 |
SEXUAL ABUSE / SEXUAL ASSAULT Pennsylvania law recognizes the vulnerability of children to the sexual aggressions of adults, and it defines “forcible compulsion” of such acts as “Compulsion by use of physical, intellectual, moral, emotional or psychological force, either express or implied.” 18 Pa.C.S.A Section 3101. It’s quite simple: in the eyes of the law, these acts, if true, constitute rape in its vilest form.
Here at Feldman Shepherd, our lawyers have stood up for victims in Pennsylvania of such heinous abuse, and we have experience litigating claims against schools and universities who failed in their obligations to protect children and young adults. What many victims do not know is that a law passed in 2002 allows victims of sexual abuse 12 years from the time they turn 18 to file a civil suit against their abuser for forced or coerced sexual activity. This means that victims have until the age of 30 to file a Pennsylvania sexual abuse or sexual assault case.
A document circulated by the United States Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights sets forth guidelines for education about sexual abuse and sexual violence. Although most of the publication is directed at college students (specifically student-on-student sexual abuse), there is a section issuing directives for institutions to follow:
“Schools may want to include…education programs in their (1) orientation programs for…faculty, staff, and employees; (2) training for students who serve as advisors in residence halls; (3) training for student athletes and coaches…These programs should include a discussion of what constitutes sexual harassment and sexual violence, the school’s policies and disciplinary procedures, and the consequences of violating these policies…OCR also recommends that schools develop specific sexual violence materials that include the schools’ policies, rules, and resources for students, faculty, coaches, and administrators.”
A school and all of its employees, including coaches and teaching staff, have a responsibility to protect the rights of students.
Our experienced personal injury attorneys can help you secure all of the compensation to which you may be entitled. This may include compensation for your pain and suffering, financial losses, and emotional distress. In some cases, you may also be entitled to punitive damages for another party’s wrongdoing.
If you and other individuals believe you have been injured as a result of a sexual assault or sexual abuse, contact us today.
- A grand jury indicted former Penn State coach Jerry Sandusky on felony charges of sex crimes against minors. To read the Grand Jury Report, go to Jerry Sandusky Grand Jury Report.
Related News and Media Coverage: |
|
