Montana Sexual Abuse Lawyer

For you or your loved ones who were raped, sexually assaulted or sexually abused at church, school, during youth recreational activities or at healthcare or treatment facility, you may be able to hold the perpetrators—as well as the institutions where the abuse occurred—accountable by filing a civil lawsuit.

Such abuse may take place in the following settings:

• Public school
• Private school
• College campuses
• Preschool
• Daycare
• Other academic/school settings
• Church
• Recreation & Activity Groups
• Healthcare Facilities
• Residential Treatment Facilities or Homes
• In a public or private setting

It can be extremely difficult to take a stand against sexual abuse and assault. You may not understand what legal rights you have. You are likely still in shock. But there are important steps you need to take to preserve evidence. Even if you don’t want to sue now, you may feel differently in the future. Get compassionate legal help today from our experienced sexual abuse lawyer by calling (406) 294-8915.

Get Help from Our Billings Sexual Abuse Lawyer

Sexual assault in Montana is forcibly subjecting another person to sexual contact without their consent, up to and including rape. This encompasses a wide range of conduct. For example, a slap on the butt is sexual assault, as is date rape or being fondled or groped by a person. It can take place anywhere. People who are considered more vulnerable and less able to stand up for themselves are typically the victims of sexual abuse or assault. These include elderly people in nursing homes, children and teens in school and on sports teams, disabled and special needs individuals.

The burden of proof under Montana criminal law differs from that in civil law. That means you or your loved one may be able to prevail a civil suit even if a jury acquitted your abuser or criminal charges were never brought in the first place. It is important to remember that criminal lawsuits don’t necessarily have the victim’s best interest at heart. In contrast, a civil lawsuit is solely on behalf of the victim. Those who have been sexually abused or assaulted may be able to bring their perpetrators to justice by filing a civil lawsuit against the abuser or other individuals/entities that were complicit. Veronica A. Procter will put your interests first, as the victim. She can help you take advantage of all the mechanisms available in the civil justice system that aren’t available in the criminal system.

Sexual Violence Statistics and Services from RAINN

Every 73 seconds, somewhere in the country, a person is sexually assaulted, according to RAINN (the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network), which is the nation’s largest anti-sexual violence organization. Young people and women are the most frequent victims, but no demographic is immune to sexual violence. Additional statistics from RAINN show that:

• Individuals between the ages of 12 and 34 are at the highest risk of rape and sexual assault.
• On average, there are more than 430,000 people 12 years or older raped or sexually assaulted in the country each year.
• 60,000 children are sexually abused each year.
• One out of very six women in the U.S. has been the victim of an attempted or completed rape.
• One out of every 10 rape victims is male.
• Eight out of 10 rapists are known to the victim.

Sadly, only five out of 100 people who commit sexual violence go to jail. Even if your abuser isn’t being prosecuted or has escaped conviction, you can hold them accountable through a civil lawsuit.

What Happens in a Sexual Assault or Abuse Lawsuit?

Our Attorney Holds Abusers Accountable in Complex Cases

Sexual abuse and assault lawsuits can be complicated. If the case does not settle early in the process, it will proceed to discovery, which is when evidence is gathered and accused parties and witnesses are deposed before going to trial. In some cases, parties being sued might try to have cases dismissed to avoid trial altogether. The process for every case is different. That’s the reason Veronica offers a personalized approach to each of her cases and her focus will always be on holding the party who harmed you accountable. For instance, Veronica A. Procter will:

• Gather evidence that the sexual assault or abuse occurred by looking at circumstantial evidence such as sudden behavioral and personality changes, such as poor academic or work performance, withdrawing socially from friends and family or refraining from previously enjoyed recreational activities.
• Contact potential witnesses who may have seen or heard anything related to the circumstances of the sexual abuse or assault. Oftentimes, evidence that corroborates the victim’s timeline may lend credibility to the sexual assault allegations.
• Look for a serial pattern of behavior by the perpetrator, such as by contacting other potential victims or acquaintances of the perpetrator.

When you’ve been sexually abused or subjected to sexual misconduct, you need the help of a diligent advocate. Our sexual abuse and assault attorney will work to hold your abuser accountable by seeking maximum compensation under the law for the harms you’ve suffered.

As a skilled legal strategist with in-depth knowledge of state and federal laws, Veronica A. Procter knows how to take on sexual misconduct in all its ugly forms. Our attorney understands the steps that are needed to ensure that perpetrators and abusers pay a financial price for their actions.