New Jersey Lawyer Helping Victims Of Child Abuse
Reported incidents of child sexual abuse are on the rise. Sadly, the reported incidents represent only a
fraction of the actual occurrences of child sexual abuse. In North America, 15-25% of women and 5-15% of men were sexually abused when they were children.
The long-term implications of childhood sexual abuse are disturbing. Victims may have tragic individual
effects that cause them to suffer throughout their adult lives.
From the Law Office of Daniel B. Shapiro in Montclair, New Jersey, I work diligently to assist survivors to
obtain justice and compensation. I am committed to
aggressively pursuing full legal action against abusers and any institutions that enable abusers.
Filing a civil lawsuit is only a part of the healing process. I understand that picking up the phone to call me is one of the hardest things you will ever do, but I am
ready to support you when you do.
New Jersey Attorney Representing Victims Of Child Molestation
In New Jersey, childhood "sexual abuse" means the act of sexual contact or sexual penetration between a child
under the age of 18 years old and an adult. "Sexual contact" means an intentional touching by the victim or actor, either directly or through clothing, of the victim's or
actor's intimate parts for the purpose of sexually arousing or sexually gratifying the actor.
As children, we are taught to beware of strangers. But more than 70 percent of the time, abusers are immediate family members or someone close to the family. Victims can be left wrestling with a variety of emotional harms, including conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and forms of depression such as feelings of helplessness, shame, anxiety, and fear of relationships or intimacy. Victims may also have difficulty regulating emotions such as anger and anxiety and experience substance abuse problems.
At the same time, confusion, shame or the belief that one's story will not be believed results in many young victims deciding not to report sexual abuse. Many try to bury the incident and attempt to forget the ordeal. Often, those who have suffered sexual abuse as a child don't confront the issue until much later in adulthood, if ever.
Legal Action Can Become Significant Healing Steps
The trauma caused by childhood sexual abuse has resulted in a number victims reporting they are unable to hold a steady job or they have been unable to achieve a level of success they otherwise would have because the emotional turmoil from their experience impacts their job performance.
Every survivor has his or her own unique healing process. Counseling can help provide the simple but profound awareness that you are not alone and you do not have to suffer in silence any longer. For many, working with a lawyer and filing a sexual abuse lawsuit can provide some sense of closure in overcoming the emotional problems that result from being a survivor of childhood sexual abuse.
I help people get through the healing process with a great deal of empathy and understanding. I have extensive volunteer experience with victims of childhood sexual abuse, a group that I feel is underrepresented and deserving of more widespread support.
I welcome the opportunity to meet with you to discuss your case. After reviewing the facts, I can provide a straightforward assessment and recommend the best course of action. I accept these cases on a contingency basis, which means you will not pay attorney fees unless I successfully obtain a recovery for you, either through negotiations or as the result of a court judgment.
Call 973-746-8662 or use the contact form on this website to schedule an appointment with a compassionate New Jersey attorney helping victims of child sexual abuse.
The Law Office of Daniel B. Shapiro represents adult and child victims of childhood sexual abuse throughout northern and central New Jersey, including residents of Montclair and Verona. I assist residents in all cities and towns in Essex County, Bergen County, Passaic County, Sussex County, Hunterdon County, Somerset County, Middlesex County and Hudson County.