Sexual Abuse

In a civil lawsuit, money damages is awarded by the court as a means to compensate the victim for the harm done to them. This can include things such such as medical bills, including physical rehabilitation and psychological counseling, physical pain and suffering, or emotional distress.

Another category of compensation available in some civil cases is punitive damages. Punitive damages are meant to punish the person for his or her violent acts. Although punitive damages are difficult to obtain in most civil cases, they may be available in cases involving rape, sexual assault or other sexual abuse.

There are also individuals who may have no committed the abusive act, but can be held responsible:

• Employer of the criminal (if the crime happened on the job)
• Owner of the premises where the crime occurred
• A psychologist or other professional worker who failed to report the criminal plans of a person under their care
• Any person or entity that aided or encouraged the criminal act