In the State of Illinois, the parameters for child sexual violence under criminal sexual abuse and criminal sexual assault. Criminal sexual abuse is when a person forces or threatens to use force against the victim in order to commit sexual conduct, or knows the victim can’t understand the act or give knowing consent. In addition to this, perpetrators can commit the said crime in two scenarios:
- If the perpetrator is under 17 years old and commits sexual conduct or penetration against a victim who’s at least 9 years old but younger than 17; or
- If the perpetrator is less than 5 years older than the victim and commits sexual conduct or penetration against a victim who’s at least 13 years old but under 17.
Criminal sexual assault, on the other hand, occurs when the perpetrator uses force or threatens to use force against the victim or knows the victim can’t understand the nature of the acts and give knowing consent. Sexual violence may also be identified as criminal sexual abuse if:
- The abuser is a family member of the victim with the victim being younger than 18 years old; or
- The abuser is 17 years old or older and was trusted or had authority and supervision over the victim who’s at least 13 years old but younger than 18.
If you suspect a child is being abused or is at risk for abuse, please contact the Department of Children and Family Services’ 24-hour Child Abuse Hotline at 800-252-2873 or TTY 1-800-358-5117. The DCFS advises that if the child is in immediate danger, call 911 first.
It’s important to know that most child victims don’t report the abuse as they are unable to process it or are afraid to get in trouble or get their abusers in trouble. This is why knowing the warning signs is important for parents, guardians, and educators. While we encourage institutions – schools, sports organizations, and even the church – to be vigilant in hiring or accepting new members, especially ones who will be interacting with children, it’s imperative for immediate family to be aware of red flags.
Child sexual abuse has long-term effects that will greatly affect the victim. If you or anyone you know has been abused, know that legal assistance is always an option. While there’s no erasing the trauma, damages (monetary compensation) for a civil lawsuit will cover your healthcare expenses, loss of income (if the victim is already an adult), and other applicable fines.
Our team of attorneys here at America’s Consumer Lawyer is always ready to help. Be it against a private individual or a large and powerful institution, we are always prepared to win for our clients, all the while maintaining a safe and professional space. All you need to do is take one step towards justice and reach out to us.
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