What happens if I am sexually abused on my college campus in Florida? Criminal Defense Attorney Explains

750+ Reviews On
What happens if I am sexually abused on my college campus in Florida? Criminal Defense Attorney Explains

What happens if I am sexually abused on my college campus? South Florida Criminal Defense Attorney offers advice

 

If you or someone you know were sexually abused on a Florida college or university campus, we’re here to help. 

We’re sorry you are now navigating this difficult path, and we’re here to offer any support and guidance we can to help you navigate what to do next. 

If you’re ready to, there are a series of steps to take when a crime like this happens. The steps will ensure that the proper actions are taken, justice is served, and you get the resources you need to help you finish your degree and move forward as healthily as you can. 

Take a deep breath, and here’s your first step

First and foremost, once you are in a safe place you should report the sexual assault crime to the city or town police. They will be instrumental in ensuring steps take place that provide you with safety and comfort while on campus and wherever the crime occurred. The police will also help you press charges against the assaulter. 

Then if you choose, you can report the crime to your school. Most schools have systems in place to combat sexual assault and will be more than willing to get involved. This could include therapeutic resources, support groups, or maybe moving you to another area on campus. If the abuser was a student at your same school, the university should also launch an investigation and punish or expel the student who was involved in sexual abuse.

If you want to ensure the crime is handled appropriately, we advise that you do not ONLY report the crime to the school or university. While we wish it weren’t true, unfortunately the school’s process may not provide the best process for you as a whole and likely will not provide you with all the avenues to justice that are available to you. 

Certainly, your school should have sexual assault resources and likely some free counseling options to help you. These are great resources that should certainly be taken advantage of.

The school may also conduct an investigation, however – and while their investigation should still seek the truth, their investigation will also likely involve lawyers on behalf of the university, and one of the lawyers’ jobs will be to help protect the university, college, or school in the process of investigating the sexual assault. 

This means that the school certainly will help you, but they likely won’t inform you of all your legally available options — they may not tell you the actions you can take against the assaulter, and they may not inform you of the actions you can legally take against the school or all the resources you’re entitled to from the school. 

What can the Florida school do when you report a case of sexual assault – on behalf of yourself or someone else?

The school is obligated under Florida law to help you continue to pursue your degree in any way possible and make you feel safe in doing so. They are able to provide you with a different class schedule, different housing, or even a no contact order that will allow you to feel safe and comfortable while taking your courses and attending school functions that you would normally go to. 

Different schools may have other resources available such as free counseling, connection to therapeutic resources or peer support groups.

What can the police do when you report sexual assault on a college campus? 

Sexual battery and sexual abuse crimes are serious crimes in the state of Florida. Sexual assault and battery are punishable by hefty fines and lengthy prison sentences. 

If you are the victim of sexual abuse on a college campus, the police can get involved to ensure your future safety as well as the safety of others on campus. 

What if the school and police aren’t doing enough to help you?

If the school or the police are not doing enough in order to ensure your future safety and comfort, the first thing you need to do is contact an experienced criminal defense attorney in your area. 

A lawyer will be able to guide you through the intricacies of your case and the crime in question and be able to handle all of the paperwork regarding the school and the police. They will be able to help you know what to expect (and demand) from the police concerning your sexual assault case, as well as the school – they can make sure that everyone is doing what they need and they can also help you file for different types of restraining orders or protection orders and can help you bring charges against the assaulter.  

If the school or the police simply won’t do enough to make sure you are safe, a lawyer can help and will fight until you feel comfortable continuing your degree at that school. Sexual abuse can happen to anyone, and if it does, it’s important to seek the proper help to make sure it never happens again, and that you feel as if the situation has been resolved from a legal standpoint. 

If you want to learn more about sexual assault crimes, visit our sexual assault practice area page.

If you’d like to call us to see how we might be able to help, or even if you’d just like to get a bit of advice on how to move forward, we’re here to help. 

Give us a call today:

What happens if I am sexually abused on my college campus in Florida? Criminal Defense Attorney Explains
What to Expect at Your Free Initial Strategy Session with Rossen Law Firm
STEP1
We Listen to Your Story
STEP2
We Educate You
STEP3
We Create a Unique Defense Strategy
Schedule Your
Free Strategy Session

    750+ Reviews On
    Google Reviews
    kevin tabronkevin tabron
    00:07 08 Sep 22
    In one of the most stressful times in my life, Rossen Law Firm was there for me. Leaving no stone unturned they provided patience and knowledge in every detail of my case. I’m very thankful and proud of this law firm family and especially of my lawyer, Scott Simmons for guiding, defending and helping me in every way possible. He and this law firm family come highly recommended from personal experience!!!
    Jason HigleyJason Higley
    15:24 26 Aug 22
    I had an unfortunate situation with a family member that lead to my arrest and being charged with DV Battery. This was the first time I had ever been arrested so I was very nervous and afraid of what was going to happen to me. After talking with Adam I decided to retain him and let me tell you this was the BEST decision I could have ever made. Adam made me feel so comfortable and confident that everything will turn out the best in my favor. He is professional, ethical and supportive. He was always available too answer any questions or concerns.Not to mention, his team at the office is awesome they are so friendly and welcoming. Anytime I had a question when I called the office they were able to guide me in the rightdirection. They always were in contact with me with any information or updates regarding my case. Adams team is GREAT!Adam delivered, my case was DISMISSED. So if you want an attorney the is gonna fight for you and get the job done retain the BEST there is Adam Rossen!!!
    Felix I HFelix I H
    13:27 28 Jul 22
    Adam Rossen and the team at Rossen Law took great care in handling my case. They are very professional, and get the job done. I was particular relieved to see just how much empathy they showed with me, and how effortless it was to be their client.I literally visited them twice. My initial consultation, and then to pickup the final docs. I have nothing but great things to say about these folks, and I would highly recommend them to anyone. Thanks Guys.
    Terry ChristopherTerry Christopher
    12:32 09 May 22
    I had an amazing experience with The Rossen Law Firm. The staff were very professional. Attorney Susan Lawson went above and beyond working on my case. We were thoroughly prepared for trial. Mrs. Lawson reviewed hours of body and dash camera footage multiple times and aggressively performed depositions on witnesses and law enforcement.The final outcome for me was the state dropped my case, due to the great work Susan and the Rossen team performed. I didn’t even need to go to trial.This law firm does not play around. They pay attention to detail and they FIGHT FOR YOU!Thank you Adam, team, and a special thank you to Susan for your amazing work! I really appreciate you.
    Ketiana ProvinceKetiana Province
    20:27 23 Mar 22
    My experience with Rossen Law Firm was excellent. From the consultation to the end.. My attorney Susan Lawson gave my son's case all the time and attention that was needed to be successful in court. She was confident during all the court proceedings. My favorite part was when she said we are family, never once my son and I were treated other then that. I very much appreciate the knowledge and support I received through Rossen Law Firm.
    js_loader
    super-lawyers-2021
    500
    national-trial-lawyers
    national-association-distinguished-counsel
    florida-trends-legal-elite
    american-institute-criminal-law-attorneys
    rated-by-super-lawyers
    avvo-rating-superb-criminal
    avvo-rating-superb-dui
    av-preeminent
    av-preeminent-2017
    superior-dui-attorney
    american-assoc-attorneys
    rising-stars-serra-jovenich
    super-lawyers-rising-stars
    Second DUI, 0.19 Breath
    DUI Charge Dismissed
    Federal Child Porn Possession
    Mandatory Prison Time Avoided
    Attempted Murder
    Charges Dismissed
    How We Win
    Second DUI, 0.19 Breath
    DUI Charge Dismissed
    Federal Child Porn Possession
    Mandatory Prison Time Avoided
    Attempted Murder
    Charges Dismissed
    Types Of Cases We Handle

    Rossen Law Firm’s legal team understands what’s at stake when you’re charged with a crime in South Florida. We’re committed to defending you and protecting your rights. Our legal team is ready to create a customized strategy for your case to fight for the best possible outcome. We handle Criminal, DUI, Federal, Domestic Violence, Marchman Act & Baker Act cases, and more.

    See All Practice Areas
    Get Your Free Download Instantly
    The Client All Agree Rossen Law Firms’s 5- Stars Rated Attorneys
    Instant Download
    7 Reglas Que Necesitas Saber Para Sobrevivir A Un DUI en Florida
    EN ESTE REPORTE GRATIS DESCUBRIRAS EL ERROR #1 AL HACER LA PRUEBA DE SOBRIEDAD, LA VERDADERA RAZÓN PORQUE LA POLICÍA QUIERE ARRESTARTE Y MUCHO MÁS…
    Instant Download
    7 Rules You Need to Know to Survive a Florida DUI
    IN THIS FREE REPORT YOU’LL DISCOVER: THE #1 MISTAKE PEOPLE MAKE ON THE FIELD SOBRIETY TESTS THE REAL REASON THE POLICE ARE DYING TO ARREST YOU… AND WAY MORE…
    Instant Download
    Florida Domestic Violence
    HOW WHAT HAPPENS IN THE HEAT OF THE MOMENT CAN HAVE TERRIBLE LEGAL CONSEQUENCES FOR EVERYONE INVOLVED
    Instant Download
    Get Help Now
    Take a moment to fill out the form on this page to get in touch with us, and we will get back to you shortly.