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Living through a crime as unthinkable as sexual assault or abuse can take a significant toll on you psychologically, emotionally and physically. At DRZ Law, our Kansas sexual assault attorneys help to give a voice to survivors of sexual abuse. We believe that no one should have to fight for justice alone. Our attorneys are passionate about holding perpetrators and the institutions that harbor abusers accountable. We will be there for you and your family every step of the way.
You deserve advice, guidance, and legal representation from an experienced lawyer in Kansas during this difficult time. We will provide you with everything that you need on the road to recovery. Call (913) 400-2033 now for a free and confidential case consultation with a lawyer at our local Kansas City law office. We believe victims, not blame them.
Our sexual assault lawyers recognize that it is extremely difficult to come forward with a case about sexual abuse or assault. We will act as your advocates and confidants throughout the legal process. Clients trust us with their most sensitive cases for many reasons, including:
We are proud to say that we have obtained compensation for 100 percent of our sexual assault clients. Our lawyers will stand by your side through every phase of the legal process – either with you or in your stead if you wish your identity to remain anonymous. We will do everything that we can to help you move forward.
There are many terms to refer to similar sex crimes: sexual assault, sexual abuse, sexual violence, molestation and rape. As a group, these terms refer to any type of unwanted or nonconsensual sexual touching or sexual acts against a victim. Sexual assault and abuse can involve physical touching, such as kissing, groping or forced penetration. It can also be nonphysical acts, such as the exposure of sexual organs or taking explicit photographs of a minor.
Child sexual abuse or assault can refer to many different sex crimes committed against a minor. In Kansas, the age of consent for sexual activity is 16. This is the age at which the law says that an individual has the mental capacity to consent to sexual activity with another person. Anyone who is 15 years old and younger, therefore, cannot consent to sexual activities. Engaging in sexual intercourse with someone under the age of 16 is statutory rape, as the victim lawfully cannot give his or her consent. Participating in sex acts of any kind with a child under the age of 16 is a crime that can result in both civil and criminal penalties.
Institutional abuse refers to poor practices at an institution or organization that facilitate or even encourage sex crimes. If an institution such as a church, school, or Boys & Girls Club does not have a regime that actively prevents or addresses sexual assault – such as reporting requirements and prompt remedies when a complaint is filed – the institution itself could be held accountable in a civil lawsuit.
Institutions have legal and ethical duties to protect those in their care. This is especially true of organizations that cater to young children, such as schools, camps and sports programs. If an institution turns a blind eye to staff members or volunteers who are neglecting, abusing or assaulting participants, the institution could face legal responsibility (liability) for the crimes committed.
Going up against an institution is a legal specialty at DRZ Law. We have the resources to fight back on behalf of victims of abuse. We are passionate about changing broken systems so that sexual assault does not happen again. Our sexual assault lawyers represent clients in Kansas and across the country against private schools, boarding schools, public high schools, military schools, sports organizations, churches, dioceses, and more.
If you are a parent, finding out that your child has been sexually assaulted or abused is the worst kind of nightmare. It is critical, however, to always be aware of this possibility. Part of protecting your child is learning the potential signs of sexual abuse and taking immediate action to seek justice if you suspect that your child has been victimized.
Sexual abuse can have numerous effects on a child or adult, including:
People react differently to enduring sexual abuse and assault. Some of the effects of sexual abuse can impact a victim for life. If you suspect that your child has been sexually abused or assaulted, act immediately. Notify the police and report the suspected perpetrator. Cooperate with the law enforcement investigation as much as you can. If your child has physical injuries, take him or her to a hospital right away. When your family is ready to seek justice with help from a knowledgeable attorney, contact DRZ Law.
Sexual assault and abuse are punishable crimes in Kansas. The criminal consequences range from a few months to decades or life in prison, as well as fines, probation, restitution for the victim and mandatory registry on the state’s public list of sexual offenders. A criminal case is brought by a prosecutor and serves to convict a sex offender of a crime and impose penalties. A civil sexual assault case, on the other hand, is meant to make a victim whole again through financial compensation.
Unlike a criminal case, it is the victim who must file a civil sexual assault case in Kansas. The victim or his or her legal representative must file a lawsuit that names all of the defendants, which may include the perpetrator and one or more institutions. Then, the filing party must prove sexual assault based on a preponderance of the evidence. This is a lesser burden of proof than in a criminal sexual assault case (proof beyond a reasonable doubt), but it still requires clear and convincing evidence.
If a civil lawsuit for sexual assault or child sexual abuse succeeds, meaning that an insurance company accepts the claim or a jury finds the defendant at fault for the victim’s injuries and losses, the plaintiff can receive a settlement or judgment award that reimburses him or her for a variety of losses connected to the abuse. As a survivor of sexual assault in Kansas, you may be entitled to receive compensation for the following losses, and more:
At DRZ Law, we know that filing a claim is about much more than a potential financial recovery. We are in this business not to make money, but to advocate for victims of sexual violence and give them a voice in the civil courts. That being said, we are passionate about holding wrongdoers accountable both legally and financially, and will do what we can to maximize your financial recovery as a survivor.
Research has shown that the victims of child sexual abuse often do not speak out or report their abuse until years later – sometimes, far into adulthood. This is a problem in Kansas, as the law generally gives childhood sexual abuse survivors just three years after their 18th birthdays to file civil lawsuits. This is one of the shortest deadlines in the country. If you did not connect your injuries or problems with child sexual abuse until after the age of 18, you will have three years from the date of discovery, instead.
Having until age 21 bars hundreds of sexual abuse and assault survivors in Kansas from bringing civil lawsuits for their losses and suffering. As more states move to reform their legal deadlines (called statutes of limitations) on child sexual abuse cases, Kansas is no exception. In 2019, House Bill 2306 was introduced with a proposal to lift the statute of limitations on child sexual abuse civil lawsuits. Unfortunately, the bill died in Committee in May 2020. However, laws are constantly evolving. An attorney at DRZ Law can help you understand the deadline connected to your case.
You are not alone as a survivor of sexual assault. You have the right to come forward and present your story to those who can deliver justice against a perpetrator for you. A lawyer can help you take legal action in a way that makes you feel as safe, heard and comfortable as possible. An experienced sexual assault lawyer can provide many legal services to help you with a claim, including:
Not only can a lawyer help you build a stronger claim and improve your chances of successfully securing financial compensation – a sexual assault attorney in Kansas will also be there for you and your family every step of the way. You will not have to navigate the legal process or go up against those who perpetuated sexual abuse alone. Hiring a lawyer will make you feel powerful, not powerless.
At DRZ Law, we believe that no one should have to fight alone to hold someone accountable for an offense as heinous as sexual abuse or assault. We also stand by the belief that no one should suffer in silence. If you or a loved one is a victim of sexual assault, you deserve high-quality legal representation and an attorney that you can trust to protect your rights and interests. Our sexual assault lawyers in Kansas can give you guidance and support when you need it the most.
Please contact us today through our secure online contact form or by calling (913) 400-2033 to request a free case evaluation. We can do home visits, meet via Zoom or speak with you in person at our local Kansas City law office. We are dedicated to empowering victims of sexual abuse and assault.