Sexual Assault in Schools Lawyer
Sexual assault in schools in Houston affects students of all ages, leading to significant physical, psychological, and emotional effects for survivors. Sexual assault on school grounds is an underreported crime, meaning many people don’t receive the care and support they need to heal.
Many K-12 schools, colleges, and universities fail to investigate and report sexual assault cases properly. Some schools may even try to ignore or cover up the crime. If a Houston school was unable to take reasonable measures to protect your child from sexual assault, a school sexual abuse attorney can help you seek damages. At Fibich, Leebron, Copeland & Briggs, we have multiple decades of legal knowledge and experience. Our nationally-recognized firm has recovered over $1 billion for clients who suffered from someone’s negligence or wrongdoing. Call today for a free consultation with our Houston sexual assault lawyers.
Signs and Symptoms of Sexual Abuse
Children who suffer sexual abuse are sometimes too frightened of their abuser to tell their parents or another trusted adult. Parents should recognize the signs and symptoms of sexual abuse, including:
- Behavioral changes
- Unexplained physical injuries
- Fear of specific individuals, including teachers, counselors, and classmates
- Unwillingness to go to school
- Nightmares
- Changes in eating patterns
Common Forms of Misconduct in Schools
Schools should be safe places where children and young adults can learn and grow without fear of violence or sexual abuse. Unfortunately, sexual assault can occur in Houston’s elementary, middle, and high schools. Sexual assault in schools takes on many forms of misconduct, including:
- Inappropriate touching
- Sexual advances from teachers, staff, or students
- Sharing pornography in person or through email, texts, or social media
- Pressuring another person into performing, watching, or engaging in sexual activities
Is the School Administration Covering Up the Abuse?
Sexual assault is a crime, and school administrators who fail to adequately prevent, report, or investigate sexual abuse could be liable. Parents who suspect sexual assault on school grounds should look for these indicators of a potential coverup:
- Lack of transparency in the school’s sexual abuse prevention and reporting procedures
- Delayed investigation of complaints
- Failure to report sexual abuse allegations to law enforcement
- Failure to inform parents and students about incidents
It is your right to seek accountability from an educational institution that fails to maintain your child’s safe, secure environment.
What To Do If Your Child Was Sexually Abused at School
When an assault in school takes place, the priority is the safety and well-being of the victim. An experienced school sexual abuse lawyer would suggest the following steps:
- Seek medical attention right away. Along with bruises, bleeding, and other immediate injuries, pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases can result from sexual abuse.
- Call the police department to report the incident.
- Report the incident to the school.
- Encourage your child to speak to a qualified therapist to begin addressing their emotional and psychological injuries.
- Contact a Houston school sexual abuse attorney.
Contact our Houston Sexual Abuse Lawyer for Help
If you believe your child has suffered sexual abuse at school, contact the Houston sexual assault attorney at Fibich, Leebron, Copeland & Briggs. We’ve helped hold responsible parties accountable for decades and are prepared to fight aggressively for the rights of your child.
Sexual assault in schools is a crime that causes physical, emotional, and financial harm to innocent people and their families. We will fight for every dollar to right this wrong so that you and your family can start the process of healing and recovery. Call our Houston personal injury lawyer today for a free, confidential consultation.