In Need of a Sexual Abuse Lawyer in Greenville, SC?
Our David W. Martin Accident & Sexual Abuse Injury Lawyers in Greenville provide compassionate legal representation for survivors who have suffered both physical and emotional trauma from their abusers.
In South Carolina, sexual abuse is any type of non-consensual sexual activity, which is typically committed by manipulation or force, and it can happen to anyone, including children, adults, and the elderly.
Our Greenville County sexual abuse attorneys explain to each of our clients and their families that the pain and suffering they have endured is not their fault, and by telling their story, they can begin the healing process by holding their abuser liable for the injuries they have caused.
Whether it has happened one time or has been ongoing sexual abuse, our clients deserve justice.
We can help.
Contact our compassionate sexual abuse attorneys in Greenville today to schedule a consultation to learn more about how we customize legal strategies to fit each client’s unique recovery needs, so you can begin rebuilding your life with confidence.
What is Considered Sexual Abuse in Greenville, South Carolina?
The physical, emotional, and psychological injuries caused by sexual abuse can cause significant trauma that takes years to overcome.
Our sexual abuse lawyers in Greenville help empower our clients, so they have the confidence and legal support to pursue justice from their attackers, so they can reclaim control of their lives.
All our South Carolina residents need to know that any non-consensual sexual interaction is abuse.
That may include:
- Harassment
- Indecent exposure
- Nonconsensual sexual gratification
- Molestation
- Groping, fondling, or unwanted touching
- Sexual intercourse with anyone under sixteen
- Penetration of the victim’s body, also known as rape
- Forcing or coercing someone to perform a sexual act
- Sexual relations with someone who cannot consent due to an impaired state
If you or someone you love has been sexually abused it is time to get the help you need to hold the abuser liable for your injuries by contacting our skilled personal injury lawyers in Greenville today to discuss your circumstances with our legal professionals, so we can begin building your case.
Where Does Sexual Abuse Occur in Greenville, South Carolina?
Sexual abuse often occurs in places where people feel safe, which makes the circumstances that much more difficult to understand.
Sexual predators often know their victims or are placed in a position of trust that is ultimately part of the overall trauma that occurs.
Some of the more familiar places sexual abuse may occur include, but are not limited to:
- Businesses, by coworkers, employers, or another third party
- Camps
- Churches
- Medical offices, including physician and dentist offices
- Organized sports and activities
- Private residences
- Schools
Suppose you have been sexually abused in South Carolina. In that case, you have the legal right to hold your attacker liable for the physical, emotional, and psychological damages he or she has caused.
We can help you understand your rights and legal options to pursue the outcome you deserve, starting with a consultation today.
What if My Attacker is Denying The Sexual Abuse That I Know Occurred?
It is not unusual for sexual abusers to deny that they have hurt someone. In fact, no one is going to openly admit that they have sexually abused another, as the consequences are severe.
That is why it is important to build a compelling case that allows our skilled sexual abuse attorneys in Greenville to prove your case inside or outside the courtroom.
Our compassionate Greenville sexual abuse attorneys will begin investigating your case by conducting a full interview to understand the details of your case. We understand how difficult it can be to recount your story and will provide the care and understanding you require to feel safe and protected.
We will then collect any applicable physical evidence that supports your case, including photos, communications, DNA, and medical reports.
We will interview physicians, therapists, family members, and others who can testify about the sexual abuse, and how it has impacted your physical, psychological, and/or emotional well-being.
We will also investigate the alleged abuser’s criminal history, and/or any additional convictions for sex abuse, so we can establish a pattern and develop a clear and complete view of their predatory behavior.
What if More Than One Person Was Aware I Was Being Sexually Abused?
Our David W. Martin Accident & Sexual Abuse Injury Lawyers in Greenville know that all survivors have been affected by their circumstances differently and that the number of people involved in these cases often includes more than just the abuser.
There is often an organization behind the abuse which could include sports and activity groups, churches, or schools that knew or should have known the abuse was occurring. Some, unfortunately, even go out of their way to cover up the abuse.
At David W. Martin Accident and Injury Lawyers in Greenville, our sexual abuse attorneys provide our clients with the legal solutions they need to hold their abusers liable for their recovery, so these traumatizing circumstances do not have to define them.
We will also uncover any secondary parties that were complicit in the abuse, so they too can be held liable for their roles in our client’s injuries.
Understanding the Legal Process for Sexual Abuse Claims in South Carolina
Survivors of sexual abuse in Greenville often hesitate to come forward because they are unsure how the legal process works or fear that too much time has passed since the abuse occurred. In South Carolina, survivors have several options for pursuing justice, whether through the criminal courts, civil courts, or both. Each path serves a different purpose, but both can hold abusers accountable for the harm they have caused.
Criminal cases are initiated by the state and focus on punishing the offender through imprisonment, probation, or other penalties. Civil cases, on the other hand, allow survivors to seek financial compensation directly from the abuser and any negligent parties that enabled the abuse to occur. These claims can help survivors recover for the physical, emotional, and financial harm they suffered while also promoting accountability for institutions or individuals who failed to act.
Our Greenville sexual abuse attorneys help clients understand which approach, or combination of techniques, will best serve their needs. We take great care to explain every step of the process in clear and compassionate terms, so survivors never feel left in the dark about their own cases.
Statute of Limitations for Sexual Abuse Cases in South Carolina
South Carolina law recognizes that sexual abuse can cause trauma so severe that survivors may not be ready to take legal action for years. For that reason, the statute of limitations in these cases is more flexible than for other types of injury claims.
In many civil cases, survivors of sexual abuse have up to six years from the date of the abuse or three years from the date they discovered the injury to file a claim, whichever period is later. However, if the survivor was a minor at the time, the clock generally does not begin to run until they turn eighteen. Criminal cases may have even longer timeframes, depending on the specific charge and evidence available.
Because these deadlines can vary based on the facts of each case, survivors should speak with an experienced attorney as soon as possible to understand their options. The sooner a lawyer becomes involved, the easier it is to secure vital evidence, locate witnesses, and preserve records that strengthen the case.
How Civil Lawsuits Can Support Healing and Accountability
Filing a civil lawsuit for sexual abuse is not just about financial recovery. It is also about empowerment and justice. Survivors can utilize the legal system to amplify their voices, expose negligent institutions, and prevent future harm to others.
A successful civil claim can help recover compensation for:
- Medical treatment, counseling, and therapy costs.
- Lost wages or diminished earning capacity.
- Pain, suffering, and emotional distress.
- The loss of enjoyment of life.
In addition to these damages, some cases allow for punitive damages, which are meant to punish particularly egregious conduct and deter future misconduct by others.
Support Resources for Survivors in Greenville, South Carolina
Healing from sexual abuse is not limited to the courtroom. Survivors in Greenville have access to several trusted organizations that provide crisis intervention, therapy, and long-term support. These include:
- SAFE Homes-Rape Crisis Coalition, offering 24-hour assistance and counseling.
- Julie Valentine Center, providing free advocacy, therapy, and medical support for survivors of sexual assault and child abuse.
- South Carolina Coalition Against Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault (SCCADVASA), which connects survivors to statewide resources and legal advocacy programs.
Our attorneys work closely with many of these organizations to ensure that survivors receive not only the legal help they need but also the emotional and psychological care that promotes lasting recovery.
Why Legal Representation Matters
Sexual abuse cases are emotionally complex and legally challenging. Survivors often face defense strategies that attempt to discredit their experiences or minimize the harm they endured. Having a skilled legal team in Greenville ensures that every piece of evidence is presented correctly and every legal right is protected.
At David W. Martin Accident & Injury Lawyers, our mission is to create a safe and supportive environment where survivors can regain control of their lives. By combining compassionate advocacy with strong legal strategy, we help survivors pursue justice while promoting healing and empowerment at every stage of the process.
Contact Our Compassionate Sexual Abuse Lawyers in Greenville, South Carolina, Today to Schedule a consultation.
If you or someone you love has suffered from sexual abuse in South Carolina, no matter who the abuser is or where the abuse occurred, contact our experienced Greenville personal injury attorneys at the David W. Martin Accident and Injury Lawyers today by calling 803-258-6199.
We provide consultations for all personal injury cases in South Carolina, and never charge any legal fees unless we deliver a positive outcome for your unique case.