Are You a Survivor of Sexual Assault at USC or Elsewhere?

A San Luis Obispo Sexual Assault Lawyer Can Help You Get Justice

On June 9, 2018, the Los Angeles Times reported how a group of current and former students gathered on the University of Southern California (USC) campus to march in protest of Doctor George Tyndall. More than 400 women contacted a university hotline to accuse Doctor Tyndall of sexual misconduct. Additionally, more than two dozen students have sued the doctor as well as the university. Many of the women allege that USC was aware of Doctor Tyndall’s sexual misconduct and allowed it to go on for the near three decades that he worked there. This is only one of many cases that have come out as of late. Many abused victims have found the courage to speak out. If you are a victim of sexual assault or sexual abuse, then you might be experiencing pain and shame, but you do not have to go through this alone. You can speak out and seek justice, just as others who have come forward have done.

The San Luis Obispo sexual assault lawyers at James McKiernan Lawyers want to advocate for you legally. We are on your side. We will work tirelessly to build a strong case plan for you and develop a trusting relationship that leaves you with peace of mind. We have been defending sexual assault victims for 50+ years. We want to help give you the courage to speak out against your abusers and receive the compensation that you deserve. The USC scandal is only one example of sexual misconduct, but there are many others that still need to be exposed and stopped. We want to help you force your abuser out into the light of day to own up for the damage he or she has done.

What Constitutes Sexual Assault in California?

Sexual assault can happen anywhere, including places where you should be receiving care such as nursing homes and hospitals. Sexual assault laws in California prohibit unwanted touching of another person’s intimate parts such as sexual organs, anus, groin, buttocks or breast. Sexual assault, sometimes referred to as “sexual battery”, that leads to non-consensual intercourse is considered rape.

You can prove sexual battery against a healthcare provider by establishing that:

• The healthcare professional touched the victim’s intimate parts when he or she was somehow restrained
• The touching was against the victim’s will
• The healthcare provider engaged in the unwanted touching for purposes of sexual gratification, sexual arousal and/or sexual abuse.

California Penal Code 243.4 states that misdemeanor sexual battery is punishable by up to six months in jail and a fine of up to $2,000. The fine increases to $3,000 if the defendant is the victim’s employer. A sexual battery felony could be punishable with jail time for two to four years and up to a $10,000 fine. Consult with a San Luis Obispo sexual assault lawyer to learn more about if your experience legally qualifies as sexual assault and the legal consequences that your abuser could realistically face.

What Are the Possible Effects of Sexual Assault?

The Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN) says that the effects of sexual violence or abuse can be psychological, emotional and/or physical. You might experience depression, post-traumatic stress, anxiety or other loss in quality of life. In some cases, sexual violence and/or assault results in the passing of a sexually transmitted disease or even pregnancy. Other side effects might include:

• Self-harm/self-injury
• Substance abuse
• Eating disorders
• Sleep disorders
• Suicidal thoughts or tendencies

If you are suffering ill effects from sexual abuse or violence, then please seek help from RAINN, your family, friends and other loved ones. You are not alone and there are people who can help you. It is important to take care of yourself by seeking medical help and perhaps even counseling to deal with your traumatic experience. Your state of mind and emotional stability may have been altered and you have to allow yourself time to heal.

Contact a San Luis Obispo Sexual Assault Lawyer and Start the Healing Process

Acknowledging that something was done to you can help tremendously with the healing process, as can seeking restitution and justice in court. A San Luis Obispo sexual assault lawyer can act as a trusted ally and will be there every step of the way to protect you. One of our professional attorneys can advise you on your legal options in bringing suit against your abuser.

We want you to heal and move forward with your life. Bringing suit against your abuser can give you closure and restitution for what was done to you. Call us for a consultation at 800-200-HURT or contact us online at your convenience.