The recent release of some 6,000 pages of documents detailing how the Archdiocese of Chicago shielded priests who sexually abused children, serves as a reminder that time is running out to come forward if you are an adult victim of childhood sexual abuse.

THE MINNESOTA CHILD VICTIMS ACT

Through Minnesotaโ€™s Child Victims Act, a three-year window has been established during which adults that were sexual abused as a child can bring claims for civil cases against those responsible for the abuse. This includes claims that have been previously barred by the prior statute of limitations.

Minnesotaโ€™s Child Victims Act was signed into law on May 24, 2013 and expires in May of 2016 โ€“ the window of time to act is limited. In order to allow adequate time to process your case, the sooner you come forward the better. Contact a qualified attorney at Meshbesher & Spence today, if youโ€™re an adult who experienced childhood sexual abuse and you have either not taken action or been denied action prior.

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THE EFFECTS OF CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE

Every year there are more than 3 million reports of child abuse made involving more than 6 million children here in the U.S. Roughly half a million of these children have reported being sexually abused, but theyโ€™re in minority. Thatโ€™s because only an estimated 38% of child victims disclose the fact that theyโ€™ve been sexually abused โ€” many never tell.

The sexual abuse of children is both morally and ethically wrong as evidenced by how much it can damage a personโ€™s entire life. Aside from being robbed of their childhood, those who have been sexually abused have difficulty trusting people, problems with self-esteem including self-abuse, feelings of guilt, shame and confusion, depression, withdrawal from society, as well as identity problems, sexual dysfunction, and eating and sleeping disorders. Many of them suffer from repeated victimization, unable to break a vicious cycle that continues throughout their life.

THE BENEFITS OF COMING FORWARD IF YOUโ€™VE BEEN SEXUALLY ABUSED

Closure. Although, the effects of child abuse go far beyond childhood, coming forward, talking about what happened, and bringing a case against the person(s) that wronged you, may help some people move on with their lives.

Prevention. Sexual abusers are known to be repeat offenders. If they never suffered any consequences for their actions,then most likely theyโ€™re still abusing someone. By bringing their behavior to light, and pursuing justice, you could be saving another child from the same torment you endured.

Compensation. Although nothing can make up for what you lost being the victim of sexual abuse, being compensated for your suffering can ease some of lifeโ€™s external stresses, allowing you to deal with what you are going through on the inside.
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