What Are the Careful Actions Considered By An Attorney in Child Abuse Cases, Syracuse, NY
How A Lawyer Can Protect Your Child
Trust is one of the most important elements of an attorney-client relationship, but it is particularly vital in cases involving children. Providing testimony in a child abuse case can be stressful for everyone involved, especially the child. That’s why it is critical to have a compassionate, knowledgeable attorney who understands how to guide your child through the process in a way that protects their emotional and mental health. First, your attorney will aggressively negotiate a settlement with the responsible parties so your child doesn’t have to testify in court. If a reasonable settlement cannot be reached, your legal team will take the proper steps to prepare your child for what’s to come.
Steps Your Lawyer May Take To Prepare Your Child
Children look to adults for support, so it’s vital to have an attorney you and your family can trust has your child’s best interests at heart. Your attorney should let your child know, unequivocally, that they are believed and heard. Your attorney will emphasize that they should be proud of coming forward and that it’s a very brave thing to do that may also help others. A good child abuse lawyer will also reassure your child that telling the truth about what happened is the right thing to do.
Victims of sexual abuse are often embarrassed and hesitant about disclosing the details of abuse in private, let alone in court. Children often need to do it in their own time and too much prompting can cause trauma or make them to shut down if they have to relive an event over and over again. Many legal teams employ mental health professionals who understand the best way to help your child tell their story. Some children feel frustrated when they cannot remember certain details, which can also cause distress. A child abuse lawyer will reassure your child that no one expects them to remember every detail, and let them know it’s okay to say “I don’t remember” if they can’t recall details or if they become confused.
Arranging A Courtroom Tour
A lot of anxiety and fearfulness can come from not knowing what to expect in court. Many courts offer a courtroom tour for children who must testify in criminal and civil cases. Arranging a courtroom tour before trial can make your child feel more at ease when it comes time to testify.
Dealing With Anxiety
Your child abuse lawyer may also recommend strategies to reduce anxiety before and while testifying. Even young children can reduce anxiety by playing with a favorite toy or mentally rehearsing their testimony. Community resources such as victims’ rights organizations and therapy with a child psychologist who specializes in abuse can also be beneficial in helping your child before, during and after the court process.
At Stanley Law Offices, our child abuse attorneys understand that protecting the rights and welfare of children is paramount. We are passionate about helping children and adults who have suffered from abuse get the justice and compensation they deserve. As your child’s advocate, we put their well-being above all else.
Contact An Experienced New York Child Abuse Attorney
To learn more about how our attorneys can protect your child’s rights and help them recover compensation, contact Stanley Law Offices online or call 800-608-3333 to schedule a free consultation.
