Greenville Sexual Abuse Lawyer

Compassionate Sexual Abuse Attorneys in Greenville, South Carolina

If your life has been forever changed by sexual abuse, our sexual abuse lawyers at the Hammack Law Firm are dedicated to representing you and your case compassionately.

We understand that it takes deep strength to acknowledge the physical, emotional, and psychological damages caused by sexual abuse. It also takes incredible courage to hold your abuser, their place of work, and their organization accountable in a court of law.

Whether it happened once or repeatedly, as a child or as an adult, sexual abuse is a crime that demands justice.

The Hammack Law Firm is dedicated to representing victims of sexual abuse. We know the complex legal system can be intimidating for victims. However, with our experience and compassionate approach, we will help you navigate your case through the civil justice system.

How Does South Carolina Define Sexual Abuse?

Abuse is traumatic for victims. They can feel frightened, overwhelmed, and confused about what happened to them. Everyone should understand what is considered sexual abuse. South Carolina law says that sexual abuse is an act of criminal sexual conduct which includes:

• Coercion of sexual acts
• Unwanted touching, groping, and/or fondling
• Nonconsensual sexual gratification
• Sexual intercourse with someone who is under 16 years old
• Sexual intercourse with someone who is disabled or impaired
• Harassment or stalking
• Violence committed by an intimate partner
• Indecent exposure

Where Can Sexual Abuse Take Place in South Carolina?

Sexual abuse happens everywhere. And unfortunately, the truth is that most often, the abuser is familiar with the victim, and the abuse takes place in a place where the victim feels safe or comfortable.

Some of the most common individuals and organizations that are pursued for sexual abuse claims include, but are not limited to:

• Nursing home or assisted living facility staff
• Youth group leaders, pastors, and other religious leaders
• Public and private school teachers
• Foster families
• Babysitters
• Organized group and club leaders
• Sports coaches and employees
• Physicians and/or staff, including doctors, nurses, therapists, and psychologists
• Other minors with histories of sexual abuse

Call our compassionate attorneys today if an organization, group, or leader in the Upstate of South Carolina has sexually abused you. We are dedicated to helping you get the justice you deserve.

Who Can Be Held Liable for Sexual Abuse in Greenville, South Carolina?

Sadly, many groups, organizations, employers, and businesses fail to protect children and adults from known abusers, or to put policies and procedures in place that will prevent sexual abuse.

Under South Carolina law, these entities may also be held accountable for the sexual abuse. This may include the employers and other employees, organizations, and businesses that covered up sexual abuse and/or allowed these acts to continue.

The Hammack Law Firm will fight to hold every single person who was complicit in a sexual abuse case accountable.

Are Sex Offenders Required to Be Registered in South Carolina?

Under Section 23-3-460, convicted sex offenders must register with the sheriff twice a year in each county where he or she lives, owns property, is employed, or attends school.

The federal government has a “tiered” sex offender registry system that allows a person to petition to be removed from the registry after a certain number of years. However, SC Code Section 23-3-460(A) mandates a lifetime registry for SC residents who are convicted sex offenders, regardless of the severity of their offense or their likelihood to re-offend.

How Will Hammack Law Firm Defend Me in a Sexual Abuse Case?

The Greenville, SC, sexual abuse attorneys at The Hammack Law Firm understand sexual abuse is extremely traumatic. We know that even discussing a potential case may be difficult, let alone taking it to court. Our team promises always to be compassionate towards our clients and dedicated to helping every victim of sexual abuse hold the abuser and all negligent parties accountable to the fullest extent of the law.

No organization, defendant, or lawyer is too big for us to take on. We will hire the experts and expend the necessary resources to battle against your abuser. Rest assured that when you hire the Hammack Law Firm, we are in it until the end fighting for you.

Is There a Time Limit for a Sexual Abuse Claim in South Carolina?

The Statute of Limitations for adult sexual abuse survivors to file a personal injury claim against their abuser is within three years of the date the abuse occurred.

Previously, minors who survived such abuse could file federal claims until the age of 28 or a decade after the abuse was discovered. However, this has recently changed, and there is now no time limit for people who were sexually abused as minors to file civil claims.

How Does the “Eliminating Limits to Justice for Child Sex Abuse Victims Act” Affect My Sexual Abuse Case?

President Biden signed a bill that eliminates the statute of limitations (or time limit) for people who were sexually abused as minors to file civil claims.

The Eliminating Limits to Justice for Child Sex Abuse Victims Act was passed by a voice vote in September 2022 after passing the Senate unanimously in March.

The bill eliminates previous time limit for survivors to file civil claims related to sex abuse crimes against minors.

What Can I Do If I Was Sexually Abused as a Child in South Carolina?

Sexual abuse is criminal. If you have been sexually abused in South Carolina, it’s vital to report the abuse as soon as possible after the event or after you were told about it. To report sexual abuse of a minor, call South Carolina Department of Social Services at (803) 898-7318 ext. 2. To report the abuse of an adult, call National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-4673.

After reporting the abuse, you should also immediately seek legal counsel. The sooner victims and/or witnesses are interviewed after these experiences, the more solid your case will be against your abuser in Greenville, SC.

Hire Our Law Firm for Your Sexual Abuse Case

Sexual abuse survivors in Greenville, SC, and the surrounding areas of the Upstate of South Carolina deserve to feel safe and supported while reporting acts of sexual misconduct. At The Hammack Law Firm, we are sensitive to the ongoing difficulty a victim experiences in pursuing justice after experiencing something so deeply traumatic. We promise to provide compassionate, personalized, and attentive services to you while we pursue your civil case.

Let the Hammack Law Firm fight for the justice and compensation you deserve for the damages caused by sexual abuse. Call Hammack Law Firm today at (864) 326-3333(864) 326-3333 for your FREE and confidential consultation.