Sexual Abuse
Sexual Abuse | Recognizing, Reporting & Seeking Justice | Strong Family Law, PLLC
You Deserve Safety, Support, and Justice
Sexual abuse is a serious violation of personal autonomy that can leave survivors feeling powerless, ashamed, or afraid to seek help. Whether the abuse occurred in a personal relationship, workplace, religious setting, or other environment, it is important to know that you are not alone, and there are legal protections available to help you break free and seek justice.
At Strong Family Law, PLLC, we help survivors of sexual abuse understand their legal options, secure protective measures, and fight for their rights in family and criminal court proceedings.
If you or someone you love is experiencing sexual abuse, help is available. Schedule a confidential consultation to explore your legal options.
What Is Sexual Abuse?
Sexual abuse includes any form of non-consensual sexual activity, coercion, or exploitation. It can happen within intimate relationships, workplaces, religious settings, or even within families. It is never the survivor’s fault.
Forms of Sexual Abuse:
✔ Sexual Assault & Rape – Forced or non-consensual sexual contact, including penetration without consent
✔ Coercion & Sexual Manipulation – Pressuring or threatening someone into sexual activity
✔ Sexual Harassment – Unwanted advances, comments, or behaviors of a sexual nature
✔ Reproductive Coercion – Forcing pregnancy, sabotaging birth control, or preventing reproductive choices
✔ Child Sexual Abuse – Any sexual contact, grooming, or exploitation of minors
✔ Sex Trafficking & Exploitation – Forcing someone into sexual activities for financial gain
✔ Revenge Porn & Digital Sexual Abuse – Sharing intimate images or videos without consent
✔ Marital & Relationship Sexual Abuse – Forcing or coercing sex within a marriage or relationship
If you have experienced any of these forms of sexual abuse, you have the right to seek protection and justice. Contact us today to learn more.
How to Identify Sexual Abuse
Many survivors struggle to recognize abuse due to fear, manipulation, or pressure from their abuser. Signs of sexual abuse include:
✔ Feeling pressured, coerced, or threatened into sexual activity
✔ Being forced to engage in sexual acts against your will
✔ Experiencing guilt, fear, or anxiety after sexual encounters
✔ Having intimate images shared without your consent
✔ Being prevented from making personal reproductive choices
✔ Feeling unable to say “no” due to threats or emotional manipulation
If you relate to any of these experiences, it is not your fault, and you deserve help. Legal and support resources are available.
Steps to Remove Yourself from Sexual Abuse
1. Recognize the Abuse & Trust Your Instincts
✔ Understand that coercion, manipulation, and force are not consent.
✔ If you feel uncomfortable, afraid, or powerless, trust your feelings.
✔ Know that you have the right to say no to any unwanted sexual behavior.
2. Seek Safety & Support
✔ Identify a safe place to go if you need to leave an abusive situation.
✔ Reach out to trusted friends, family, or a crisis center.
✔ Consider staying with a domestic violence shelter or support organization if necessary.
3. Document the Abuse
✔ Keep records of texts, emails, or communications that show coercion or threats.
✔ Save medical records or evidence of physical harm or assault.
✔ Write down dates, times, and details of abusive incidents.
4. File a Protection Order or Criminal Charges
✔ File for a protection order to legally prevent an abuser from contacting you if you were in a dating or other intimate relationship.
✔ Report sexual assault or harassment to the police if you feel safe doing so.
✔ Seek legal assistance for divorce, custody modifications, or financial independence.
✔ Contact the police if you wish to press charges criminally.
Schedule a consultation to discuss your legal protections.
How to Report Sexual Abuse
If you are in immediate danger, call 911.
For confidential support and reporting assistance, contact:
✔ National Sexual Assault Hotline (RAINN): 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)
✔ National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or text “START” to 88788
✔ Idaho Coalition Against Sexual & Domestic Violence: www.engagingvoices.org
✔ Safe Passage: https://www.safepassageid.org/ or call 208-664-9303.
✔ Strong Family Law – Legal Services for Survivors: (208) 444-4482
Ways to Stay Safe from Sexual Abuse
✔ Set Boundaries & Recognize Red Flags – If someone pressures you or disregards your boundaries, trust your instincts.
✔ Avoid Isolation with an Abuser – If you feel unsafe around someone, limit time alone with them.
✔ Have a Safety Plan – Identify trusted friends, safe locations, and emergency contacts.
✔ Be Aware of Digital Safety – Use secure passwords and be cautious about sharing personal information online.
✔ Seek Professional Support – Therapy, counseling, and legal advocacy can help survivors heal and regain control of their lives.
How Strong Family Law Can Help
At Strong Family Law, PLLC, we are committed to advocating for survivors of sexual abuse. We offer:
✔ Legal action for divorce, custody, and support in abuse-related cases.
✔ Although you need to contact the police to press criminal charges, we offer crime victim representation after charges have been filed.
✔ Confidential consultations & compassionate legal guidance.
✔ Protection orders to keep survivors safe.
If you are ready to take action, call (208) 444-4482 today or schedule a consultation to start your path toward healing and justice.