Santa Fe Sexual Abuse Lawyer

Santa Fe Sexual Abuse Attorney

Compassionate New Mexico Attorney Helping Victims of Sexual Abuse, Assault and Molestation

While sexual abuse is a crime that carries severe penalties beyond jail time, there are civil remedies that must be pursued as well. The lawyer at Youngers Law, PA, compassionately represents clients when people in authority violated their trust.

If you need help pursuing civil remedies against someone who has sexually abused you or a loved one, contact the firm at 505-499-5224 or 575-988-9182. Attorney Joleen Youngers will handle your case with discretion and sensitivity to your situation. With offices in Santa Fe and staff in Las Cruces, the firm provides representation to clients throughout New Mexico.

Pursuing Civil Remedies for Sexual Abuse

The attorney and her staff at Youngers Law recognize the trauma that her clients experience following sexual abuse. While the criminal justice system can punish the offending individual, it does not address the long-term damage that the survivor may have suffered. A special relationship based on trust that results in sexual abuse has serious and long-lasting effects on the victim.

Joleen Youngers recognizes the need to not only hold abusers accountable, but also the need to hold the institutions and businesses who supervise those abusers accountable.

Holding Authority Figures Responsible for Violating Your Trust

We have all heard stories in the news about authority figures, such as teachers, coaches, supervisors, ministers, priests and Boy Scout troop leaders, who have abused their power by engaging in sexual abuse of children. It is also known that police officers, prison guards and jail guards have severely violated the civil rights of accused individuals by sexually assaulting them. When this type of abuse of power happens, you need an advocate at your side who will hold the abuser responsible.

Sexual abuse cases are rife with emotion. Attorney Youngers will build your case based on your story and how what happened impacted and hurt you. You may be entitled to compensation for the psychological damages that you and those close to you have suffered. She and her staff can help.

FAQs

Sexual abuse causes trauma that can last for years and affect every aspect of the victim’s life. Joleen Youngers believes that you deserve an ally who will fight for justice while helping you care for your mental and emotional state. While attorney Joleen Youngers is committed to fierce, passionate representation, her goal is also to provide compassionate support to victims of sexual abuse.

Ms. Youngers and her staff understand that relationships, power dynamics and emotional trauma all factor into your case. While the answers below apply to many cases in general, they are not tailored to your specific situation. Attorney Youngers would be honored to answer your questions in greater detail in a free initial consultation. To schedule a time to speak with her at the firm’s offices in Santa Fe or Las Cruces, call 505-499-5224 or 575-988-9182 or complete the contact form. She represents clients throughout New Mexico.

What is the first thing I should do after sexual assault?

Your safety is important, so your very first priority after being sexually assaulted should be to find someplace safe away from your abuser, such as in a public space or with a family member or friend. A safe place can give you time to recover and process the trauma of sexual assault.

Dissociation is a common psychological response to sexual assault. Victims may feel disjointed, distant, overwhelmed or shocked after being sexually assaulted. It is often important to not be alone at this time. It can help to reach out to family members or friends for emotional support. You may also want to do activities that can help you calm down, such as listening to music, reading or watching TV.

It is important to seek medical help and make a report to the police after being sexually assaulted. A police report should be made within 180 days from the date of the assault, except for sexual assault to minors. A rape kit may be necessary to collect evidence if you decide to take legal action. You may need to make follow-up appointments to screen for sexually transmitted diseases. National support hotlines are available to help victims.

Typically, the statute of limitations for a sexual assault claim to recover damages in New Mexico is three years from the date of the assault. For sexual abuse of a minor, a claim must be brought by the victim’s 24th birthday or within three years of knowing a minor was injured as a result of childhood sexual abuse. While that may be a lot of time to consider pursuing an abuser and seeking justice, it can be harder to collect evidence with every passing year.

What is sexual assault in New Mexico?

Rape and sexual assault fall under New Mexico’s sexual offense statutes. Rape and sexual assault are the intentional act of having sex or causing penetration to another person’s genital or anal area. Touching another person’s private parts through force or coercion is considered criminal sexual contact. Sexual assault can also include nonconsensual sexual acts on victims who cannot consent, such as someone unconscious, underage or inebriated. Sexual assault charges can greatly vary depending on whether a minor was involved.

Evidence is very important to prove a sexual assault claim. A victim may have video or audio recordings, witness statements or DNA evidence to prove someone assaulted the victim.

Who is held responsible for sexual abuse?

Sexual assault can happen at any time. Many cases of sexual assault happen at schools, such as at the New Mexico State University, Rio Rancho High School, Volcano Vista High School and other Santa Fe high schools. In many cases, people in power, such as organization leaders are responsible for sexual assault. It is important to hold leaders responsible otherwise their actions may continue.

Is it worth filing a civil suit after sexual abuse?

Sexual assault can have life-long consequences for victims. Victims may need to take off work or leave school to recover from their physical injuries and the emotional burden of their trauma. Sexual assault can also lead to unwanted pregnancies, which can burden women and children. Victims can suffer from long-term psychological trauma that can affect their mental health, companionships and productivity. It is estimated that the financial cost of sexual assault totals between $122,461 and $240,776.

Victims can pursue their assaults for damages. Victims can recover compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, loss of enjoyment from life, and pain and suffering. Assaults can also be punished with fines and incarceration.

How is a civil case different than a criminal one?

There are two main ways that civil and criminal cases differ. First, the burden of proof in a civil case is lower than in a criminal case. This means that you do not have to offer the same amount or kind of evidence that a criminal case requires. Second, civil cases offer personal compensation, rather than a criminal conviction, as a form of justice. This means that you can obtain monetary compensation from an abuser or an abuser’s employer or person in charge of the abuser. The compensation may be for mental health treatment, damage to dignity, emotional trauma, humiliation and other harms and losses.

Will I have to keep telling people my story?

If the case goes to trial, you will need to tell the court about your abuse, but Joleen Youngers will stand with you every step of the way and keep the number of times you testify to an absolute minimum. She understands that talking about your past traumas can be a traumatic event in and of itself, and she will support you and protect you throughout the process.

Reach Out to Our Santa Fe Sexual Assault Attorney Joleen Youngers

For more information, or to schedule an appointment with an experienced and compassionate lawyer, please contact the firm today. Call 505-820-0108 or 575-541-8000. The firm’s lawyer provides free consultations to victims of sexual assault or abuse.