Sexual Assault Injuries Attorneys in Raleigh, North Carolina

Many victims of sexual assault suffer in silence and choose not to speak out due to their fear of humiliation or retribution. There are also many women and men who are afraid that no one will believe them. Sexual assault and rape result in traumatic and devastating effects including but not limited to physical injuries. Many victims of sexual assault also endure emotional suffering and psychological effects for the rest of their lives.

If you or your loved one has suffered sexual assault injuries, know that you are not alone. Consider speaking with an experienced attorney to help you achieve justice and regain a sense of normalcy by holding the perpetrator accountable for their heinous and unforgivable acts. At Life Law, we prioritize the safety of our clients, which is why we offer confidential consultations to help victims understand the steps they should take to protect themselves and fight for the compensation to which they are entitled.

Consult with our strong legal advocates at Life Law. We serve clients in Raleigh, North Carolina, as well as Asheville, Charlotte, and Wilmington.

Warning Signs of Sexual Assault

Since many victims of sexual assault choose not to speak out about their suffering, their loved ones often notice signs indicating that something is wrong. There are several warning signs of sexual assault to watch out for:

• Pain in the genital area

• Bleeding from the genitals

• Bruised genitals

• Venereal disease

• Loss of appetite

• Rapid weight loss or gain

• Difficulty sleeping

• Torn or stained underwear

• Fear of certain places or people

• Bedwetting

• Depression

• Withdrawal

• Decrease in self-esteem and confidence

• Mood swings

If you noticed any of these signs, talk to your loved one to understand if there is something you need to worry about. If you discover that your loved one has been sexually assaulted, contact law enforcement and then speak with an attorney to help you seek justice and hold the perpetrator accountable.

Consent Laws in North Carolina

Under North Carolina law, sexual assault is defined as a sexual act committed against a person’s will and without their consent. A person may also be held accountable for sexual assault for engaging in sexual acts with individuals who lack capacity.

Often, defendants accused of sexual assault use the “consent” defense to avoid punishment for engaging in sexual acts with another person. In North Carolina, the age of consent is 16 years old. It means that a partner must be at least 16 years of age to be considered legally capable of consenting to sexual activities.

Common Injuries Suffered by Sexual Assault Victims

Some of the most common injuries suffered by victims of sexual assault include:

• Genital injury (bruising, lacerations, etc.)

• Extragenital injury

• Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)

• Hepatitis

• Bacterial vaginosis

• HIV infection

• Depression

• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

In addition to the actual physical injuries resulting from the sexual act, a victim of sexual assault may also suffer injuries from being pushed or struck by the perpetrator. Common injuries include traumatic brain injuries, bone fractures, bruises, lacerations, cuts, and others.

If you or someone you know has become a victim of sexual assault, consider contacting a knowledgeable attorney to help you pursue a claim against the perpetrator and other liable parties to recover damages and seek compensation for your injuries, emotional suffering, and other effects of being a victim of sexual assault.