Facts About Sexual Abuse in Educational Settings
Illinois sexual assault laws are one piece of keeping kids safe.
Perusing the online headlines sadly seems to illustrate little news to be happy about regarding our childrens’ safety at school. Though school shootings seem to make the headlines every day, another type of violence is happening across the nation: sexual violence and assault.
Sexual violence is a disturbing reality in US schools, and parents must stay informed to keep their children safe. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, one in every ten students in the United States experiences sexual violence in school. This staggering statistic highlights the need for parents to be proactive in preventing such incidents.
Sexual violence in schools manifests in various forms, including harassment, assault, and rape. Reports indicate that incidents often occur within the athletic department, but no area of the school is immune to sexual violence. A person who commits criminal sexual violence often understands how to cloak him or herself with the aire of responsibility and trustworthiness while putting herself in close proximity to prospective victims. As a result, parents must take steps to protect their children and ensure that they receive a safe and supportive education while also protecting them from threats.
Illinois sexual assault laws define sexual assault as any sexual contact that occurs without the victim’s consent. Sexual contact includes penetration, touching, and fondling. Illinois law categorizes sexual assault as a class 1 felony, and the penalties can range from a maximum of 15 years to life imprisonment. Moreover, the law states that consent cannot be given by minors (individuals under 18 years of age) or incapacitated individuals, which means that sexual contact with minors is always considered non-consensual and can result in serious legal consequences.
Helping Children Avoid Being Victims
Parents can take various steps to safeguard their children from sexual violence in schools. Firstly, they must educate their children about sexual violence and what constitutes inappropriate behavior. Discussing the issue with children helps them recognize inappropriate conduct, encourages them to report the behavior, and gives them the confidence to say “no” to unwanted advances.
Parents must also understand the policies regarding sexual violence in their child’s school district. Most school districts have codes of conduct that prohibit sexual violence and provide steps to report incidents. Parents can also engage school authorities, including teachers, counselors, and administrators, to discuss the measures they have in place to prevent sexual violence in schools.
Monitoring children’s behavior is crucial. Parents should be aware of any changes in their child’s behavior, such as social withdrawal, sudden changes in academic performance, or appearing troubled or sad. These changes can indicate that a child is a victim of sexual violence, and parents must take prompt action by reporting the behavior to school authorities or law enforcement.
Finally, parents must teach their children to report any inappropriate behavior immediately. When children recognize or experience sexual violence, they must know how to report the incident and to whom they should report. Parents should assure their children that they will be protected, and no negative consequences will follow from reporting the incident.
Who Is A Trusted Sexual Assault Lawyer Near Me?
No one ever wants to get to the place where they are seeking justice from a sexual assault attorney near me. However, if your child or other family member has been the victim of a sex crime it is important to speak to a sexual abuse attorney to understand how the perpetrator can be held accountable and to ensure that the child has a fighting chance to emerge as a survivor of sexual assault in the healthiest manner possible.
Prosecution of aggravated criminal sexual assault may be limited by a statute of limitations and the person who commits an act of sexual assault will likely violate again if not stopped.
Sexual violence in schools is a serious issue that demands the attention of parents, schools, and law enforcement. Parents must educate themselves and their children on the risks of sexual violence and monitor their children’s behavior, encouraging them to report any incidents immediately. By staying vigilant, parents can help create a safe and supportive environment for their children to receive an education.
Understanding the policies and legal consequences associated with sexual abuse or assault may require the help of a lawyer. For a free consultation, please contact Kujawski & Associates, LLC at: 618-622-3600 Toll-Free 800-624-4571
