Preventing/Healing Childhood Sexual Abuse / General Discussion

Keep up with discussion in the "Preventing/Healing Childhood Sexual Abuse" group through your e-mail, or join in the conversation yourself!

Join CafeMom Today (It's free and easy!) Already a member?

Legal Advice

ClaireSilva
posted to General Discussion in Preventing/Healing Childhood Sexual Abuse
on May. 25, 2008 at 9:38 AM

2 Replies
262 Total Views

Hello! I went to a training the other week and there were several lawyers (who specialize in domestic violence cases) responding to questions. I asked about cases involving sexual abuse and this is the advice they gave:

Do not use adjectives & adverbs - just the straight facts.

Have a therapist for the child to document what is happening - A counselor for the child can testify about the safety of the child.

For court ordered visitation - outline the problems, risks & possible contempt that will arise.

An appointed Guardian Ad Litem - is paid for by the state...The lawyers recommended that a mom advocate to have independent representation for a child (regardless if the mom has the resources to pay for the service)

Advice for moms - Be a constant for the child. "I believe you & understand what is happening. I trust the feelings your are having".

Hope the info helps! ~ Claire

Written by

ClaireSilva

on May. 25, 2008 at 9:38 AM

Replies:

1-2 of 2 replies

by
- TeresaJones5
on May. 27, 2008 at 10:00 AM
Thank you his advise is good
Group Administrator - http://www.cafemom.com/group/momsagainstchildsexualabuse
My Life...
Thought my life was done
How could he do something like that
How could he be the one
The one to abuse me like that

My mother married him
She let him into my life
I was a younger version of my mother to him
He made me feel like his other wife

I told my mother once
She did not believe me
She took him back after a few months
For him to continue to hurt me

I did not know how to stop it
I want my innocence back
I knew if I did not do it I would get hit
I want my life back.