Key Takeaways
- Sexual abuse of minors can involve physical acts, coercion, or exposure to inappropriate materials, often by trusted adults.
- Victims may experience long-term emotional, psychological, and physical harm, including anxiety, depression, and social difficulties.
- Parents should watch for signs such as behavioral changes, regressive habits, unusual hygiene, nightmares, or unexplained injuries.
- Immediate actions include reporting the abuse to authorities, seeking medical attention, and preserving evidence like medical records.
- Families can pursue civil claims for compensation, and an Indiana sexual abuse attorney can help hold perpetrators and enabling institutions accountable.
Even the most vigilant parents may miss the signs that their school child is in the presence of, or being groomed by, a sexual predator. Recent news from Martinsville Schools sent a shockwave through the Morgan County community after a former substitute teacher, Brittany Fortinberry, was charged with three counts of sexual misconduct with a minor.
Since these events hit close to home, it is important to keep the lines of communication open with children to protect them at all costs. Wagner Reese is a law firm that is committed to victim advocacy in an array of legal matters, including those that involve sexual abuse and assault. In this blog post, we discuss the breaking story of the sexual abuse of up to 10 high school male victims and what you can do to keep your children safe from this type of harm.
A Case of Sexual Abuse at Eminence High School
The felony charges come after allegations that Fortinberry, age 31, had sex with at least one minor student and as many as 10 other male students who have been harmed by her conduct. Charges for dissemination of matter harmful to a minor and contributing to the delinquency of a minor have also been sought.
Currently, the assault of two students from Eminence High School in August 2024 is being investigated. Court documents reveal that the grandmother of a 15-year-old student reported Fortinberry for sexually assaulting her grandson and sending him inappropriate photos.
In these documents, additional allegations mentioned that Fortinberry provided drugs to the minor and threatened to commit suicide if the boy told anyone about it. The former substitute added the boy in question on Snapchat, took him on a trip out of town, and performed other lewd acts. According to the student, at least five to 10 other children have been victimized by Fortinberry.
As this case unfolds, it highlights the need for more stringent background checks on teachers and staff. It is also a timely reminder that parents, family, and school officials in particular need to pay close attention to protect minor children to reduce their chances of becoming victims.
Common Forms of Sexual Abuse
Most cases that involve sexual abuse also involve physical sexual actions, as in the case mentioned above. While sexual abuse can also involve violent actions, most of the time, it is defined as any action that pressures or forces someone to do something sexual that they don’t want to do. Physically, it may be unwanted touching or kissing, rape or violent sexual activity, or it may include the use of alcohol or illicit substances to lower inhibitions and coerce a victim into consenting.
Sexual abuse isn’t all about physical actions. It can happen by exposing children to pornographic images, taking photos of someone in illicit positions without their permission, or using authority to convince another into sexual acts. Often, these actions are taken against children under the age of 18, depriving them of the happy childhood they deserve.
Understanding the Harm That Is Caused by Sexual Abuse of Minors
In incidents where violence is used, it can cause a victim to sustain physical injuries. These injuries can sometimes cause permanent physical impacts but even when they don’t, it can result in costly medical treatments all the same. While physical injuries may heal over time with medical care, the emotional and mental harm suffered by a victim may last a lifetime.
Victims of sexual abuse and sexual assault typically suffer anxiety, depression, and fear. They often develop an extreme distrust of others, especially in cases involving children who are left unsure of how to trust any adult again. Sexual abuse also hinders the ability of victims to connect with others socially, making them feel even more alienated. It can make attending school more difficult, or cause employment challenges when it happens to adults.
In many cases of sexual abuse of children, the abuser is someone known and trusted by the child. As in the recent case with Fortinberry, it could be a school teacher. It could also be a coach, youth pastor, family friend, or neighbor. Knowing what to look for can help you advocate for your child and get in touch with a legal advocate through an Indiana sexual abuse attorney.
Spot the Signs of Sexual Abuse
Many parents feel guilty that they didn’t know their child was being sexually abused. However, the truly guilty party is the perpetrator of the abuse. Signs of sexual abuse are not always as obvious as we’d like to think.
Pay attention when your child cowers from harmless physical contact, such as a hug. In young children, regressive behaviors may emerge, such as thumb-sucking. Changes in hygiene by either bathing excessively or refusing to bathe, nightmares, and sleep disturbances are other subtle behavioral changes to watch.
If your child has any bruises or swelling near their genitals, becomes less talkative seemingly overnight, or uses language that is far too adult for their age, you should talk to them in a non-threatening environment. Ift sexual abuse of your child comes to light, you should contact authorities immediately to report the crime.
Steps to Take When Your Child Has Been Sexually Abused in Indiana
Once you have determined that your child has been harmed in this way, you will need to report the incident to the police. If there is any evidence of this abuse, provide it when filing your report.
After you file your report with the police, take your child to the emergency room or nearest health clinic to get treatment for injuries and STD’s. You’ll then have medical records that prove the harm your child suffered.
One of the most important steps is seeking a legal advocate who can hold sexual abusers and any institutions that enable them accountable for their actions. Sexual assault claims can be sought in civil courts, allowing victims to recover the compensation they deserve for the physical, emotional, and mental harm that has been inflicted upon them. If you are in this situation, contact the attorneys at Wagner Reese to seek justice for a free consultation.
