Legal Options for Victims and Survivors of Domestic and Sexual Abuse

One of the most rewarding practice areas for me as a private attorney is representing victims and survivors of domestic abuse and sexual violence.  

Survivors have legal options that they may not be aware of in Florida.  Here are the main three case types available to victims and survivors.  

First, you always have the option of calling the police.  That usually results in an arrest of the perpetrator.  If an arrest has already been made, you have the right to a private attorney to consult with about your options as the case makes it way through the criminal justice system.  

Second, you also have the option of getting an injunction for protection.  Injunctions are perhaps more commonly known as restraining orders.  You can get a private attorney (like me) for this as well OR many counties in Florida even offer free legal counsel to victims through organizations like Harbor House.  

Third, you have the right to file a civil claim against the person who hurt you.  You may be entitled to substantial financial compensation.  Similar to a car accident case, someone else hurt you and it was not your fault.  

Unlike a car accident case, these are intentional torts. So the claims can be for assault, battery, false imprisonment, and intentional inflection of emotional distress.  You may not only be entitled to compensatory damages, but also punitive damages.  Punitive damages are when the other person has acted willfully, egregiously, and/or maliciously in causing harm to you.  

Our firm has represented many victims over the years and you do NOT have to hire separate attorneys for all three of your separate causes of action.  I have learned how hard (and retraumatizing) it is for victims to have to tell their story to anyone even once.  And our firm will do everything in our power to limit the amount of times you have to be relive telling anyone what happened.  

Our goal is to alleviate as much stress as possible from you so that you can get on with the process of healing and moving on with your life to much better days.