How Does Ohio Law Protect Victims of Therapist Sexual Abuse?

Woman raises a hand against therapist sexual abuse right before discussing how Ohio law protects victims

Ohio law protects victims of therapist sexual abuse by allowing them to take legal action against counselors who engage in unwanted sexual relations with them. Dealing with therapist sexual abuse can be incredibly painful and traumatic, but you must know that you are not alone. There is a compassionate legal team waiting to support you.

A dedicated Columbus therapist sexual abuse lawyer can listen to your story and get the justice and compensation you need to move past this deeply upsetting time. They can even create change in the world to protect others from the abuse you’ve endured. Let’s look closer at how Ohio law protects you and what an experienced lawyer can do to help.

How Ohio Law Protects Victims of Therapist Sexual Abuse

According to Ohio Administrative Code Rule 4757-5-04, therapists are prohibited from having consensual or non-consensual sexual relations with clients. There are also criminal laws that protect victims of therapist sexual abuse in Ohio.

These laws allow you to take civil action and press criminal charges against a therapist for sexually abusing you. When you or a loved one experiences such abuse, it may seem impossible to deal with the legal process while suffering from the pain and emotional distress that sexual abuse causes.

Fortunately, you don’t have to face this process by yourself. A committed attorney can handle the legal side of things so you can focus on recovering from the abuse you’ve experienced and moving forward with your life in a positive way. Contact a lawyer today to learn more about how Ohio law protects victims of therapist sexual abuse and get empathetic counsel.

For a free legal consultation, call 614-481-6000

What Qualifies as Therapist Sexual Abuse?

Ohio Revised Code (ORC) 2907.03 and other criminal laws state that therapist sexual abuse occurs when a therapist engages in sexual activity with a patient regardless of consent. Therapist sexual abuse can take many forms. Some involve a therapist who convinces a patient to engage in sexual contact by falsely stating that it is necessary for their treatment.

In many of these cases, the victim’s ability to say “no” and resist sexual contact is impaired because their therapist holds a position of authority over them. Getting taken advantage of by a counselor who you trusted and looked to for important mental health advice can be devastating. But knowing that Ohio law protects victims of therapist sexual abuse can give you hope.

At a time like this, you might feel like no one is on your side. The good news is that an empathetic and understanding attorney is here to support you. A lawyer can get justice for the physical and emotional pain you’ve been put through and ensure you feel comfortable and safe throughout the legal process.

Compensation for Victims of Therapist Sexual Abuse

Ohio law protects victims of therapist sexual abuse by allowing them to file a claim for damages. As you likely know, abuse from a trusted authority can leave you with emotional pain, medical expenses, and many other challenges that are extremely difficult to overcome.

With a skilled sexual abuse lawyer on your side, you can get compensation that addresses the mental health struggles this incident has caused you and replace the financial losses you’ve taken on due to the abuse. Depending on your unique situation and needs, a lawyer may file a claim for any of the following damages:

Medical bills
Pain and suffering
Emotional distress
Loss of enjoyment of life

While compensation can help you get back on your feet after experiencing therapist abuse, they aren’t the only goal of taking legal action. You’ll also hold the offending therapist accountable for their actions, giving you the closure and relief to put this time in your life behind you.

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How an Ohio Therapist Sexual Abuse Lawyer Can Help You

While Ohio law has protections for victims of therapist sexual abuse, it can be incredibly challenging to get compensation and justice without an experienced attorney’s help. A lawyer can guide you through the legal process and provide compassionate advice that makes you feel safe throughout your case.

Here’s what a lawyer can do to help you:

Investigate the incidents of therapist abuse you suffered
Gather reports, communication records, witness statements, medical records, and any other forms of evidence that speak to the abuse
File a claim on your behalf
Represent you in court
Get damages that help you cope with the pain you’re experiencing and move forward with your life
Explain how Ohio law protects victims of therapist sexual abuse
Answer any questions you have about the legal process

Complete a Free Case Evaluation form now

Schedule a Free Consultation With a Trusted Ohio Therapist Sexual Abuse Lawyer

At Cooper Elliott, we have over 100 years of combined experience handling sexual abuse cases. Not only do we have the experience to handle your case, but we also take a uniquely empathetic and understanding approach. Many clients tell us that we are the first law firm to listen to their concerns and genuinely care about their well-being.

We are dedicated to our clients and the community we serve. We strive to effect change in the world that protects others from abuse and injuries. Our team has the resources to support you throughout the legal process, no matter how severe your case is. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.

Call or text 614-481-6000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form

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