Frequently Asked Questions

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Does what happened to me count as abuse?

I didn’t realize until I was 26 years old that being molested at fifteen was in fact child sexual abuse. You might be asking yourself does what happened to me count? My advice is talk to a professional. In this case, seek out an attorney that can help you navigate the law and see how to proceed. Either way, don’t

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How do I find a lawyer?

I would recommend reaching out to the National Crime Victims Bar Association. They have a certified attorney referral service and are certified by the American Bar Association. And all they do is civil claims. You can tell them what happened to you and where, and they can help you figure out what kind of lawyer you need and where, and

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How do I know if my lawyer is any good?

Not all lawyers are the same. Just like not all doctors are the same kind of doctor. If you have a brain tumor you don’t want to go see a dentist. If you have an abscess tooth, you don’t want to go see a podiatrist So first, it’s important to make sure that you find an attorney who handles child

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How does sharing my story help others?

By coming forward and sharing my story and working with groups like safe shores here in Washington DC, and me being open and honest. Sharing how I was being abused was so harmful to my health and how important it is to share. I realize that the kid never did anything wrong and it’s never been my fault. One thing

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How does sharing my story help others?

Before I came forward with my story about being abused, I felt incredibly alone. I felt like I was the only person who was going through this kind of abuse. And when sharing my story, not only was I able to get the help, therapy, and money I needed to move out of my abusive home, I was also able

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How to stop blaming myself for what happened?

It took me so long to come forward to talk about my fears because I thought it was my fault. I was the one that got in the car with the police officer who abused me and there was nothing that could be done that would changed my mind that it was not my fault. Not until much later, I

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I was turned down by the IRCP. Should I still call a lawyer?

Absolutely. There are numerous people turned down by IRCP that are filling civil suits. Often times the difference is that when you go into the IRCP you’re not represented by a lawyer; you’re just talking to the church, so when you say, “When I was 10 years old, Father Jones molested me, and they say well we don’t know anything

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If I bring a case, can I be countersued by my abuser?

If you file a lawsuit, is it possible that your abuser will counter sue you? Yes, but that doesn’t mean they’re gonna win. Oftentimes, it’s just a legal tactic to try and intimidate you. Trust your attorney, and they’ll be able to take actions to protect you. Oftentimes those countersuits by abusers are thrown out.

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If I decide to come forward what information will I need?

Many survivors are scared to come forward during a civil window period because they think they need an inordinate amount of proof but really survivors just need their truth and their story. You know what happened so that’s when you need to talk to a good civil attorney and tell them what you know. You know who abused you you

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