Miami Sexual Assault & Battery Attorney
Sexual assault is a serious crime in Florida and other states across the country. Sexual assault commonly occurs in the form of rape. Rape is not reported as often as the victim often feel shame from such an event. However, prosecuting offenders keeps them from repeating the same crime and offending others.
Sexual assault is a crime that victimizes both men and women. More than 20 percent of men in Florida have been victimized by sexual assault other than rape. Nearly 28 percent were raped when they were under the age of 10. Among Florida women, 1 in 6 have been victims of rape. That’s more than 1.2 million women. More than 42 percent were under the age of 18 when raped.
In 2015, there were 10,732 sexual offenses in Florida. Of those, 7,537 were rape and 3,195 were classified as fondling. Only 18 percent of rape cases are reported to law enforcement. That’s because there is fear of repercussions. Plus, many rape cases occur while the victims are minors. They are less likely to defend themselves or know what to do in such a case, contact our Miami sexual assault & battery attorneys today.
Effects of Rape
Rape can have physical and emotional effects, many of them affecting the victim for years. Physical effects include pregnancy, STD, urinary infections and pain. Psychological effects can last much longer and may include post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which is characterized by stress and anxiety. Effects may also include depression, guilt and anger. Some victims develop sleeping, eating and personality disorders. They may have flashbacks of the rape and may be unable to trust others.
Therapy can help victims feel normal again. Those who experienced repeated sexual assault at an early age may require professional treatment for the rest of their lives. This is why seeking legal help can be beneficial. It can pay for the damages caused by the rape.
Sexual Assault Offenses
In the state of Florida, there are a number of crimes that are classified as sexual assault, including the following:
- Computer pornography
- Incest
- Sexual battery
- Unlawful sexual activity with minors
- Lewd or lascivious offenses committed on a disabled or elderly person
- Lewd or lascivious offenses committed on a person under the age of 16
All of these crimes are punished severely. They are felony offenses that can result in significant jail time and fines.
Hire Experienced Miami Sexual Assault & Battery Attorneys for Your Case
Sexual assault is an event that can haunt a victim for the rest of his or her life. Being victimized by another person can harm someone physically and emotionally. It’s important that the perpetrator pay for the crime through monetary damage, jail time and sex offender registry.
If you or a loved one has been the victim of sexual assault, it’s important to hold the offender accountable. The Miami sexual assault attorneys at Pike & Lustig, LLP can examine your case and hold the liable party accountable for his or her actions. We can help justice be served. Contact Pike & Lustig, LLP today at 305-985-5281 to discuss your case with one of our attorneys.
