Children with special needs are even more vulnerable than most when it comes to sexual abuse and assault. Children with disabilities may be unable to defend themselves or tell anyone about what is happening to them. They may be entirely reliant on their caregivers, teachers and others who are supposed to be protecting them. When people in trusted positions take advantage of special needs children to sexually abuse them, the special needs sexual abuse attorneys at The Senators (Ret.) Firm, LLP can help you take a stand.
If your special needs child has been sexually abused by a teacher, camp counselor, bus driver, coach, custodian, school administrator, caregiver, doctor, or anyone else in Orange County, contact us to request a free case consultation. We will believe you.
Why Choose Us?
- Our special needs sexual abuse lawyers care about their clients. We will protect your child’s identity during the case.
- We have secured millions of dollars in settlements and jury verdicts for our clients since 2007.
- We have decades of combined legal experience in personal injury and sexual abuse law.
- Our attorneys provide the highest level of legal representation and advocacy.
- We can go up against any adversary, including schools, churches and other institutions.
Signs of Sexual Abuse in Special Needs Children
Studies show that children with disabilities are more likely to be sexually abused than their peers. One study of 55,000 children found that those with intellectual disabilities were four times more likely to be sexually abused than children without disabilities. This includes children with autism, Down syndrome, Apert syndrome, cerebral palsy, developmental delays and other disabilities.
A child with special needs who is being sexually abused may exhibit the following signs:
- Physical injuries, such as bruising around the thighs
- Pain in the genital area or trouble walking
- Vaginal or anal tears
- Bloody undergarments or sheets
- Missing underwear
- Sexually transmitted diseases
- Complaints of headaches, nausea or abdominal pain
- Depression, anxiety or withdrawal from others
- Nightmares, sleep problems or bed-wetting
- Changes in appetite or weight
- Mood swings or irritability
- New fear of certain people or places
- Inconsolable crying
- Inexplicable silence
- Sexually inappropriate behaviors or drawings
- Using new words for private parts
It can be difficult to talk to a child with special needs about sexual abuse. Having an open and honest conversation, however, could help your child better understand what is and is not appropriate for someone else to do. If you notice a caregiver giving your child special attention, gifts that are out of the ordinary or trying to get your child alone, these could be signs of child sexual abuse, as well.
Rights of Victims of Special Needs Child Abuse in Orange County
If you were sexually abused as a child with special needs or your child has been sexually assaulted by someone in Orange County, you may be eligible for financial compensation. A child sexual abuse claim against the perpetrator and/or an institution that failed to protect children with special needs – including a school or the Orange Unified School District – could lead to compensation for your medical costs, lost quality of life, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. A civil claim could also deliver justice to the victim by holding someone accountable.
Contact The Senators Firm Today for a Free Consultation
Sexual abuse of special needs children is a terrible wrongdoing that is difficult to imagine. If you suspect your loved one is being sexually abused, you must take action immediately. Report the crime to the police and get your child the care that he or she needs. Then, contact The Senators Firm to request a free consultation with a child sexual abuse attorney in Orange County. We can help you with each step of the legal process. Call (949) 557-5800 today for more information.