Blog

Though many think that sexual assault must include a physical act, recent stories like those of Harvey Weinstein and Jeffrey Epstein have helped us to understand that this serious crime comes in many different forms. This April, Sexual Assault Awareness Month is focused on building safe online spaces, where many sexual predators lurk unchecked.

Sexual assault and violence in any form is a subset of crimes posing a serious problem across the country. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that 43.6 percent of women1 and 24.8 percent of men2 in the United States have experienced some form of sexual violence. According to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, in 2019, there were 8,439 rape offenses in Florida alone3.

Many people do not realize that sexual abuse can happen online as well as in-person. According to the National Sexual Violence Resource Center, some examples of online sexual abuse include:4

• Sending unwanted sexual comments
• Sending unwanted requests for nude photos, videos, or livestream of sexual acts
• Performing sexual acts on webcam without consent or in inappropriate settings
• Sharing private images or videos without consent (also known as revenge porn)
• Sharing porn in spaces without consent
• Grooming children to enable their sexual abuse. Grooming is when a sexual perpetrator tries to gain a child’s trust for the purpose of sexually exploiting them.

Any of these types of abuse can cause long-lasting emotional and psychological trauma. However, we can all take steps to help prevent online sexual abuse. Some ways that you can help are:

Community Level Prevention5

Leaders of online communities can:

• Create agreements that delineate the expectations about respectful communications for all participants.
• Develop a process for community victims to report harassment.
• Establish norms detailing appropriate and inappropriate forms of contact between community members (e.g. times of day to contact or which apps can be used for contact).

Preventing Online Sexual Abuse of Children6

• Educate children on what grooming is and how to recognize the signs of it.
• Listen to your child if they tell you that someone is making them feel uncomfortable online.
• Monitor the content that your children are accessing or have access to online.
• Contact the local authorities if you suspect someone is sexually abusing your child online.
  Online sexual abuse is scary and can cause trauma that lasts a lifetime. If you are the victim of online sexual abuse, don’t suffer in silence. Contact the National Sexual Assault Telephone Hotline at 1-800-645-HOPE to be connected with someone in your local area who can help you.

Rader Law Group, LLC

With decades and decades combined experience, the attorneys at Rader Law Group understand the meaning of Justice. Our one and only mission is to get each client the justice he or she deserves; our team of attorneys never back down when we know our client is right.
We offer our clients the compassion and guidance they need as they work through trying times in their lives. The balance of working relentlessly for our clients combined with our caring approach has helped us achieve a fantastic record of success with our clients. We get our clients the justice they deserve.

At Rader Law Group, You matter. Your justice matters. Your Justice Starts Here. 954-913-2273

References:
1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey: 2015 Data Brief — Updated Release (cdc.gov). Page 2.
2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey: 2015 Data Brief — Updated Release (cdc.gov). Page 3.
3. Florida Department of Law Enforcement. Violent Crimes (state.fl.us)
4. National Sexual Violence Resource Center. Online Abuse and Trauma | National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC)
5. National Sexual Violence Resource Center. SAAM 2021 Online Community Prevention | National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC)
6. SAAM 2021 Keeping Kids Safe Online | National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC)

Spending spring break in Florida means sunshine, beaches, and waves. But before you head out on your spring break getaway or your Florida staycation with family or friends, keep safety in mind as you plan your vacation.

Below are a few easy ways to keep your vacation happy, healthy, and injury-free.

Drink Responsibly – Dodge Slip & Falls

Know your limit and respect it. If you’ve had too much to drink, stop! Drinking excessively leads to accidents, injuries, and adverse situations.

Keep an eye on your drink so nobody tampers with it.

Drinking and swimming can be a lethal mix. Avoid consuming alcohol if you plan to play in the waves.

Drive Carefully – Avoid Car Collisions

There will be more people on the roads during spring break, especially near the beaches. Be extra cautious when driving in crowded areas.

Never drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol. If you and your friends or family members are planning to drink, plan ahead and ensure you either have a designated driver or a plan to get a safe ride home by taxi, Uber, or Lyft.

Stay alert, drive defensively, and avoid distraction. Before starting the vehicle, turn off your cellphone or put it on mute in a closed compartment in the vehicle.

Steer Safely – Prevent Boating Accidents

Florida leads the nation with the highest number of boating accidents and fatalities. If you plan to operate a boat, take a boating safety course, conduct a thorough boat safety check before heading out, and avoid alcohol and other substances that may impair your ability. Additionally, when you’re in the boat, wear a life jacket.

Walk Cautiously – Avoid Pedestrian Accidents

Spring break is notorious for partying and recklessness, especially near the beaches. Although it can happen anytime, you can bet that some drivers won’t have their undivided attention on the road. As a pedestrian, be extra cautious as you cross streets, even if there are crosswalks.

Be Aware – Don’t Become a Victim

Be careful if you are traveling, particularly if you are in an unfamiliar, crowded area. Be aware of your surroundings and be ready to act. Stay with the people you came with. No matter how enticing it may be, leaving the group to go with someone you just met is risky.

Be Smart — Protect from the Pandemic

Just because it is spring break doesn’t mean we aren’t still in the midst of a pandemic! Be sure to continue following the CDC guidelines and wear a mask in public, wash hands frequently, clean frequently touched surfaces, avoid crowds and poorly ventilated places, stay six feet apart from others (unless you reside together), and avoid touching eyes, nose, and mouth.
On behalf of Cuter Rader, P.L., we wish you a sunny, fun-filled, and safe vacation or staycation in Florida.

Rader Law Group, LLC

With decades and decades combined experience, the attorneys at Rader Law Group understand the meaning of Justice. Our one and only mission is to get each client the justice he or she deserves; our team of attorneys never back down when we know our client is right.
We offer our clients the compassion and guidance they need as they work through trying times in their lives. The balance of working relentlessly for our clients combined with our caring approach has helped us achieve a fantastic record of success with our clients. We get our clients the justice they deserve.

At Rader Law Group, You matter. Your justice matters. Your Justice Starts Here. 954-913-2273

What is a Police or Accident Report?

If you have been in an automobile accident before, you may be familiar with a police report. A police or accident report is an account of the accident conducted by the officer who arrives on the scene. The report contains vital information including details about the accident, potential causes, proof if either or both parties were under the influence, witness statement information, statements from each party and their passengers, contact information for each party, and opinions from the officer.

Even though police reports are not permitted as evidence in civil cases for personal injury claims in the state of Florida, they are still crucial for settlement discussions with insurance carriers and negotiations with the opposing side.

What if there is a Mistake in the Report?

Police officers are human, and they make mistakes. Typos or small errors such as the wrong make of car can be easily corrected. However, mistakenly omitted words such as “not” next to “driving under the influence” can transform the outcome of a case. Convincing an officer or police department to correct that type of information will be much more difficult unless the officer recognizes his or her error.

How Can You Help Prevent Mistakes in the Police Report?

In addition to reviewing the police report at the scene and alerting the officer to any inconsistencies, you can help your case by documenting evidence from the scene that may be crucial in correcting the police report. You can take pictures and write notes about what happened, the vehicles involved, the location of each vehicle, damage to vehicles and anything else, road conditions, weather conditions, witness statements and contact information.

How do You “Change” a Mistake in the Report?

Any changes to the report must be made directly by the police officer or the department. Each individual police department or law enforcement agency follows their own policies regarding making changes to police reports. Obviously, you should avoid writing on or altering the report. But here is what you should do:

If you were in an accident, obtain medical attention first and then request a copy of the police or accident report from the police officer.

• If possible, review the report at the scene and request that the police officer update any part of the report that is incorrect.
• If you are unable to review the report at the scene but find that there are incorrect items that need to be corrected, contact the officer directly as soon as possible.
• If you were unable to obtain a copy of the police or accident report at the scene, contact the law enforcement agency and request one.

You can expect the officer or law enforcement agency to correct minor details quickly. However, if the police department refuses to change the police report and you believe you have a personal injury case, you should contact an experienced attorney to help you navigate the legal process. Please call 954-913-2273 for a free consultation.

Rader Law Group, LLC

With decades and decades combined experience, the attorneys at Rader Law Group understand the meaning of Justice. Our one and only mission is to get each client the justice he or she deserves; our team of attorneys never back down when we know our client is right.

We offer our clients the compassion and guidance they need as they work through trying times in their lives. The balance of working relentlessly for our clients combined with our caring approach has helped us achieve a fantastic record of success with our clients. We get our clients the justice they deserve.

At Rader Law Group, You matter. Your justice matters. Your Justice Starts Here. 954-913-2273

According to American nonprofit RAINN, the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network, someone in our country is sexually assaulted every 73 seconds. Moreover, the majority of sexual assault and rape victims are under the age of 18, and 34% of victims are under 12.

In Our Community

Sexual assault and abuse occur throughout our country, in our state of Florida, and in our own Broward and Palm Beach communities. In fact, several sexual assault cases have come to light in recent months including charges against Broward County resident and Coral Springs gastroenterologist Dr. Craig Bitman, former Parkland and Palisades teacher Christian Willman, and Plantation-based pediatrician Dr. Michael Mizrachy. These crimes involving pornography, soliciting minors, and sexual abuse are happening right here in our communities of Parkland, Coral Springs, and Plantation.

Sadly, many victims of sexual assault and abuse suffer devastating consequences immediately after the ordeal and some victims continue to suffer for months or years after the assault or abuse has ended. Without proper help, sexual assault and abuse victims are at higher risk for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), drug dependency, and addiction. Additionally, they may also be at risk for sexually transmitted diseases and pregnancy.

Seeking Justice

Victims of sexual assault deserve protection and justice. If you have been sexually assaulted or abused, you will need an experienced and compassionate legal team to take the lead and help you pursue justice and safety.

Whether you were the victim of rape, groping, fondling, indecent exposure, sexual abuse or assault committed by a physician, teacher, authority figure, or anyone else, or were coerced into conducting non-consensual sexual acts on someone else, you can – and should — file a lawsuit against the perpetrator. You deserve justice.

Civil versus Criminal Lawsuits

Whether or not the perpetrator has been convicted or charged with a crime, you can file a civil lawsuit. A civil lawsuit does not address the guilt or innocence of the perpetrator; that is accomplished independently in a criminal court. But criminal court does not address the victim’s pain, suffering and medical bills. Rather, a civil lawsuit is needed to prove that the perpetrator is accountable for the injuries suffered by the victim.

Civil lawsuits give victims the ability to recover the punitive and compensatory damages to which they are entitled. Recovery compensation may include medical bills, lost wages and/or earning capacity, emotional distress, psychological therapy and counseling, and pain and suffering. Additionally, because sexual abuse and assault can be devastating to couples, civil lawsuits may also include compensation for loss of consortium if the non-consensual sexual act results in the breakdown of a spouse or domestic partner relationship.

As a personal injury law firm, Rader Law Group specializes in investigating and bringing justice to victims of sexual abuse and assault. Recently, Rader Law Group obtained compensation for several victims of a pedophile at a local South Florida charter school. In doing so, we obtained just compensation for the victims while discreetly maintaining their anonymity. If you are a victim or know someone who is, please call 954-913-2273 for a free consultation.

Rader Law Group, LLC

With decades and decades combined experience, the attorneys at Rader Law Group understand the meaning of Justice. Our one and only mission is to get each client the justice he or she deserves; our team of attorneys never back down when we know our client is right.

We offer our clients the compassion and guidance they need as they work through trying times in their lives. The balance of working relentlessly for our clients combined with our caring approach has helped us achieve a fantastic record of success with our clients. We get our clients the justice they deserve.

At Rader Law Group, You matter. Your justice matters. Your Justice Starts Here. 954-913-2273