The most pervasive violation of human rights, gender-based violence is any type of violence that results in mental harm or suffering or physical or sexual injuries to a person due to their gender. This can occur in either their public or their private life. If you’ve been the victim of gender-based violence, you have likely sustained physical injuries as well as emotional and mental injuries that may take months, years, or even decades to heal from. While nothing can take away all the pain, getting justice for the crime can help you achieve closure and move on. Filing a lawsuit against the perpetrators may seem overwhelming, but you can do it with the help of an experienced attorney.
Here is more information on this type of violence and how to file a lawsuit for injuries sustained due to gender-based violence.
What is Gender-Based Violence?
As mentioned above, gender-based violence refers to emotional, physical, sexual, or mental harm perpetrated against a person due to their gender. The term is often used interchangeable with domestic violence, but they are not the same thing. Gender-based violence serves to maintain structural gender inequalities and can affect women, men, children, gay, transgender, and non-conforming people. Common types of this violence include sex trafficking, prostitution, rape, sexual harrassment or assault, stalking, and relationship violence.
What are Common Gender-Based Violence Injuries?
Injuries sustained due to gender-based violence can vary widely. Common injuries include upper and lower limb fractures, lacerations, bruises, spine injuries, . Emotional injuries include distress, chronic depression, substance abuse, PTSD, and an increased risk of suicide. The psychological or emotional trauma is often worse than the physical injuries in these types of cases and can take years of therapy and other treatments to recover from.
How Can You File a Lawsuit if You’ve Experienced Gender-Based Violence?
If you have injuries sustained due to gender-based violence, it’s vital that you speak with an attorney who specializes in these types of cases. During your consultation, the attorney will ask questions so they fully understand the situation and whether or not a lawsuit is warranted. Your attorney will then help you decide whether you want to pursue criminal charges, a civil lawsuit, or both. In a criminal case, the perpetrator may face jail time or other consequences. A civil lawsuit will request damages be paid for your injuries and other losses. Some people opt to pursue both avenues to ensure their abuser is punished to the full extent of the law and held responsible for their actions.
Getting the Justice You Deserve for Injuries Sustained Due to Gender-Based Violence
When you’ve experienced this type of incident, it’s crucial that you work with an attorney so you can get justice for the injuries sustained due to gender-based violence. Find an attorney who has experience in these types of cases and who is compassionate and is ready to support you through every step of the legal process. Make your call as soon as possible after you experience this type of injury so your attorney can begin consulting with you and help you find the best path forward.
