Utah Sexual Abuse
Many people have suffered sexual abuse at the hands of someone they trusted. Most of us are familiar with cases of sexual abuse in the Catholic Church due to several media publicized cases of priest sexual abuse, but church sex scandals are just one example of an issue that affects many in Utah. Utah sexual abuse also occurs at schools, camps, nursing homes, mental health facilities, and other places where circumstances allow. One such example is the case of Linda Nef and Valynne Asay Bowers, two teachers who are both serving time in Utah State Prison for having sex with the same student. Speaking out about sexual abuse is important in two ways: It can stop the abuser from hurting others and it helps bring a sense of closure for the victim. Speaking out can feel intimidating, but you and your loved ones are not alone. Lawyers such as Sam Rogatinsky specialize in helping you find your voice in court.
Sexual Abuse
Unlike clergy abuse, sexual abuse can be perpetrated by anyone and occur anywhere. The most common places for sexual abuse to occur are schools, camps, nursing homes, mental health facilities, group homes, and organizations such as the Boy and Girl Scouts of America. Countless children have been sexually abused in Utah by those who were entrusted with their care, such as teachers, Boy Scout leaders, camp counselors, and so on. These adults are supposed to protect children, but instead cause them harm. Such is the case of James D. Stokes, a Woods Cross, Utah drama teacher who will be serving his sentence at the Northern Utah Correctional Center for sexually abusing students.
Adults are also sexually abused. At nursing homes and mental health facilities all over Utah, social workers and psychologists take advantage of the vulnerable adults that they are supposed to be protecting. Fortunately, the perpetrators can be made to pay for the pain they have caused, but you must seek representation. Sam will help to make sure that everything possible is done to assure that your suffering has not been in vain.
Clergy Abuse
Although the Catholic Church is not the only venue for sexual abuse, it has been the most publicized due to the lack of bishop accountability. When the media picked up on the fact that bishops were just moving sexually abusive priests to another church, news outlets ran with the story. The truth is that clergy abuse includes not only Catholic priests, but rabbis, ministers, reverends, pastors, office staff at places of worship, religious youth directors, and anyone who works for a place of worship. If you or someone you know has been sexually abused by someone in this category, you now have an avenue of help available to you. You do not have to be a victim anymore. Contact Sam to find out how you can take control of what happened and help make sure it doesn’t happen to others.
Utah Sexual Abuse and Clergy Abuse Statute of Limitations
The state of Utah gives survivors of sexual abuse a few different options in terms of the statute of limitations. A victim of sexual abuse can file a civil action for intentional or negligent sexual abuse suffered as a child within four years after the person attains the age of 18 years. Or, if a sexual abuse victim discovers the sexual abuse only after attaining the age of 18 years, that person may bring a civil action for such sexual abuse within four years after discovery of the sexual abuse, whichever period expires later. Utah Cod Ann. 1953 § 78B-2-308(2) (West 2008).
The courts in Utah have allowed only narrow and limited application of the ory discovery rule so each case must be evaluated carefully
If you were sexually abused by a priest, rabbi, coach, psychologist or any other person who sexually abused you, please don’t feel ashamed. We want to help you.
Contact me, sexual abuse lawyer Samuel Rogatinsky at (954) 995-3805 or send an email to samr@sexabuseattorney.org