Edwards Henderson is a nationally-recognized powerhouse litigation firm, dedicated to providing its clients with the highest quality legal services and, at the same time, making substantial, positive changes for the common good.

We are skilled litigators and experienced trial attorneys who have effectively pursued civil lawsuits against some of the most powerful individuals, organizations and big businesses on behalf of people, victims and small businesses. In fact, we specialize in handling cases where the power differential is greatest and we can use our experience and resources to even the playing field. Our recent trial results speak for themselves.

The impact of sexual abuse on children is devastating and often results in a range of medical, psychological, behavioral, and sexual disorders that persist into adulthood. According to data from the anti-child exploitation organization Lauren’s Kids, the Florida Department of Children and Families sees upwards of 5000 cases of child sex abuse in one year.

For survivors of sex abuse in Florida, it is not uncommon to feel like they have nowhere to turn and no one to help them. However, an experienced sex abuse lawyer can provide survivors with essential legal support and guidance through this difficult time.

At Edwards Henderson, our attorneys are dedicated to putting the power back in the hands of survivors by offering compassionate legal representation and guidance. Survivors of sex abuse often endure lasting physical and emotional damage, but filing a civil sex abuse lawsuit for damages may allow the survivor to obtain justice and financial compensation. If you or a loved one are a survivor of sex abuse, contact the Florida sex abuse lawyers of Edwards Henderson today for a free legal consultation.

What is Considered Sexual Abuse in Florida?

Sexual abuse refers to any form of non-consensual sexual activity forced upon an individual and encompasses a wide range of physical and non-physical acts.

In the United States, sexual assault happens as often as once every 68 seconds, with 1 in 5 women experiencing rape or attempted rape in their lifetime.

When looking at sexual abuse specifically in Florida, the numbers are alarming. Although Florida’s overall crime rate decreased in 2021, there were 1,045 more reported rapes in 2021 than the previous year, up to 8,700, which is a 13.7% rise in reported sexual assaults.

Additionally, a survey conducted by the University of Florida (UF) found that almost half of UF students (45%) experienced at least one type of harassment. The survey received 6,561 responses from students ages 18 and above from colleges throughout Florida. It revealed that students who identify as having a disability and non-heterosexual students were nearly twice as likely to experience non-consensual sexual contact.

Types of sexual abuse include:

• Rape or attempted rape
• Molestation
• Sending sexually explicit texts, emails, messages, or pictures to a child
• Sexual harassment, including physical, verbal, or written sexual misconduct
• Using coercion to make someone engage in sexual activity
• Non-consensual sexual touching
• Engaging in sexual activities while someone is unable to give consent
• Showing a child pornographic material
• Sex trafficking

At Edwards Henderson, we have extensive experience representing survivors of sexual abuse, including those affected by the actions of Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell.

We understand how traumatic and overwhelming these situations can be, and we are committed to helping survivors seek justice and move forward with their lives.

Florida Sexual Abuse Case Types We Have Experience With

In the same way that anyone could potentially be subjected to sex abuse, sex abuse can and does happen anywhere. According to the Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network (RAINN), sexual assault most commonly occurs at the survivor’s home or close to it.

Common types of sexual abuse cases our Florida sexual abuse lawyers have experience handling include:

• Religious organizations: Sadly, sexual abuse occurs in churches and other religious institutions throughout Florida. Survivors of clergy abuse often suffer lifelong trauma. Holding the religious institution accountable may aid in their healing.
• Daycare, preschools, and foster care: Parents trust these businesses to provide a safe environment for their children. However, sexual predators may take advantage of their position of authority to abuse vulnerable children.
• Hospitals, nursing homes, and psychiatric treatment facilities: Patients and residents in these types of facilities may be particularly vulnerable to sexual abuse, especially if they cannot speak up or defend themselves. Cases may involve abuse of power, manipulation, or coercion by those in authority.

Cruise Ships, Yachts, and Other Maritime Sexual Abuse

Cruise ships and other maritime settings create unique situations for sexual abuse to occur. Unfortunately, survivors may face additional legal hurdles in cases involving maritime sexual abuse, but an experienced lawyer can help.

Schools, Universities, and Summer Camps

Schools, universities, and summer camps have a duty to protect students from sexual abuse. Negligent hiring and supervision can lead to abusive situations, as can a failure to take complaints of abuse seriously.

Spas and Massage Therapies

Spas and massage therapists must provide a safe environment for their clients. Sexual abuse by massage therapists is a common occurrence, as perpetrators may use their position of trust to abuse their clients.

Youth Sports Leagues and Boy Scouts

Youth sports leagues and members of scouting organizations are at risk of sexual abuse by coaches, volunteers, and other authority figures. These organizations must screen coaches, volunteers, and staff members, and take action if they become aware of any abuse.

Troubled Teen Industry

The troubled teen industry can include wilderness therapy programs, boarding schools, and residential treatment centers. This industry has received numerous allegations of sexual abuse both by staff and other residents.

Who Can Be Held Liable for Sexual Assault Abuse in Florida?

Anyone can be a perpetrator of sexual abuse. Unfortunately, the most common perpetrators of sexual assault are those known to the survivor. Such people could be family members, friends, intimate partners, and acquaintances.

In addition to holding the perpetrator accountable, sexual assault survivors may also be able to hold third parties liable for negligent actions that may have enabled or contributed to the attack.

For example, if a business or educational institution fails to take reasonable measures to prevent sexual assault on their premises, they may be held liable for breach of their duty of care to their employees, guests, or students.

Holding a third party liable in a sexual assault case does not take away from the perpetrator’s responsibility for their actions. Instead, it may provide additional support for the survivor as third parties could have the additional funds to compensate the survivor for the harm they suffered. These funds are critical for survivors as they seek medical care, mental health treatment, and a sense of closure.

What Compensation is Available for Florida Sex Abuse Survivors?

While financial compensation cannot undo the devastation that sexual assault causes, it can be instrumental for a survivor looking to heal physically and mentally from the trauma of sexual abuse.

The compensation awarded in a successful sexual assault lawsuit depends on the circumstances of the case, but a qualified sex abuse law firm should pursue all damages, including:

• All past, present, and future medical bills relating to the attack, including emergency care, doctors visits, and the cost of prescriptions
• The cost of psychological counseling or mental health services
• Lost wages if the survivor missed time at work due to the attack
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Loss of consortium
• Pain and suffering
• Mental anguish

Loss of earning capacity

Resources for Florida Sexual Abuse Survivors

Survivors of sexual abuse in Florida have support and resources that may help them cope and heal from their trauma.

Resources that may be helpful include:

• The Florida Department of Children & Families: If you suspect or witness any child sexual abuse, contact the Florida Abuse Hotline at 1-800-962-2873. They provide information on reporting the abuse and getting help for the survivor.
• Florida Council Against Sexual Violence: The Florida Council Against Sexual Violence provides advocacy, education, and support to survivors of sexual violence in Florida. The organization has a network of victim advocates who help survivors find resources and support in their community.
• Lauren’s Kids: Lauren’s Kids is a non-profit founded by Lauren Book, a survivor of child sexual abuse and a Florida state senator. This organization aims to prevent child sexual abuse through education and awareness campaigns.
• Victim’s Service Center of Central Florida: As the only Certified Rape Crisis Center in Orange, Osceola, and Seminole Counties, this organization provides free counseling and advocacy services to survivors of sexual violence in Central Florida. They also have a 24-hour helpline at 407-500-HEAL (4325).
• RAINN: The Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN) is the nation’s largest anti-sexual violence organization. It provides a 24/7 confidential helpline at 800-656-HOPE (4673) and online chat services.
• NSVRC: The National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC) provides information and resources for preventing and responding to sexual violence. It offers an online library of resources, including toolkits for survivors and advocates.
• The Trevor Project: The Trevor Project provides crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to LGBTQ youth. They have a 24/7 confidential helpline at 1-866-488-7386 and online chat services.

Seeking legal help from a Florida sex abuse attorney can also be an important step in your healing journey. An experienced attorney can help you understand your rights and options and advocate for you in the legal system.

Find a Sexual Abuse Lawyer Near Me

If you or a loved one is a survivor of sexual abuse in Florida, you need the help of a qualified sex abuse lawyer. Edwards Henderson’s office is located in the heart of Fort Lauderdale, at 425 N Andrews Ave #2 Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301, situated in the Flagler Village area of downtown.

Our office is surrounded by local landmarks, including the Broward County Courthouse and the Broward Center for the Performing Arts.

We have plenty of parking in the area, and the Brightline train station is just a few blocks away for those commuting from Miami or West Palm Beach.

Contact Our Florida Sex Abuse Attorneys Today For Free Consultation

At Edwards Henderson, our sex abuse law firm is nationally recognized for our efforts to achieve justice on behalf of sex assault victims and has won some of the largest settlements in U.S. history on behalf of sex crimes survivors, including a $71 million jury settlement on a yacht rape case. Our attorneys understand how traumatizing sex abuse can be and are dedicated advocates of sex abuse survivors.

If you were sexually abused in Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Orlando, Tampa, or anywhere else in Florida, our firm is here for you. If you or a loved one were exposed to sexual misconduct, call the Florida sex abuse lawyers of Edwards Henderson for a free case consultation.