Economic Damages
- Medical and therapy expenses.
- Lost wages and earning capacity.
- Rehabilitation costs.
- Future medical treatment.
Non-Economic Damages
- Pain and suffering.
- Emotional distress.
- Loss of enjoyment of life.
- Damage to personal relationships.
Types of Sexual Abuse Cases We Handle
Our attorneys have extensive experience representing survivors across a wide range of sexual abuse cases. We approach each case with sensitivity, thoroughness, and determination to achieve justice for our clients.
Clergy Abuse
Representing survivors who suffered abuse by religious leaders, including priests, ministers, and other clergy members, and holding religious institutions accountable for enabling or covering up abuse. Our clergy abuse lawyers in PA are experts in this area.
School and University Abuse
Handling cases involving sexual abuse by teachers, coaches, administrators, and other school employees, as well as cases involving student-on-student sexual assault.
Healthcare Setting Abuse
Pursuing justice for patients who have been sexually abused by doctors, nurses, therapists, and other healthcare providers in hospitals, clinics, and other medical facilities.
Workplace Sexual Abuse
Representing employees who have experienced sexual harassment, assault, or abuse in the workplace, holding employers accountable for failing to prevent or address such misconduct.
Youth Organization Abuse
Handling cases involving sexual abuse in youth organizations such as sports teams, scout groups, after-school programs, and other activities involving children and adolescents. A child abuse lawyer in Pennsylvania can assist.
Residential Facility Abuse
Representing survivors who experienced abuse in foster care, group homes, juvenile detention facilities, nursing homes, and other residential settings.
Our Approach to Sexual Abuse Cases
Trauma-Informed Representation
Our attorneys understand the unique challenges faced by sexual abuse survivors. We take a trauma-informed lawyer approach that prioritizes your wellbeing throughout the legal process.
Thorough Investigation
We conduct comprehensive investigations to gather evidence, identify all responsible parties, and build the strongest possible case on your behalf.
Confidentiality
We understand the sensitive nature of sexual abuse cases and maintain strict confidentiality to protect your privacy throughout the legal process.
Access to Resources
Our team can connect you with therapeutic resources and support services to help you through the healing process while your case progresses.
Why Choose PA Attorney Source
Choosing the right attorney is crucial for sexual abuse survivors seeking justice. At PA Attorney Source, we offer experienced, compassionate legal representation focused on achieving the best possible outcome for our clients, whether in Allentown, Erie, or other PA locations.
Proven Experience
Our attorneys have over 25 years of experience representing sexual abuse survivors, with a track record of successful verdicts and settlements.
Compassionate Approach
We understand the courage it takes to come forward. Our team provides supportive, trauma-informed legal representation throughout your case.
Complete Confidentiality
We prioritize your privacy and maintain strict confidentiality throughout the legal process, protecting your identity whenever possible.
Full-Service Legal Team
Our experienced legal team handles all aspects of your case, from investigation and evidence gathering to negotiation and trial representation.
Results That Speak for Themselves
$100M+
Recovered for Our Clients.
1,500+
Clients Served.
25+
Years of Experience.
Contact Information
Main Office
100 North 18th Street, Suite 305
Philadelphia, PA 19103
Phone
Main: (877) 888-4777
Hours
Monday - Friday: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday: By appointment only
Request a Free Consultation
Fill out the form below and our team will contact you asap. All consultations are strictly confidential. Speak with a Philadelphia sexual abuse lawyer or an attorney in Harrisburg or your local PA area.
Taking the First Step Toward Justice
We understand that coming forward about sexual abuse is incredibly difficult. Our attorneys are here to listen, support, and guide you through the legal process with compassion and expertise.
The consultation is completely confidential, and there's no obligation to proceed. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing unless we recover compensation on your behalf.