Position in Leadership Sex Abuse Attorneys
in Louisville, Kentucky

Leaders in any role are supposed to lead, influence, and mentor those around them. However, leaders sometimes abuse the power they hold over those subordinate to them. They can do this in many ways, but acts of sex abuse are perhaps the most heinous. 

Children and adults alike should be able to trust those in positions of leadership with their safety and well-being. When leaders violate that trust, the results can be devastating to the physical and mental health of those they harm. Moreover, it can ravage victims’ families and their relationships with others. 

If you or a loved one has suffered sex abuse perpetrated by someone in a leadership position, criminal prosecution is not the only route to justice. You may be able to file a lawsuit in civil court to pursue monetary compensation for the damages the person has caused. 

Slechter Law Firm, PLLC helps clients in Louisville, Lexington, and throughout the state of Kentucky pursue civil claims against leaders who commit sex abuse. Mr. Slechter and Mrs. Slechter provide compassionate representation to victims while tenaciously pursuing judgments against the perpetrators. 

What Is Leadership Sex Abuse? 

Sex abuse is unwanted sexual action by use of force or threats, and is often perpetrated against those who cannot provide consent due to age, consciousness, or mental disability. When the perpetrator commits this unwanted sexual contact with someone subordinate to their position, it constitutes leadership sex abuse. 

Examples of this are all too common. They include sex acts perpetrated by community leaders, such as youth organization leaders, clergy, teachers, and coaches, against the children they supervise. Leadership sex abuse also includes those instances where elected officials, managers, doctors, rideshare drivers, company owners and leaders, and others in positions of authority perpetrate unwanted sexual acts on those subordinate to them. 

All sex abuse involves a power dynamic. In leadership sex abuse, power is exerted over those who lack authority. 

Aren’t Sex Abusers Punished in Criminal Court? 

Sex abuse is, indeed, against the law. Many sex abusers are arrested, charged, prosecuted, and if convicted, punished in criminal proceedings. In criminal sexual assault claims, prosecuting attorneys, rather than victims, control the process. Abusers are considered innocent until proven guilty. The evidence against them must be strong enough to convince a judge and jury of guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. 

There is another way for victims to seek justice against the person who sexually abused them. Under Kentucky’s tort system, victims can file civil lawsuits against those who intentionally injured them. It is similar to the ability of victims of car accidents caused by drunk drivers to file a civil claim against those who caused their injuries. 

In civil sexual assault claims, the victim of sexual assault is in control. They work with an abuse attorney to build a case and present it to the judge and jury. Although the family law attorney is doing most of the necessary work, the victim they represent is making decisions about the case. 

Unlike the burden of proof required in a criminal sexual assault case, a civil case requires only a preponderance of evidence against the defendant. In other words, if you can provide evidence compelling enough to convince a judge and jury that it is more likely than not that the person committed leadership sex abuse, they can be found guilty. Instead of receiving a prison sentence or fine, victims in civil cases are awarded compensation for their damages. The judgment against the defendant could include payment to the victim for past and future medical and mental health expenses, lost wages or employment, mental anguish, and pain and suffering. Although a criminal conviction could result in some compensation to the victim of sex abuse from a victim’s compensation fund, only through a civil trial could victims expect to receive justice for their damages. 

The perpetrator of sexual assault could be prosecuted in both criminal and civil courts. Even if the perpetrator is found not guilty in a criminal trial, victims can nonetheless pursue civil action against them. 

What Steps Should Be Taken by Victims? 

If you, your child, friend, or loved one has been the victim of sex abuse, or you believe them to be, ask them. If there are physical signs of abuse, photograph them. See a doctor or visit the emergency room to document physical signs, take a rape kit, and begin treatment for any physical injuries. Talk to law enforcement to report incidents. 

Do not confront the perpetrator. Let law enforcement and the prosecuting attorney do that. If you file a civil action, your family law attorney will handle all communication with the defendant and their attorney. 

Do not mention the acts of abuse or the case against the perpetrator on social media, text, email, or in any communication other than with your attorney, doctor, or therapist. Rely on your lawyer to guide you through the civil process. 

What Resources Are There for Victims? 

Victims of leadership sex abuse have several resources to help, including the National Sexual Assault Hotline (1-800-656-4673), Ampersand Sexual Violence Resource Center of the Bluegrass, and GreenHouse 17 hotlines. 

If your child was abused, most organizations have reporting mechanisms you can use. Likewise, employers, government, and other entities have sex abuse reporting procedures. 

Another great place to begin is by contacting abuse attorneys like Mr. Slechter and Mrs. Slechter. They can help connect you with resources while providing legal guidance about your case. 

Position in Leadership Sex Abuse Attorneys
Serving Louisville, Kentucky   

If you or a loved one has been the victim of leadership sex abuse in Louisville or anywhere in Kentucky, don’t keep it to yourself. Reach out to family law attorneys who will work diligently to help you receive the justice you deserve. Call Slechter Law Firm, PLLC today to schedule a free case consultation.