Oftentimes, people limit sexual assault to rape. While rape may be a form of sexual assault, it is not all there is to it. Sexual assault includes all forms of sexual activity you are not comfortable with. It also includes all sexual activities you do not give express consent. Consent is the distinguishing element in determining whether a sexual activity is an assault. 

Being a victim of sexual assault can be traumatizing and emotionally draining. It is even more heartbreaking if the abuser is someone you trust like your stepfather. It is important to understand you do not have to continue to be a victim. There are various laws and justice systems put in place to get justice against the abuser. That is why it is important to seek the counsel of a sexual abuse lawyer. Sexual abuse lawyers have experience in dealing with similar cases like yours and you can be sure to get help.

The following are things you can do if you are sexually assaulted by your stepfather:

Speak to a sexual abuse lawyer

It is important you speak to someone you trust. Due to the nature of a lawyer's profession, they are mandated to always promote justice. So you can be sure to trust speaking to a  Sexual abuse lawyers will not jeopardize your chances of getting justice. A sexual abuse lawyer has experience dealing with sexual assault cases similar to yours. They can advise you and tell you about various options available to you under the law.

Speak up because others like you received help

Most victims of sexual assault are always afraid to speak up due to threats from the abuser. This may make you think there are no others who have dealt with the same ordeal and gotten help. Research shows 1 in 13 boys experience sexual assault and 1 in 4 girls experience sexual assault. This shows sexual assault is more prevalent than you think.

The sexual assault is not your fault and the abuser is to blame for it. When you choose to accept this, it is easier to move past your guilt and shame and get justice for yourself. The first step in getting help is to know you are not alone and that you can get help when you speak up.

Make sure you are safe

It is important to prioritize your safety. Immediately after a sexual assault ensures to find a copy mechanism to ensure your safety. This may be calling a trusted friend or family member. If the assault is such that you can lose your life in the process, call the police immediately.

File a sexual abuse lawsuit against the abuser

This is why it is important to speak to a sexual abuse lawyer first. The lawyer is conversant with various remedies provided under the law. Your lawyer can file a civil claim on your behalf. A civil claim enables you to get compensation for injuries suffered. 

Being a victim of sexual assault makes you susceptible to various injuries. For example, physical pain, emotional suffering, and so on. You can claim compensation for all these injuries suffered. 

To claim the compensation you must show to the court all the injuries suffered as a result of the assault caused by your stepfather. Some of the compensation you can claim are as follows: 

• Medical Expenses

These are costs incurred by having to get yourself treated as a result of the assault.

• Travel expenses

This covers the cost of transportation to the hospital. It can also include appointments with your lawyer.

• Counseling expenses

Oftentimes, victims of sexual assault suffer from psychological and mental trauma.  This may result in you visiting a psychology specialist for counseling. You can claim damages for the cost incurred in getting a counselor to help your mental health. 

File a sexual assault criminal lawsuit against the abuser

Your lawyer can also file a criminal suit against the abuser. Sexual assault is regarded as a felony. There are serious penalties for sexual assault crime. 

Some of the punishments that can be given to the abuser include:

• Prison sentences
• Mandatory rehabilitation treatments
• Payment of a fine to the victim

Preserve evidence

You need enough evidence to corroborate your claim in court. You must ensure not to clean up before receiving medical treatment. This is to ensure your evidence is preserved immediately after you go to the hospital. This also includes the assault scene. You must leave the sexual assault scene the way it is.

 Do not remove or tamper with any evidence in the scene that can help corroborate your claim in court. You can take pictures of the scene immediately after the assault to serve as evidence in court.

Go to the hospital for medical treatment

If it is rape, the doctor before treating you knows it is a criminal offense. Some evidence can be collected by your doctor. For example, semen, hair, and other evidence related to the abuser’s identity can be collected. Also, this enables you to have expert testimony to corroborate your claim.

Get support and resources to heal

It can be overwhelming to figure out how to get better and heal from the trauma. They are various support organizations that help sexual assault victims to heal. You can register in those organizations. 

Conclusion

It is common among sexual assault victims not to speak up and get help. This is oftentimes, because of the threats and manipulation of the abuser. It is important to know fear is a normal response to the trauma suffered. 

However, no one is above the law and sexual assault is prohibited under the law. You can be sure to get justice and a sense of safety by applying all the information provided in this article. Most importantly, a sexual abuse lawyer can guide you through the necessary process to get justice.