What is Sexual Assault?
Sexual Assault is any unwanted sexual contact or behavior that occurs without the explicit consent of the victim. That unwanted behavior can range from fondling and groping to even more severe crimes such as rape and attempted rape. Sexual assault is considered one of the most serious criminal offenses, with severe legal consequences as a result.
Lack of consent is the key aspect of sexual assault. While there is a wide range of acts that fall under the spectrum of sexual assault, a person being groped inappropriately in passing at a party is just as valid of an instance of sexual assault as a person being incapacitated and raped, and those who have either act committed against them are rightfully both considered to be victims.
The violation of bodily autonomy and the grave impacts that sexual assault has are what makes it one of the most unacceptable acts in the eyes of society. Victims are often left completely traumatized from instances of sexual assault, and deal with severe long-term physical and mental health issues. Sexual assault is a criminal act that results in perpetrators facing long prison sentences and being forced to register as sex offenders. However, it is often difficult to fully prove instances of sexual assault in court, and many cases go unpunished or unnoticed.
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Lancaster Premises Liability Lawyers
Holding property owners in Lancaster County responsible for their dangerous spaces
Lancaster County, with its rich history, charming towns, and beautiful landscapes, is a place where residents and visitors alike should feel safe to explore and enjoy. From the historic streets of downtown Lancaster to the scenic beauty of the surrounding Amish countryside, this region is filled with cultural treasures and natural wonders. Unfortunately, when property owners fail to maintain safe spaces, these attractions can become perilous. At Munley Law, our premises liability lawyers are dedicated to protecting the rights of those injured due to such property owner’s negligence. We are committed to holding property owners accountable and ensuring that victims receive the compensation they deserve, preserving the integrity and safety of our beloved Lancaster County.
Lancaster slip and fall accidents: injuries due to slippery or uneven surfaces on someone else’s Lancaster property
Slip and fall accidents are among the most common types of premises liability cases. […]
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Negligent Security Lawyer
It’s a fear most of us have — become a victim of a crime and getting injured as a result. But what if your injury could have been prevented if proper security measures in place? You would probably feel angry and upset. No one deserves to be injured because of negligence. It’s time to take action with a negligent security lawyer.
When people visit a place of business or lodging, you have the right to expect a reasonable amount of safety. In fact, property owners have a duty to secure their premises and protect lawful visitors and patrons from foreseeable harm.
Most premises liability cases involve “accidents,” or unintended consequences of careless property owners. But what happens if you are the victim of an intentional act – a violent crime on someone’s property or at a place of business? In some cases, these kinds of attacks could have been prevented if only there had been adequate security measures in place. […]
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Uber will no longer force assault victims to arbitration
Uber will no longer force the use of private arbitration for riders, drivers or employees who claim that they have been sexually assaulted or harassed. Rather, these cases can now be brought to court and be heard by a jury.
Until now, riders waived their constitutional right to a trial when they signed Uber’s user agreement. Now, anyone who claims that they have been sexually assaulted or harassed as an Uber rider, driver, or employee can have their individual cases brought to court and be heard by a jury. Uber will also end the requirement that victims who accept settlements through arbitration must sign confidentiality agreements that prevent them from talking about their experiences.
The policy change does not include other forms of harassment.
Arbitration used to silence victims of assault and harassment
Because of confidentiality agreements, the company has been able to keep the issue out of the press. […]
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100 Deadliest Days for Teen Drivers Start Now
As the school year winds down, so begins the 100 deadliest days of the year for teen drivers. The days surrounding prom and graduation see spikes in teenage driver deaths.
If you’re 18 years old, right now might be the most exciting time of the year. If you’re a parent, it might be one of the most nerve-wracking.
Prom and graduation season is supposed to be a joyous, memorable time. It’s a celebration of lives about to truly begin. Too often, however, this is when teenagers’ lives come to a sudden end. Prom, graduation and the following summer months see a higher number of fatal teen auto accidents than any other time of the year. Teens drive more during the summer months after the school year has ended, and events like prom and graduation are often accompanied by underage drinking.
Drunk driving is a major cause of teen driving accidents, […]
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Attorney Julia Munley recognizes National Child Abuse Prevention Month as a time for action
Munley believes we must shine a light on child abuse in order to prevent it
Munley believes we must shine a light on child abuse in order to prevent itThe problem of child sexual abuse in this country and throughout Pennsylvania continues at an alarming rate. It can be difficult to acknowledge that sexual abuse of children of all ages, including infants, happens every day. This horrifying topic was brought to the national spotlight when Jerry Sandusky was found guilty of 45 counts of sexually abusing 10 boys, using his position in a prestigious football program to gain access to youth. This past week, Pennsylvania’s top court rejected a bid by this former Penn State football coach to appeal his 2012 conviction of charges of sexually abusing children.
Last week alone in Northeast Pennsylvania, we saw news reported of a trusted pastor at a Scranton cathedral being removed from his position and charged with indecent assault and corruption of minors. […]
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Silent demon too often preys in Pennsylvania
As seen in the Scranton Times.
By Julia Munley
Sadly, allegations of child sexual abuse happen every day and have become something we read about almost daily in our local and national news; it is everywhere, from our churches to our schools and even in our own homes.
Last weekend, this issue was front and center with the Woody Allen/Dylan Farrow abuse story resurfacing 21 years after Farrow’s initial claims of abuse. One of the most shocking things about this story is that the alleged victim has been criticized and belittled by Allen’s PR machine, chiefly by his lawyer, Elkan Abramowitz.
While everyone deserves a defense and the presumption of innocence, including Allen, these attempts to isolate, demonize and subdue claims of child abuse should be excoriated. These very public intimidation tactics will undoubtedly impact other victims and lead to more unreported and untreated child sexual abuse and allow offenders to abuse others. […]
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