Mountaineer Criminal Law Group Supports Sexual Abuse Victims in West Virginia

Experienced Legal Representation for Physical and Emotional Trauma

Sexual abuse remains a pervasive issue in society, affecting individuals of all ages and circumstances. This form of abuse becomes especially devastating when adults harm children, stripping them of their innocence and creating emotional scars that can last a lifetime. At Mountaineer Criminal Law Group, we are committed to holding abusers and those who enable them accountable. If you are a victim of sexual abuse in West Virginia, this is your chance to seek justice. Our West Virginia car accident lawyer is prepared to stand by your side with strong advocacy and unwavering support.

Understanding Sexual Abuse in West Virginia

Statistics reveal that an incident of child sexual abuse occurs every nine minutes in the United States. The trauma from childhood sexual violence can manifest in profound ways, often making survivors:

• Four times more likely to abuse drugs
• Four times more likely to experience symptoms of PTSD as adults
• Three times more likely to endure major depressive episodes in adulthood

Such heartbreaking abuse primarily happens in environments where children should feel safe. Often, the perpetrators are known to the victims, and these acts of violence occur in places such as:

• Scout meetings and campsites
• Sports facilities
• Daycare centers
• Churches and other religious spaces
• Medical facilities
• Schools
• Summer camps

Sadly, many organizations that work with children fail to adequately vet their employees and volunteers, unintentionally placing children in harm’s way.

Categories of Sexual Abuse Under West Virginia Law

West Virginia law defines child sexual abuse as any unlawful act in which an adult or older adolescent exploits a child for sexual stimulation. Forms of child sexual abuse include, but are not limited to:

• Fondling or other forms of molestation
• Child grooming
• Sexual contact of any kind
• Indecent exposure
• Obscene phone calls, text messages, or digital interactions
• Creation or distribution of child pornography

It’s important to note that child sexual abuse doesn’t always involve physical contact. Simply exposing a minor to sexually explicit images or messages for the offender’s pleasure also qualifies as abuse.

Statute of Limitations for Sexual Abuse Cases in West Virginia

The standard statute of limitations for personal injury in West Virginia is two years. However, this timeline has historically been inadequate for survivors of child sexual abuse. Victims often suppress memories of their trauma for years or even decades, and symptoms of the abuse may only become apparent later in life.

Recognizing these challenges, West Virginia enacted reforms in 2020. Survivors of childhood sexual abuse can now file civil lawsuits until they reach the age of 36, provided they were under 36 when the law was passed.

Additionally, there is a four-year discovery rule that offers survivors more time to seek justice. Under this rule, individuals have four years from the time they discover an injury related to the abuse—whether they suppressed the memory of the incident or only later connected it to harm they experienced in adulthood. This ensures that victims of any age have a pathway to legal recourse.

Taking the Step to Come Forward

We understand how difficult and emotional it can be for survivors of sexual abuse to come forward. At Mountaineer Criminal Law Group, we believe every victim deserves closure and the sense of justice that comes from holding a predator accountable. If you were subjected to sexual abuse as a child, we encourage you to reach out for a free consultation to discuss your legal rights and the steps involved in the justice process.

Contact a West Virginia Personal Injury Attorney for a Free Consultation

Our West Virginia personal injury attorney serves sexual abuse victims across West Virginia, advocating passionately for their rights. If you are ready to take the first step toward justice, we’re here to provide the support you need.

Call us at 304-202-5835or contact us online to schedule your free consultation today. Together, we can work towards delivering justice and ensuring no survivor’s voice goes unheard.