Sexual Assault Lawyer Serving Delray Beach

Delray Beach, Florida is a picturesque South Florida location with wide sandy beaches rolling up to the Atlantic Ocean, quaint shops and restaurants, and a vibrant night-life. Visitors and residents flock to the Atlantic Avenue downtown to experience this "Village by the Sea." The City regularly wins awards for "most fun" and "most beautiful," and residents and visitors rave about the hometown feel and friendly atmosphere of the City.

Unfortunately, however, this welcoming environment does not shield Delray Beach from the horrific crime of sexual assault or sexual battery. Sexual assault can happen anywhere, in any environment, even in beautiful Delray Beach. In fact, crime statistics show that in 2015, Delray Beach ranked among the national average in rapes. The national average is 28.1%, while Delray Beach rapes reached 37.8.

The explosion of the rehabilitation industry in Delray Beach has added to the population influx, and also the potential for sexual assault. Recent headlines show that authorities have charged unscrupulous members of the rehab industry with sexual assault against patients. Counselors, owners, and other patients at both rehab facilities and sober homes have faced investigations into unwanted sexual advances against patients.

The broader medical community has also faced charges of sexual assault against both patients and employees. Dentists and doctors, as well as physical therapists and nurses, have been accused of sexual assault against patients and employees. These types of assaults can happen in doctors offices, hospitals and outpatient centers.

Spas and spa-like facilities also are facing increasing scrutiny for unwanted sexual touching. Massage, facials, body wraps, waxing and other treatments often leave a client alone in a room with a therapist, clinician or esthetician, and some clients have reported sexual assault in these environments.

Sexual assault can also take place at educational and after-school-activity facilities. Teachers, teachers assistants, principals, and other school staff have been convicted of sexual assault on students. Likewise, coaches from sports ranging from football to gymnastics, from ice skating to cheerleading, have all come under scrutiny for allegations of sexual assault.

In other words, no one is immune, and no location is completely safe.

The Department of Justice defines sexual assault as "any type of sexual contact or behavior that occurs without the explicit consent of the recipient. Falling under the definition of sexual assault are sexual activities as forced sexual intercourse, forcible sodomy, child molestation, incest, fondling, and attempted rape." Any type of sexual activity against the will of the recipient can fall under the definition of sexual assault.

Sexual battery or sexual assault is a felony in all jurisdictions in Florida, including Delray Beach. Many sexual assault or sexual battery cases also contain a civil component, which means the victim may have a right to financial damages which can help with expenses and pain and suffering caused from the assault. There also can be multiple causes of action stemming from a sexual assault case, including battery, false imprisonment, and intentional infliction of emotional distress, among other causes. There are also possible third party defendants, potentially including negligent property owners or others who were not directly involved in the crime.

However, because of the intimacy of sexual assault crimes, victims in Delray Beach and around the country are often hesitant to report the crime or to seek legal counsel to help with these difficult cases. According to the National Women's Study Replication, in 2005, nationally only 18% of rapes are reported to law enforcement. When alcohol or drugs are involved, only 10% of rapes are reported.

The lawyers at Frankl Kominsky are confidential attorneys who understand the intricate and delicate nature of sexual assault cases. Our lawyers recognize the multiple impacts of sexual assault cases on victims and their families, and are available to try to provide compassionate representation for victims of sexual assault. Frankl Kominsky will work to try to hold the perpetrators accountable and try to obtain the best possible outcome for the victim. Our firm serves victims throughout South Florida, including Delray Beach, Boca Raton, Boynton Beach and Lake Worth. If you or a loved one is the victim of sexual assault, call us today for a confidential consultation, at (561) 354-6184 or contact us online. We speak Spanish and Creole.