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Attending university is supposed to be one of the most exciting and transformative experiences of your life. You put your faith and trust in the school administration to put the health and safety of their students first, but incidents of abuse often seem to seep through the cracks.
If you were sexually abused by a teacher or administrator, you deserve to have your story heard. Contact our team of abuse attorneys at Maryland Injury Guys today for a free, confidential case evaluation.
We want to help.
Unfortunately, sexual abuse cases on college campuses are becoming increasingly common. According to the National Sexual Violence Resource Center, one in five women and one in sixteen men are sexually assaulted while in college. Furthermore, it is estimated that 90% of sexual assaults on college campuses go unreported. This means that the actual number of male victims is likely much higher than what is reported.
Unfortunately, many male victims of sexual assault are not taken seriously or are even laughed at when they come forward with their stories. This is an incredibly damaging and hurtful response to survivors of sexual abuse and assault, and it is a common occurrence. Our legal team at Maryland Injury Guys wants you to know that we are here for you, ready to listen to your story and advocate for your rights.
In Maryland, the statute of limitations for filing a lawsuit for sexual abuse against a school is three years from the date of the incident. This means that if a victim of sexual abuse does not file a lawsuit within three years of the incident, they may be left feeling helpless and powerless. This is due to the fact that, in many jurisdictions, the statute of limitations for filing a civil lawsuit for damages stemming from sexual abuse is three years. This means that if the victim does not take legal action within three years of the abuse taking place, they are legally barred from seeking justice.
This statute of limitations is in place to ensure that the accused has a fair trial, as evidence and witnesses may be hard to come by after a long period of time has elapsed. This is especially true in cases where the crime is particularly heinous, or the perpetrator was particularly adept at covering their tracks. Even in cases where the crime is not particularly severe, the passage of time can still make it difficult to obtain the necessary evidence to prove a case. As time passes, memories fade, and physical evidence can be lost or destroyed.
Sexual abuse is a serious crime, and the consequences of a conviction can be severe. Depending on the severity of the crime, a conviction can lead to a prison sentence, hefty fines, and a criminal record that can have long-term implications. In many cases, a conviction can mean a person is unable to obtain certain jobs, housing, or educational opportunities. In addition, a criminal record can make it difficult to travel to certain countries, as many will not allow entry to those with a criminal record. This can be a major obstacle for those who have made mistakes in the past and are seeking to start anew. Even if the criminal record is minor, it can still be a significant barrier to entry.
It is essential for students, parents, and school administrators to be aware of the proper steps to take when a student experiences sexual abuse. The first step is to make sure the student feels safe and secure. This can be done by providing a supportive and understanding environment, where the student can feel comfortable talking about their experience. It is important to listen to the student and validate their feelings, without judgment. It is also important to provide resources, such as counseling services, to help the student work through their emotions. This can be done by offering a listening ear and an understanding attitude.
Additionally, it is important to be aware of the student's environment and to provide support in the form of guidance and assistance. It is essential to recognize the unique needs of each student and to create an environment that is conducive to learning. This means providing a safe and comfortable space for students to learn and grow. It also means providing resources and support to help them succeed. This could include access to technology, such as laptops, tablets, and other devices that allow students to research and explore topics in greater depth.
Any student subject to a sexual abuse investigation or proceeding should obtain the guidance of a legal representative as early in the process as they can. A legal professional can ensure that their rights are respected, they are able to access relevant evidence, and they have the opportunity to make their case. If the school fails to take appropriate action, an attorney can initiate legal action against them. Contact Maryland Injury Guys for a free, confidential consultation.