How Do You Legally Protect Yourself After A Sex Crime?
If you have been the victim of a sex crime, you have the right to protect yourself from further harm through the US legal system. Follow these steps to learn how. Hire an attorney after your attack if you wish to file a civil lawsuit against your attacker. In a civil case, you will seek monetary compensation for the damage, emotional and physical, that the assault inflicted on you. In many states, you must file your action against your attacker no more than 2 years after the assault. You also can initiate a criminal action against the attacker, by charging him or her with the crime. Depending on your age at the time of the attack and the laws of your state, it can take years for the case to come to trial. Seek the assistance of an advocacy group such as RAINN by visiting their Web site (see Resources below). They can help you find legal representation as well as provide you with counseling services following a sex crime.
