Albuquerque School Sexual Abuse Lawyer

Albuquerque School Sexual Abuse Attorney

Parents in Albuquerque trust schools to provide a safe learning environment for their children. Yet, sometimes, schools hire individuals who make poor decisions and take advantage of the children in their care. Sexual abuse in the school setting can leave kids with lifelong challenges. For help taking action after an incident, contact an experienced Albuquerque school sexual abuse lawyer.

Egolf + Ferlic + Martinez, LLC, understands the sensitive nature of sexual abuse cases involving school-age children. Our attorneys have a deep understanding of New Mexico’s laws and can help advocate for your family and your legal rights. We can provide a safe space and a free consultation with a trusted attorney.

First Steps for School Sexual Abuse

If you believe a child is being sexually abused at a school in Albuquerque, it’s critical to act immediately. In New Mexico, Chapter 32A of the New Mexico Statutes requires individuals to report sexual abuse of a child

To report abuse, contact the Statewide Central Intake (SCI) hotline by calling 1-855-333-SAFE or texting #SAFE from your phone. Alternatively, you can report abuse to tribal services for any residents of Indian Country or to the Albuquerque Police Department. When you report, you can keep the child safe from further abuse and prompt an investigation, which can protect the child and others from future abuse.

School Sexual Abuse Data

In 2020, the U.S. Department of Education reported a 55 percent increase in sexual violence since the last study of rape or attempted rape five years earlier. This number may actually be artificially low since students may hesitate to report abuse.

In our state, the New Mexico Public Schools Insurance Authority (NMPSIA) reported that child sexual abuse has been a problem for children in K-12 schools and the state as a whole. In the last ten years, 129 educator sexual abuse misconduct claims cost the state $73.2 million.

Unfortunately, New Mexico reflects a higher rate of sexual assault for children than in other states. As of 2022, there were about 459,513 children under 18 living in New Mexico. About 1 in 4 girls and about 1 in 6 boys experience sexual assault before age 18. In 2022, about 4% of all of New Mexico’s child abuse cases involved sexual abuse.

Coaching staff and educators may fail to keep children safe from sexual abuse, and they may be the perpetrators. A New Mexico coach received a 30-year prison sentence for having inappropriate contact with a child. Additionally, a former high school coach was sentenced to 23 years in prison for multiple sexual offenses against a minor. These examples are unfortunate.

To prevent sexual misconduct in schools, New Mexico has enacted state policies to criminalize educator sexual abuse, and schools are conducting employee screenings and providing additional training.

Sexual abuse of children in schools remains a safety concern in our area. If you or a family member needs help, an attorney can discuss the first steps to help recover damages from the abuser and potentially from the school employing them.

Contact a Trusted Albuquerque Attorney

An attorney can assess your case, address your concerns, and prevent possible further abuse. They can explain your rights and help bring a legal claim against the abuser. They can also help you move forward after an incident and provide reliable assistance tailored to your situation. Contact Egolf + Ferlic + Martinez, LLC, to set up a no-cost evaluation.

FAQs

Is Additional Information Available Online About School Child Abuse in Albuquerque?

Additional information is available online about school child abuse in Albuquerque on the PullTogether website, where you can get more information about reporting abuse and learn about resources available in your neighborhood. To report any suspected sexual abuse in an Albuquerque Public School (APS) setting, contact the New Mexico Children, Youth, and Families Department (CYFD) or the Albuquerque Police Department.

Are There Common Signs of School Sexual Abuse?

For children, there can be a few common signs to indicate that school sexual abuse is occurring. If a child shows changes, like wanting to be alone, not wanting to be by themselves, eating significantly less, changes in their hygiene, or general behavioral changes, it should raise some concerns. By understanding these common signs, you can protect a child from sexual misconduct.

If you witness inappropriate contact between a child and school staff, address these behaviors and report them immediately.

What Does an Albuquerque School Sexual Abuse Attorney Cost?

Albuquerque attorneys typically set their own fees. Attorney fees are usually based on an attorney’s familiarity with handling abuse cases, the complexity of your case, and the amount of time they may spend on your matter. Many Albuquerque firms, including our office, offer a no-cost consultation to discuss anticipated attorney costs. Our written agreement details how we can provide tailored legal assistance after a school sexual abuse incident.

Can I Report a Sexually Abused Child Anonymously?

Yes, you can report suspected sexual abuse of a child anonymously. As the reporter, you are immune to any liability as long as you’ve reported the abuse in good faith. If you decide to provide your contact information, it can aid in the investigation. With a child victim, it’s critical to provide safety and stability, plus potential counseling for emotional distress. They may need professional help after experiencing sexual abuse and trauma.

Contact Egolf + Ferlic + Martinez, LLC – Schedule Your Free School Sexual Abuse Consultation

The attorneys at Egolf + Ferlic + Martinez, LLC, understand the emotional distress associated with school sexual abuse and trauma. We can help children and their families get justice after a preventable incident.

When someone acts inappropriately with a child, we can hold the parties responsible for their behavior and help you seek damages for the aftermath. We can maximize the compensation you receive for your incurred expenses and losses.

Our downtown Santa Fe office sits right off the 475 and 285 freeways. We’re right by SITE Santa Fe, the Collected Works Bookstore & Coffeehouse, and the Palace of the Governors. Contact us right away to set up your free case evaluation with a compassionate lawyer from our team.