Oregon Sexual Abuse Lawyer

Serving as an Advocate for Survivors of Sexual Abuse

Experiencing sexual abuse is an extreme violation of trust, and it’s something that can be difficult to talk about. If you’ve been sexually abused, it’s essential to understand that you have legal options to hold your abuser accountable and seek justice through the Oregon court system, both criminally and through a civil case. Galm Law can help with both.

If you or someone you love has experienced sexual abuse, sexual assault, or sexual harassment in the workplace, attorney Paul C. Galm at Galm Law is here to help. Call today to schedule a consultation to tell your story and explore your legal options.

What Is Sexual Abuse?

The state of Oregon has three criminal classifications for sexual abuse: first-degree, second-degree, and third-degree. Sexual abuse in the first degree is applicable when the sexual contact is with someone under the age of 14 or someone incapable of giving consent, or it was committed under force. Sexual abuse in the second degree most often applies to situations where a coach or teacher perpetrated the abuse. The law defines sexual contact as “any touching of the sexual organs or other intimate parts of a person not married to the actor for the purpose of arousing or gratifying the sexual desire of either party.”

Unfortunately, sexual abuse is more common in Oregon and the rest of the country than many people think, and almost half of the victims are under the age of 18. Abusers often hide in plain sight, acting as teachers, coaches, daycare providers, and other trusted roles to gain access to children. Sexual abuse is also a problem for seniors, especially those in nursing homes, who are more vulnerable. If you’ve experienced sexual abuse, you’re not alone, and help is available. Call Galm Law to take the first step.

How Galm Law Can Help After Sexual Assault or Abuse

Experiencing sexual abuse can upend your entire life and make you feel like you don’t know who to trust or what to do next. Even if you’re ready to reach out and talk to an attorney about your legal options, you may still wonder if anyone will believe you. At Galm Law, we strive to be a safe space for everyone who contacts us. When a sexual abuse survivor reaches out to me, there are three things I prioritize above all else.

Listening to Your Story

It may seem simple, but lawyers – myself included – often unintentionally hijack and/or dominate the conversation. As it should be with all clients, sex abuse survivors especially, sex abuse attorneys need to listen to a survivor’s story with compassion, patience, and understanding. Sex abuse trauma is a highly delicate topic, and it often takes years for a survivor to make the courageous decision to empower themselves and go after those persons or institutions that perpetrated or enabled the abuse.

The least I can do is listen.

Believing Sexual Abuse Victims

It is far too common that a sexual abuse survivor has told their story many times before they walk into my office and many times are ignored or not believed. That will not happen when a survivor comes to me for aid. While I am considerate of the potential hurdles they may face if we pursue legal action, I will always believe them.

Earning Your Trust

My representation of any survivor of sexual abuse starts with earning trust. If a client does not trust me, I cannot effectively represent them because they may never be comfortable sharing with me the trauma they have experienced at the hands of a sexual abuse perpetrator.

To earn a sex abuse survivor’s trust, I take a trauma-informed approach. This means that I have an apt understanding of how trauma can affect the ways that survivors think, feel, and interact with people and the world around them. Establishing a secure, compassionate relationship with a potential client allows us to prepare a robust legal case and aid the survivor in receiving the relief they are entitled to.

Overcoming Challenges in Stepping Forward & Seeking Legal Representation After Sex Abuse

It is not uncommon for sex abuse survivors to seek legal support years after the sex abuse occurred. Perpetrators, defense lawyers, and law enforcement agencies focus on this delay in order to discredit or disbelieve a survivor. However, experts say that some of the most commonly raised causes for doubt in cases relating to sex abuse, such as a delay in reporting or a foggy recall of events, are the hallmarks of sexual assault.

Survivors do not come forward for a host of reasons. For example, they may fear repercussions at home, at work, or in their community. Especially if the perpetrator is someone they know, live with, or work with. Experts point to this fundamental issue: When the perpetrator is someone they trusted, it can take years for sex abuse victims to even identify what happened to them as a violation.

At Galm Law, we understand how difficult it can be to come forward, and we know that how long it takes to talk to someone isn’t an indication of whether or not you’re telling the truth. We believe all survivors. However, we’ll also be honest with you about the hurdles we will need to overcome to win your case. We provide information and updates at every step, so you always know what’s happening next.

Understanding Your Legal Rights

It’s common for sex abuse victims to be advised to protect their rights and seek counsel from law enforcement after the event has been reported. But it’s not always clear what this means. In Oregon, crime victims have certain rights pursuant to Article I, §§ 42 and 43 of the Oregon Constitution and ORS 135, 136, 137144 147.

In general, you have the right to report the crime to the authorities for further investigation. It’s a common myth that you can “press charges” against someone when, in fact, only the prosecutor can decide whether to pursue the case. However, being willing to testify against your abuser can significantly strengthen the evidence for the prosecution and make it more likely charges will be filed.

As a sexual abuse survivor, you also have the right to pursue a civil claim against the perpetrator. This involves suing the abuser for damages. It’s also sometimes possible to sue a larger institution, such as a school, nursing home, or youth sports organization, if the entity’s negligence contributed to the abuse. Filing a civil claim is often an option, even if the statute of limitations has expired for a criminal case or the prosecutor chose not to move forward with charges.

When you file a civil claim, you are seeking compensation for damages related to the abuse. This includes both financial damages, such as the money you spent on medical care — including psychological treatment — and emotional distress. A sexual abuse attorney can explain what applies to your case and give you a rough estimate of how much you may be able to sue for. Keep in mind that these cases are often negotiated and settled out of court, which can affect how much you actually receive.

At Galm Law, we often help victims navigate both the criminal and civil processes. Accordingly, I can aid survivors on the civil side of legal action where the only remedy is financial, as well as assist them in filing a criminal case. However, as a former prosecutor, I know that defense attorneys attempt to intimidate survivors. For example, they may issue overreaching subpoenas seeking medical or mental health records. It’s my job as your attorney to fight back against these tactics and do everything I can to help you get the compensation you deserve.

Let’s Get Through This Together

When speaking about sex abuse survivors, it is not simply a question of the law. Over the years, I have learned the complexity of representing both adults and minors who have survived sexual abuse and made the courageous decision to take legal action – whether that be criminal, civil, or both. Seeking the justice sexual abuse victims deserve has been some of my most rewarding and satisfying work as an attorney.

Consider setting up a time to talk by calling our office at 971-405-6660 – I am always here to listen.