Sexual abuse is a general term used to describe criminal offenses that are sexual in nature. Some states use the term sexual abuse to describe different types of sexual assaults and indecent exposures involving child victims. However, depending on a state’s definitions, the term sexual abuse could also include adult victims. Because the charge of sexual abuse encompasses such a broad range of charges, it also carries a wide range of penalties and consequences.The number of defenses to a sexual abuse charge have gradually decreased over the last several years. Promiscuity used to be a fairly standard defense to sexual abuse. Essentially, every prior sexual encounter by a victim (adult, teenage, or child) was admissible to show that the victim was sexually active and thereby must have consented to act that was charged. Because victims were essentially “put on trial”, instead of the defendant, many states enacted “rape shield” laws which strictly limit the use of promiscuity as a defense. Even though they are limited, some other defenses are still viable.


Thanks
www.jeffreismanlaw.ca

Contact

1000 Finch Ave. West Suite 705,
Toronto, ON M3J 2V5

(647) 351-4357