Call Now for a Free Consultation
Call Now for a Free Consultation
You deserve to have a safe and happy childhood. If someone violated your right to feel safe in your own body, you deserve to find a sense of peace and justice. A Charleston child sexual abuse lawyer is here to help explain your legal options and to provide unparalleled guidance and support.
Forbes Law Offices represents adults who were abused as children, as well as families who have made the horrifying discovery that someone else has harmed their child. We understand that discussing these types of sensitive legal matters can be difficult, and taking the first step is never easy.
That’s why our legal team proudly offers case evaluations to our community in Charleston and across the rest of West Virginia. Every informational meeting is private and free of charge, and there is never any obligation to partner with our law firm. For us, the most important thing is making sure that everyone has access to the legal knowledge they need when it matters most.
Forbes Law Offices represents adults who were molested or abused as children, as well as parents of abused children. It is our goal with every one of these cases we take to help our clients find justice, peace, and healing.
By holding individuals and entities responsible for abuse, negligent hiring practices, insufficient supervision, and more, we hope that we are making this a safer world for all children.
And in choosing our firm to represent you, you will have the opportunity to work with a determined attorney who is committed to building the strongest case possible.
According to the Indiana Center for Prevention of Youth Abuse & Suicide, 85% of childhood sex abuse victims never report what happened to them. And of those who do disclose the abuse, few ever see their abusers face any type of criminal consequences.
When you take the steps to file a childhood sex abuse lawsuit in civil court, it is your opportunity to stand up and seek justice for everything that you endured. Compared to criminal charges, which require prosecutors to prove their case beyond a reasonable doubt, civil claims tend to be much easier to navigate.
A civil lawsuit only requires a preponderance of evidence, meaning that you only need to show that it is more likely than not that something happened.
It’s OK if you never told anyone about the abuse. It’s alright if you’re not sure what evidence is left. What matters is the decision that you’re making now. Because filing a claim can do so much more than just recover financial damages and hold the abuser party at fault—it could potentially protect others from enduring the same kind of abuse.
Parents and caretakers of children and adults with disabilities should be aware of signs of sexual abuse. These may include:
Behavioral and emotional signs can vary greatly depending on the victim and their age. Some victims are better at masking their hurt than others.
If you notice any concerning change in your child’s behavior or mental health, don’t wait to take action. Talk to your child and ask if there’s anything that’s bothering them, or schedule an appointment with their pediatrician. We also recommend scheduling an appointment for your child with a licensed therapist who has experience working with minors.
And if you learn that the unimaginable has happened, Forbes Law Offices is here for you. We’ll help you navigate the process of helping them secure the justice they deserve.
Grooming is the act of an adult building a relationship with a minor, with the end goal of using that relationship as a basis to abuse, exploit, or manipulate them. According to RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network), groomers typically follow five basic steps:
Grooming can take place in-person or online and is a method that is typically used by abusers who are known to the victim, such as family members, teachers, coaches, clergy members, and youth group leaders. For adults who are already in or near a child’s circle of trust, grooming can happen easily and be hard to spot.
Not every adult who is kind to your child is acting with the intention to harm them. However, all parents, guardians, and caregivers need to be aware of the ways that abusers slowly desensitize not just their victims but their families as well. Grooming is hard to spot when there’s been a gradual build-up, and over time, it can be hard to identify the dangerous person hiding in plain sight.
An adult repeatedly giving a child gifts, providing them with alcohol, or asking them to keep secrets is always a red flag. And even if you can’t quite put your finger on what’s wrong, if something doesn’t feel right, don’t hesitate to take action to protect your child. This may include making an appointment with your child’s regular doctor, taking them to therapy, contacting the police, or speaking with a lawyer.
At Forbes Law Offices, we know that this is one of the most horrifying realizations for any parent. That’s why we offer no-cost, zero-obligation informational meetings in a completely confidential setting. Our goal is to help you understand your legal options and to provide a safe and welcoming space as your family decides what action is best.
There is no law or statute that requires you to obtain the services of a legal representative in order to file a claim or lawsuit for childhood sexual abuse. However, there are many benefits to working with a knowledgeable child sexual abuse attorney in Washington:
A lawyer will also handle the difficult, overwhelming, and emotionally draining aspects of creating a legal claim. This can help shield your entire family from being unjustly retraumatized as you navigate West Virginia’s civil court system.
When you choose to work closely with the legal team at Forbes Law Offices, you’ll always have someone on your side.
The journey to emotional healing looks different for everyone. If an abuser molested you as a child, but you were unable to access the help you needed at the time, Forbes Law Offices is here for you now.
We have extensive experience handling complex litigation for adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse. Our skills as legal professionals allow us to protect and uphold your rights throughout every step of the process, from your first consultation to the conclusion of your case.
It is our goal to help you find the justice that you deserve. And as we work to build the most robust case possible on your behalf, you can count on us to do so with as much professionalism and discretion as the situation demands.
Every child deserves to live a safe and happy life that is free from abuse, exploitation, molestation, and rape. But when an abuser violates a minor’s right to a safe childhood, they need to be held fully accountable.
Forbes Law Offices is proud to be a voice for survivors of childhood sexual abuse in Charleston.
If you’re ready to talk, we’re ready to listen. You can schedule your free and confidential case evaluation by contacting us online or by phone.
Call us or fill out the form below to tell us about your potential case and a
personal injury lawyer will get back to you as quickly as possible.
