Victims of sexual abuse or sexual assault have the right to file civil lawsuits and get financial compensation. Recent changes in the law are now making it easier for abuse victims to seek justice in the civil courts. This post will discuss how sex abuse victims can file civil lawsuits in Florida and look at the potential settlement value of these cases.
How Does Florida Define Sex Abuse?
For purposes of a civil lawsuit, sexual abuse and sexual assault have the same definition in Florida as they do in the criminal law context. Under Florida law, sexual abuse is defined as intentional sexual contact or touching (either directly or through clothing) of the intimate parts of another person for the express purpose of gratifying the abuser or degrading the victim. This definition covers everything from forcible rape to groping.