A rape victim advocacy attorney holds your attacker responsible. Rape advocate attorneys listen to survivors of rape and sexual abuse and offers all of the legal options available to them to help the client determine what justice means for them. They stand with their client and fight for their rights with law enforcement, other attorneys, and in court.
Criminal Rape Cases
The criminal justice system had clearly defined laws making rape and sexual battery and assault illegal. The police department has a special unit which investigates sex crimes and the District Attorney’s office prosecutes sex crimes. The path from sexual assault to conviction is neither fast nor without many potential pitfalls. Understanding what to expect in this process is important for any victim. A rape victim advocate can be liaison between you and law enforcement agencies.
New Orleans has historically been a difficult place for rape victims in the criminal justice system. The DA’s office has used methods including jailing rape victims. A few years ago it was revealed that approximately one-third of the rape kits in the state were untested. Recent reports indicate that the District Attorney’s office is losing a large number of cases and has a very high turnover rate which results in young attorneys. A rape victim advocacy attorney knows what should happen in your criminal case and can fight to make sure that your case is handled properly.
Civil Rape Cases
Rape victims can also pursue justice through civil law suits. These cases can be brought even in the absence of a criminal case. Civil suits hold attackers responsible and help victims heal through compensation.
Victims may be eligible for compensation for:
- medical expenses – sexual assault can require physical and mental health treatment over time
- lost wages caused by the attack
- pain and suffering for the mental pain and physical anguish caused by the attack
- Punitive damages – courts can award damages in cases where the attacker did intentionally harmful or egregiously negligent acts to keep them repeating their behavior
Restraining Orders
Rape victim advocacy attorneys can also help you get and keep stay away order against your assailant. These orders maintain that your assailant have no contact with you directly or through another person. Advocates can help you complete the stay away order application and go through the needed hearing in court to get the order granted. This order can help you have a peace of mind as well as be an important protection for you.
The Aubrey Harris Law Firm will fight to protect the rights of survivors, and work diligently to provide the support necessary to help them recover.
