Sexual Assault, Rape and Human Trafficking

We Represent Victims of Sexual Abuse

Sexual assault, rape, human trafficking, and other sex crimes can be some of the most traumatic and emotionally difficult crimes for victims. And while California law prescribes harsh penalties for perpetrators who are convicted of sex crimes, victims deserve more than just seeing the perpetrator punished. If you are a victim of any sex crime, you deserve restitution for the damage that has been done to your life and to your mental and emotional well-being.

As a victim, you may be entitled to monetary damages. This can be true even in cases where a guilty plea or verdict was not obtained in a criminal trial. This can include but is not limited to:

• • Past and future medical expenses

• • Lost wages or lost/reduced future earning potential

• • Physical pain and suffering

• • Loss of companionship with your partner

• • Emotional anguish and psychological trauma

• • Legal fees and court costs

• • Punitive damages

If you have been a victim of sexual abuse or assault, we are here to help. We understand how difficult and traumatic this experience is for survivors. Our experienced sexual assault attorneys will listen to your story and advise you on your best course of action with in complete confidentiality.

What Constitutes a Sex Crime?

Sex crimes can take many different forms, ranging from non-physical misconduct such as stalking, sexual harassment and possession of child pornography, to physical acts such as molestation and rape. Some forms of sex crimes, such as human trafficking, can involve multiple individuals or an organization of individuals.

Sex crimes can include (but are not limited to) the following:

• • Physical molestation or unwanted touching

• • Rape

• • Human trafficking or other forms of kidnap for the purpose of sexual assault

• • Stalking

• • Domestic and intimate partner violence

• • Dating violence

• • Sexual exploitation or extortion

If you have been the victim of any sex crimes, including those listed above, you may be entitled to restitution by law. Contact Girard Bengali APC today to learn your options. Our experienced attorneys will stand by your side every step of the way to ensure that you get the compensation you deserve.

What Steps Should I Take After Experiencing Sexual Assault?

If you have experienced sexual assault, abuse, or any other kind of sexual mistreatment, take immediate steps toward protecting yourself.

1. 1. Seek medical care. The first priority is your physical health and safety. Seek prompt medical care—the sooner the better. Many hospitals and medical centers have staff trained specifically in caring for sexual assault survivors. Even if you are not sure yet whether you want to press charges against your perpetrator, it is important to have a medical professional collect potential evidence as soon as possible.

1. 1. Report the attack to the police. Survivors often feel ashamed, embarrassed or as if they are somehow to blame after an attack, even though they did nothing wrong. Sometimes this can even make them hesitate to report the attack. As hard as it may be, it is very important to contact police so they can create an official record of the incident and begin collecting evidence.

1. 1. Save evidence: Whether or not you seek medical attention or contact the police, preserving evidence such as the clothing that you wore is important in case you decide in the future to file a report.

1. 1. Obtain mental health care: In the wake of a sexual assault or other crime, your mental well-being is just as important as your physical safety. There are many resources and support services available for sex crime survivors. Whether you choose to visit a therapist or contact a hotline such as RAINN ((800)-656-4673), talking with a trained professional can be an important next step.

1. 1. Contact qualified legal counsel: When you feel ready, contact Girard Bengali APC to schedule a free and confidential consultation. Our experienced and compassionate attorneys will help you understand your options and are committed to fighting for your rights.

Can I Remain Anonymous?

A desire for privacy is one of the biggest reasons many sexual assault survivors hesitate to take action against their perpetrators. In California, as in most states, you are entitled to protection of your privacy through withholding your name. This means you can file as a “Jane Doe” or “John Doe.” We understand the difficulty many survivors face with wanting to seek justice while maintaining a certain level of privacy, and we will advise you on the best way to do so.

Schedule A Free and Confidential Consultation

Our attorneys have substantial experience in cases involving sexual assault and other sex crimes, and we will help you stand up for your rights and get the restitution you deserve to the fullest extent of the law. Call 866-778-6821 or send us a message online today. We have conveniently located offices in Los Angeles, Newport Beach and San Francisco.