Missouri Sexual Abuse Attorney 

One of the most difficult things a child can live through is sexual abuse perpetrated by someone they trust. At DRZ Law, our Missouri child sexual abuse attorneys help advocate for survivors and fight for the justice they so rightly deserve. We can compassionately guide you through your legal options. We’ll be there for you every step of the way. You’ll never have to walk alone to determine how you want to deal with a sexual abuse situation involving you or your child.

Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation with an experienced Missouri child sexual abuse attorney.

What Is Sexual Abuse in Missouri?

Child sexual abuse has multiple definitions. It can include physical contact, such as kissing, groping, or rape. It can also include nonphysical acts, such as exposing genitals or taking explicit pictures of a minor. Child abuse can refer to many different types of sex crimes, but the commonality is that these are crimes perpetrated against a minor who does not have the legal ability to consent to such conduct.

1 in 5 girls and 1 in 20 boys will become victims of child sexual abuse. These may be conservative estimates as sexual abuse is widely one of the most underreported crimes. Victims are often children who have been abused by an adult in a trusted position, such as a parent, neighbor, teacher, or coach.

Perpetrators of child abuse can be tried in criminal and civil court. While the goal of criminal court is to punish the wrongdoer, civil cases seek monetary compensation for the harm the abuser caused and social accountability.

Different Types of Child Sex Abuse

While child sex abuse may involve intra-family abuse, it can also occur when adults abuse the trust instilled in them when they are in a position of authority over the minor. Institutional abuse occurs when institutions or organizations have poor practices to identify and prevent sexual abuse against children in their care. Institutions can be held responsible for harm that occurs when an employee, director or volunteer from the organization abuses a child and the organization does not have reporting requirements or prompt remedies to stop the abuse.

Different types of child sex abuse include:

• Public or private school abuse
• Boarding school abuse
• Military school abuse
• Clergy sexual abuse
• Sex abuse in sports
• Boy Scout abuse
• Abuse in summer or recreational camps

Many sexual offenders select vulnerable victims who do not have a trusted adult they can turn to or work in places where children will be in a vulnerable position.

DRZ Law is passionate about bringing justice against criminals who harm the most vulnerable members of our societies. We are one of the few firms that focus on institutional child abuse. We’re passionate about changing broken systems to prevent further incidents of sexual assault from occurring in the future.

If you or your child was abused at Circle of Hope, Agape Boarding School, boarding school, a military school, at church, or at some other institution, we can help you take legal action. We can provide the aggressive legal action you need to hold accountable sexual predators and the organizations that choose to protect them instead of the innocent children under their care.

Signs of Child Sexual Abuse

The following signs may indicate that your child has been sexually abused and you need legal assistance:

• Physical injuries, especially to the genital area
• Blood or stains on undergarments
• A child speaking about sexual subjects that they should not have knowledge of
• Regressive behaviors, such as bed-wetting or sucking their thumb
• Nightmares
• Sudden outbursts of aggression
• Fear around the abuser

Older children may have behavioral indications of abuse, such as:

• Lower grades or disciplinary problems in school
• Substance abuse
• Withdrawal from favorite activities
• Problems getting along with others
• Suicidal thoughts or ideations
• Depression

If your child is demonstrating some of the symptoms above, notify the police about the suspected abuse and help them obtain medical care. Contact DRZ Law when you are ready to pursue justice and accountability.

How Our Missouri Child Sexual Abuse Lawyers Can Help

The compassionate and understanding Missouri child sexual abuse lawyers with DRZ Law recognize how difficult it is for survivors of child abuse to come forward. We can gently guide you through your options and act as your advocates at every step. We have over 20 years of experience representing abuse survivors and their families and have the resources necessary to bring your case to its final resolution. We have proven time and time again that we are not afraid to challenge systemic abuse and institutions like churches, schools, or sports organizations.

We have obtained compensation for 100% of our sexual assault clients and have represented clients in the following cases:

• A student sexually assaulted by other students at a private school
• A student sexually assaulted in his dorm in private school
• Claims by male students repeatedly sexually assaulted by another student against the school district
• A child sexually assaulted by a daycare worker
• A student assaulted by an older male student on a school bus
• A whistleblower who reported incidents of sexual assault by adults against children
• Boys who were abused in the juvenile justice system

Sexual Abuse Victims’ Right to Compensation in Missouri

Through a civil claim, you may be able to seek financial compensation for the losses you or your child suffered because of the abuse, such as:

• Medical and mental health expenses
• Emotional and psychological damage
• Lost wages for time off work
• Reduced quality of life

Filing a civil claim is also sometimes the only legal remedy available to many survivors of child abuse. A claim can help you hold the perpetrator accountable for their deplorable actions.

Contact DRZ Law for Help

If you or a loved one was injured through child sexual abuse, the legal team at DRZ Law in Kansas City is ready to stand by you and fight for the justice you need. Contact us today for a free and confidential review of your legal options.