Child Abuse Lawyers
Personal Injury Law
One of the most devastating and tragic things that happens daily in our country and countries around the world is the abuse of children. Child abuse can leave innocent victims scarred for life, both physically and emotionally. It is vital for these children to understand that they are not alone and the abuse is not their fault. Child abuse cases can be very difficult, which is why it is important to get the help of an experienced child abuse attorney to guide you through the process.
What Constitutes Child Abuse?
Child abuse is defined as anything that puts a child’s emotional and/or physical health and development in danger. The abuse can be anything from physical or emotional abuse to sexual abuse and neglect.
Physical child abuse is anything that results in a non-accidental injury to the child, such as:
- Shaking
- Kicking
- Hitting
- Burning
- Any other type of bodily harm
Emotional child abuse occurs when the abuser exhibits a behavior or attitude that will interfere with the mental health or social development of that child. This can include:
- Vulgar language, whether it’s directed towards the child or not
- Shouting or yelling at the child
- Name calling
- Making fun of, belittling or degrading the child
Sexual abuse refers to any sexual act that occurs between an adult and a child. This includes:
- Exhibitionism
- Sexual videos, games, pictures or other images
- Forced viewing of sexual acts
- Any other lewd behavior
Neglect occurs when the caretaker fails to provide the children with the proper items for their development or physical needs. This includes:
- Improper supervision
- Unsafe housing
- Inadequate food or clothing
- Negligent medical care
- Poor hygiene
Child Abuse Laws
Child abuse law is one of the most difficult types of law because of the victims involved and the severe damage that is inflicted. Because the child most likely fears their abuser, they are usually too scared to report the abuse or neglect. This leaves them in the situation for months, even years, with no defense.
In an effort to prevent child abuse, there have been many laws developed to protect children, and even more recently to protect the child while still in the womb. Some of these state laws include:
- Megan’s Law, which requires a database of registered sex offenders to be available to the public.
- Jessica’s Law, which was designed to require punishment of sex offenders and the prevention of them to commit more sexual crimes.
- Suzanne’s Law, which requires the police to contact the National Crime Information Center when a person between the ages of 18 and 21 goes missing.
Recent law changes also include the requirement of any medical professional to report anything that they suspect is child abuse.
If you have been injured by child abuse or know someone who has, please do not hesitate to see if you have a case against the abuser. Please contact an experienced child abuse lawyer at Jacoby & Meyers, LLC to set up a complimentary consultation. Together we will fight to make sure justice is served.
Jacoby & Meyers has offices and attorneys throughout the United States, with regional offices in Southern California, Arizona, Miami, and New York.
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