We’re here to help you get justice

Yes — hiring a sexual assault lawyer can help you take back your power and improve your environment for not only yourself, but also those facing similar challenges.

A sexual assault lawsuit can lead to remedies like:

• Public admissions of guilt and statements of apology to set the record straight and counteract any character-damaging accusations or slander against you
• Reforms to rules, protocols, management tactics, and protections that can improve the culture of a workplace or industry
• Accountability for those who perpetrated or protected bad behavior, including firing wrongdoers, barring them from roles of leadership or influence going forward, and potentially prompting criminal prosecutions based on evidence revealed thanks to your lawsuit

A lawsuit settlement can also include personal coverage for:

• Medical and therapeutic bills related to your injuries and ongoing care
• Lost wages, advancement opportunities, or lost employment if you were fired in retaliation for properly reporting workplace incidents of sexual harassment
• Pain and suffering damages, as well as other discretionary rewards like “punitive” damages a judge may order to penalize wrongdoers and further compensate you

Your attorney navigates the complex legal system on your behalf, and can be your voice to hold perpetrators accountable, even if you’re not able to verbalize the trauma yourself. We encourage you to contact the sexual assault attorneys at The Pride Law Firm by calling 619-516-8166 for a trusting, confidential, and compassionate team. Your choice to reach out today could begin a healing journey for yourself that ultimately helps create a better world for others.

Sexual harassment includes requests for sexual favors, unwanted sexual advances, and various disparaging insults or sexual remarks and intrusions. The three general types of sexual harassment are categorized as:

• Verbal/written: This category includes (but is not limited to) verbal sexual comments whether delivered as “complementary” or insulting, emails/texts sent to or about you, written or printed notes left in personal or common areas, and online posts whether they’re meant for your eyes or not.
• Visual: Displaying pictures or posters of a sexual nature, showing sexual texts or photos, watching pornographic material, drawing sexual or violent images, and gesturing lewdly are all examples of non-verbal, visual forms of harassment.
• Physical: Before crossing into assault, physical sexual harassment could mean unwanted touching like hugs or shoulder rubs, close hovering in your personal space, and/or playing music that is sexually suggestive or derogatory.

These forms of sexual misconduct can often overlap or “intersect” with other forms of harassment based on gender identity, race, religion, disability, cultural heritage or immigration status, age discrimination, and sexual orientation.

Another unique form of harassment is known as “quid pro quo” or “this for that” ultimatums and insinuations — these occur when an authority figure (a boss, teacher, guardian, religious leader, cop, or doctor) demands sexual compliance in exchange for something you want, need, or rightfully deserve.

Your first priority is to get to a safe place where you feel protected. Next, calling a loved one for support or a survivor hotline can provide immediate comfort, reassurance, and crucial guidance. After that, you may need:

• Medical care if you’ve been assaulted for treatment of physical wounds, preventative medications for possible sexually-transmitted infections, and evidence gathering.
• Legal advocacy to reassure you of your rights to allow or refuse exams/questioning, actions you can take to protect yourself (like restraining orders), and advice on what may be important evidence to preserve should you choose to pursue a lawsuit later.
• Professional counseling whether psychological, religious, or group-oriented — it’s important to stay connected with others, but also essential that your boundaries are maintained. Trained therapists, counselors, and designated confidantes understand how to respect your privacy and comfort levels while providing support and oversight for your safety.

There are people within reach who are waiting to help you, including here at The Pride Law Firm. We’ve dedicated our careers and our callings to standing beside the injured and wronged to help them seek justice.