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This guide explains basic legal information for people seeking help after sexual abuse in Henderson, Nevada. Sexual abuse covers a range of unwanted sexual behavior - from harassment and sexual assault to sexual contact with minors. There are both criminal and civil legal paths: criminal cases are prosecuted by the state and can lead to jail or prison time, fines, and sex-offender registration; civil cases seek money damages or injunctions from the alleged perpetrator. Victims also have access to medical care, victim-witness services, and protective orders. Local law enforcement, the district attorney, and victim advocacy organizations play central roles in investigation, prosecution, and support.
A lawyer can help you understand your options, protect your rights, and navigate the legal system. Common reasons to seek legal help include:
- You want to report a sexual assault to police but are unsure how the process works.
- You are a victim and need help obtaining a protective order or restraining order.
- You want to pursue a civil lawsuit for damages against the alleged abuser or a third party such as an employer, school, landlord, or institution.
- You are a parent or guardian of a minor who was abused and need to understand mandatory reporting and child-welfare processes.
- You are considering whether to accept a plea agreement or need representation during a criminal trial.
- You have been falsely accused of sexual misconduct and need criminal-defense counsel and help protecting your reputation and family relationships.
- You need help accessing victim compensation, restitution, or other public benefits related to the abuse.
Below are key aspects of Nevada law and local procedures that are particularly relevant in Henderson. This is a summary and not a substitute for legal advice.
- Age of consent - In Nevada the general age of sexual consent is 16. Sexual activity with a person younger than the statutory age can lead to serious criminal charges and civil liability.
- Definitions and severity - The law distinguishes different types of sexual offenses based on factors such as use of force or threats, incapacity of the victim due to intoxication or mental disability, and whether the victim is a minor. Offenses involving force, coercion, or young victims are typically felonies with substantial penalties.
- Criminal prosecution - Sexual assault and related offenses are prosecuted by the county district attorney. Cases often include investigative steps such as evidence collection, forensic exams, witness interviews, and possible grand jury or preliminary hearings.
- Mandatory reporting - Certain professionals and institutions are required to report suspected child abuse or neglect to appropriate child-protective services or law enforcement. If you work with children or vulnerable adults, you may have mandatory reporting duties.
- Sex-offender registration - Convictions for certain sexual offenses can require registration on Nevada’s sex-offender registry for a specified period or, for some offenses, for life. Registration has long-term consequences for housing, employment, and public notification.
- Protective orders - Victims may seek civil protective orders to prohibit contact and to obtain temporary relief such as no-contact orders, custody protections, or stay-away directives. Violation of these orders can result in criminal penalties.
- Statutes of limitation - Time limits for bringing criminal charges or civil claims vary by offense and by whether the victim was a minor. Some crimes involving minors or certain serious sexual offenses may have extended or eliminated time limits. Because timelines are complex, consult an attorney promptly to protect your rights.
- Victim services - The prosecutor’s office, police, and community agencies typically provide victim-witness assistance, including help with victim compensation applications, court accompaniment, and access to counseling or medical services.
Call the police if you are in immediate danger or wish to start a criminal investigation. Reporting promptly helps preserve evidence and allows law enforcement to act quickly. If you are unsure, you can first seek medical care or contact a victim advocate for confidential guidance about reporting options.
A forensic exam (SANE exam) can collect physical evidence and document injuries even if you do not plan to report immediately. It is free in many jurisdictions for sexual assault victims and is conducted by specially trained nurses. Declining an exam will not prevent you from filing a report later, but immediate evidence can strengthen a criminal case.
The general age of consent in Nevada is 16. Sexual activity with someone younger than the statutory age can lead to criminal charges regardless of whether the younger person appeared to consent. Age-of-consent laws are especially important in cases involving minors and in determining potential criminal liability.
Yes, you can request a civil protective order to prohibit contact, stop harassment, and prevent the abuser from coming near you or your home. Emergency temporary orders can often be issued quickly, followed by a hearing for a longer-term order. Duration depends on the judge’s ruling and the specific type of order requested.
Time limits vary by the type of offense and whether the victim was a minor at the time. Some serious sexual offenses have longer or no statutes of limitation, particularly when the victim was a child. Because rules are complex, consult a lawyer to determine whether legal action is still possible.
Yes. Criminal prosecution is handled by the state and seeks punishment, while a civil lawsuit seeks compensation for harm. Pursuing one does not prevent the other, though timing and strategic considerations may affect how and when you file. An attorney can help coordinate both paths.
In criminal cases, victims often testify at trial, but prosecutors may use other evidence and witnesses as well. Courts also provide measures to reduce trauma during testimony, such as closed-courtroom testimony, screens, or video testimony in some circumstances. Your attorney and a victim-witness advocate can explain available protections.
Preserve any physical evidence when possible - clothing, messages, photos, medical records, and voicemail or text messages. Write down detailed notes about what happened, including dates, times, locations, and witnesses. Take screenshots of online communications and keep separate copies of important documents. Share preserved evidence with law enforcement and your lawyer.
Look for attorneys who focus on sexual-assault victim representation or criminal defense in sexual-offense matters. Ask about trial experience, familiarity with local courts, and whether they will handle civil claims such as negligence against institutions. You can contact the local bar association for referrals, victim-witness services for recommendations, or legal aid organizations for low-fee or pro bono options.
Victim-witness programs, hospital-based sexual-assault nurse examiners, crisis hotlines, counseling services, and advocacy organizations provide emotional support, legal information, and help navigating the criminal-justice process. Many agencies can accompany you to police interviews or court hearings and assist with applications for compensation for medical and other expenses.
Consider contacting these local and state resources for assistance or referrals - search for the specific agency names in your area when ready:
- Henderson Police Department - for reporting crimes and initial investigations.
- Clark County District Attorney - Victim-Witness Services - for help with criminal cases, compensation, and court accompaniment.
- Nevada Department of Health and Human Services - Division of Child and Family Services - for suspected child abuse reports and child-welfare matters.
- Nevada Department of Public Safety - for information about sex-offender registration requirements.
- Local hospitals with sexual-assault nurse examiner - for forensic exams and medical care.
- Local victim advocacy organizations and crisis centers - for counseling, shelter, and advocacy support.
- Nevada Legal Services or local pro bono clinics - for civil legal help if you cannot afford a private attorney.
- National hotlines and networks - for confidential, 24-hour support and referrals.
If you or someone you care about has experienced sexual abuse, consider the following steps - you do not need to do all of them at once, and your safety always comes first:
- Ensure immediate safety - move to a safe location and call emergency services if you are in danger.
- Seek medical attention - get treated for injuries, testing for sexually transmitted infections, and a forensic exam if appropriate. Document health care visits and ask for copies of records.
- Preserve evidence - keep clothing, messages, photos, and other potential evidence in a secure place. Avoid washing clothing or cleaning areas where the assault occurred until after evidence collection if possible.
- Decide about reporting - you can report to police now or later. You can also speak first with a victim advocate to understand the process and your options.
- Contact a lawyer - consult an attorney experienced in sexual-abuse matters to discuss criminal reporting, civil claims, protective orders, or how to respond if you are accused.
- Use victim services - reach out to victim-witness programs, crisis centers, or counselors for emotional support and help navigating the legal system.
- Keep records - maintain a file with dates, times, names of people you spoke with, copies of medical and police reports, and any legal documents.
- Know your options - consider criminal prosecution, civil lawsuits, protective orders, and victim compensation. An attorney and advocate can help you weigh risks and benefits.
If you are unsure where to start, reach out to a local victim advocate or attorney for a confidential consultation. You do not have to handle this alone - legal and community resources exist to help you through each step of the process.
