Sexual abuse of a child is a serious violation of both criminal and civil law. Survivors of childhood sexual abuse may pursue civil sexual abuse lawsuits in Washington State against the individuals responsible and, in many cases, the institutions that allowed the abuse to occur.
Defining Sexual Abuse
Sexual abuse generally refers to any sexual activity involving a minor or conduct that involves sexual exploitation, coercion, or manipulation.
Children cannot legally consent to sexual conduct with adults, and any such behavior may constitute abuse under Washington law.
Examples of conduct that may qualify as sexual abuse include:
- Sexual contact or sexual assault involving a minor
- Exploitation of a child for sexual purposes
- Indecent exposure
- Inappropriate touching
- Grooming behaviors intended to facilitate abuse
- Sexual exploitation through images or recordings
Of course, sexual abuse is a crime and may trigger criminal penalties like fines and imprisonment. However, it is also a “tort,” or civil wrong, that may give survivors the right to pursue compensation from an abuser or an institution that allowed the abuse.
Any civil claims connected to sexual abuse are distinct from criminal proceedings against the abuser. A survivor may be entitled to seek damages even if the perpetrator is never charged or found guilty of misconduct.
Where Does Sexual Abuse Commonly Occur in Washington State?
Child sexual abuse can occur in a variety of environments where adults interact with or are in positions of trust and authority over children.
Some common settings where abuse may occur include:
- Schools
- School-sponsored activities
- Sports
- Churches
- Camps and recreational programs
- Foster care
- Childcare centers
Unfortunately, each of these environments can be exploited by individuals who seek access to vulnerable children.
Who Is Liable for a Child Sexual Abuse Claim in Washington State?
The individual who committed the abuse is directly responsible for the harm they caused. However, civil lawsuits often name other parties as defendants as well.
Institutions that employed or were otherwise responsible for the abuser may be held liable if they failed to protect children in their care. Such institutions generally have a duty to implement proper safeguards to protect children from foreseeable abuse and address reports of misconduct as soon as they occur.
For example, an organization may share responsibility for child sexual abuse if it ignored prior complaints about an employee, failed to conduct background checks, or allowed unsupervised access to minors.
Potential defendants in a civil sexual abuse claim may include:
- The individual perpetrator
- School districts
- Religious organizations
- Youth programs or sports leagues
- Camps or childcare providers
- Agencies responsible for supervising children
Holding both individuals and institutions accountable can be essential for ensuring survivors receive compensation and for preventing similar abuse in the future.
Contact an Experienced Seattle Child Sexual Abuse Lawyer for Help
If you believe you or a loved one experienced childhood sexual abuse in Washington State, you should speak with an experienced Seattle child sexual abuse attorney who can help you understand your legal options and determine whether you have a sexual abuse claim.
Contact Darrell Cochran Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation to learn more about your rights.