Sexual violence and abuse are traumatizing at any age and can have devastating and long-term effects on survivors. The emotional and psychological impact of this type of abuse can permeate a survivor’s relationships, work, and other important aspects of their lives. For adult survivors of sexual abuse, processing sexual trauma can be complex. Every survivor is unique, and there is no definite timeline that will apply in all situations. Depending on the person, it may take several months or years before they can recognize and acknowledge the abuse. Even then, some adult survivors of sexual abuse need time to come forward and take steps to hold their abusers accountable.
Adult survivors of sexual abuse sometimes wait to disclose the abuse they have endured. The reasons may vary. However, many individuals who are sexually victimized in adulthood have been socialized to blame themselves for the abuse. Adult survivors may also be reluctant to come forward because they fear how others will perceive and treat them. Adult survivors of sexual abuse may also be afraid of their abuser. They also may not be ready to acknowledge that they were sexually abused. These and other trauma-based responses are common when an adult has endured sexual abuse and can delay and inhibit a survivor’s ability to report abuse.
Recovering from sexual abuse trauma can be painful and difficult. However, for some adult survivors of sexual abuse, pursuing a claim against those responsible can be an important part of the healing process. It can also help provide the closure they need to move on with their lives.
In May of 2022, the Adult Survivors Act (ASA) was signed into law, making it possible for adult survivors of sexual abuse to file their claims regardless of when their abuse occurred. This provided adult survivors with a lookback period during which they were able bring previously time-barred claims against their abusers and those institutions that enabled their abuse.
If an entity enabled or empowered abusers, they should be held responsible. The ASA allows survivors to pursue action against the individual who committed the harm and any entity that enabled the abuse through what they did or failed to do. These claims may include an employer who knew of the abuser’s conduct and did not address the issue. The ASA is not limited to employers as potential defendants, however. Colleges, universities, fraternities, government entities, hospitals, and other companies that enable an abuser’s actions are also potential defendants.
If you were sexually assaulted when you were eighteen or older, you may have a claim against your offender or an institution that enabled them to assault you. If you believe you have a sexual abuse claim in New York, you should contact an experienced sexual abuse injury attorney to discuss your case.
If you’ve been the victim of rape, sexual abuse, or other sexual violence, you want an experienced and compassionate sexual abuse injury attorney on your side. Bonina & Bonina, P.C. understand the importance of helping sexual violence survivors get the help they need for their trauma.
