What Are My Legal Rights as a Survivor of Sexual Assault?
Each sexual abuse case is unique. After you contact us for a confidential conversation, we can discuss your legal rights as they apply to a potential civil cause of action. You are not required to move forward simply by asking questions.Contact us to learn about your legal options in a private, commitment-free setting.
Your Legal Rights as a Sexual Abuse Survivor
Do I Need a Lawyer if My Case is Currently in the Criminal Justice System?
We are a civil litigation law firm and represent survivors for the abuse and harm they suffered as children. The state or county prosecutor is responsible for bringing criminal charges in the case. A civil lawsuit is separate from the criminal process and allows survivors to seek monetary awards and other non-monetary relief against individuals and institutions responsible for the harm.
How State Laws Affect Sexual Abuse Claims
How Do I Learn About the Laws in My State?
The civil and criminal laws regarding child sexual abuse vary state by state. We suggest you look up the laws in your state or consult an attorney licensed to practice in your state, as soon as possible — many states have pending civil and bankruptcy deadlines that could affect you. Please visit our Resources by State page to find information that may be relevant for your state. You can also contact us directly and speak with a member of our staff.
For more information regarding different laws in different states, please see RAINN’s Laws in Your State page for a more comprehensive database of laws and definitions.
You can also contact us to discuss the legal implications of laws and definitions for your case. It’s commitment-free and 100% confidential.
Does What State/Country I Live in Now Affect My Sexual Abuse Legal Rights?
It does not matter where you live now or even if you live outside the country. Your legal rights may be based on where the abuse took place.
Please visit our Resources by State page to find information that may be relevant for your state. You can also contact us directly and speak with a member of our staff.
Speaking With an Attorney About Your Case
Can I Meet with an Attorney Over the Phone? Do I Have to Travel to Meet with Them in Person?
An experienced attorney will communicate with you in a way that is convenient for you, taking into consideration your location and circumstances. Many survivors connect with their attorney over the telephone or video call.
If you live near the law firm, and would prefer to meet in person, please let your attorney know and accommodations can usually be made.
Our firm operates in multiple states across the country. Contact us for more information.
I Had to Sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement. Can I Still Talk to an Attorney About My Rights?
Yes. If you contact Jeff Anderson and Associates confidentially, we can discuss the specifics of your situation and review what you signed to determine whether it affects your legal rights.
The Church Made Me Sign Something a Long Time Ago. Do I Still Have Rights?
It depends. To be able to know whether you still have rights requires an attorney to review the document that you signed to understand what rights you may have given up.
Our firm has extensive experience working with people who have deeply personal considerations. If we can be of help to you, we assure you that we will respect your needs and decisions. Contact us to learn more.
Special Circumstances Survivors Ask About
I Have a Terminal Illness. Should I Still Come Forward if I Think I May Not Survive the Process?
This is a deeply personal decision.
Talking to an attorney and a therapist can help you determine if taking legal action is the right path for you. Many survivors with terminal illnesses have decided to pursue legal action because exposing the abuse and cover-up, as well as keeping other children safe, was a goal that they could not put aside.
Whether you choose to come forward or not is your decision. Sexual abuse survivors who find the courage to share their experience and expose the perpetrator who hurt them are protecting children in the future and could potentially hold valuable information that may help another sexual abuse survivor in his or her case.
I Missed the Deadline for the Civil Window in My State. What Do I Do Now?
Talking to an experienced attorney can help you determine what your legal options are for taking legal action for the sexual abuse you suffered.
Just because a civil window closed in the state where you were abused does not mean that you do not have other legal options. It’s important you speak to a legal professional, as there are many factors that impact what legal avenues may, or may not, be available to you.
If you decide to contact Jeff Anderson & Associates confidentially, we can discuss the specifics of your potential case.
My Family Member Was Abused and is Now Dead. Can We Bring Forward a Case in the Survivor’s Name?
It is highly unlikely you can bring a case on behalf of a deceased family member. However, every state has different laws pertaining to survivors who died before they could take legal action. In order to determine if we can help you, please contact us for a confidential case consultation.
I Am in Prison. Do I Still Have Rights?
Yes. If you have a criminal history, the specifics of your situation can be discussed with an attorney or advocate.
I Have Struggled in Life, Have a Criminal History and Have Filed for Bankruptcy. Does this Affect my Rights?
Yes. You can absolutely reach out to a civil attorney to ask some questions and see what your civil legal options are. However, it’s important to be upfront with the attorney you speak to, and inform them of any current/pending lawsuits that may have an impact on any civil legal pursuits.
Is it Okay to Talk to a Civil Lawyer if I Have a Criminal Case Pending Against Me?
Yes. You can absolutely reach out to a civil attorney to ask some questions and see what your civil legal options are. However, it’s important to be upfront with the attorney you speak to, and inform them of any current/pending lawsuits that may have an impact on any civil legal pursuits.
You can contact us anytime for a free, confidential conversion to learn about your legal options, so you feel empowered to make your own decision.
Our firm has extensive experience working with people who have deeply personal considerations. If we can be of help to you, we assure you that we will respect your needs and decisions. Contact us to learn more.
Protecting Yourself When Others Question Your Rights
I Talked to Someone in the Church. They Said I Don’t Have Rights and I Need to Talk to a Lawyer That They Recommend. Is That True? Is That Ethical?
If anyone tells you that you do not have rights, or insists you are represented by their counsel, it is recommended you do your own research and at least get a second opinion. It’s crucial that you feel comfortable, supported, and valued by the law firm you choose. You need a law firm with attorneys and legal professionals who put your well-being above all else.
You can contact us anytime for a free, confidential conversation to learn about your legal options, so you feel empowered to make your own decision.
FAQs on Sexual Assault Legal Rights
What legal rights do sexual abuse survivors have?
Even if the abuse happened years before, sexual abuse survivors may have legal rights through the civil justice system. Because laws vary by state, speaking with an experienced attorney is the best way to understand which legal options may apply to your situation.
Do I need a lawyer if my sexual abuse case is already in the criminal justice system?
Since those cases are handled by a state or county prosecutor, you do not need a private lawyer to pursue criminal charges. However, criminal cases are separate from civil cases. A civil attorney can help you understand whether you have the right to pursue a civil claim for the harm you suffered, including compensation and accountability.
Can I still file a civil lawsuit if my abuser is dead?
In many cases, yes. While a deceased perpetrator can’t be prosecuted criminally, civil cases often focus on the institutions that enabled abuse or covered it up.
Does it matter where I live now when determining my legal rights?
Typically, no. Your rights are typically based on where the abuse took place, not where you currently live. Survivors living in another state or outside the country may still have legal options. An attorney can help determine which state’s laws apply.
Can I talk to a lawyer even if I signed an agreement or non-disclosure form?
Yes, you can. You can speak with an attorney confidentially even if you signed an agreement in the past. In most cases, those documents do not prevent survivors from learning about their rights. A lawyer can review what you signed and explain whether it affects any legal options you may still have.
What if I missed the civil filing deadline in my state?
Laws vary by state, so missing a civil filing deadline does not always mean you have no legal options. There may be exceptions or alternative legal paths depending on the circumstances.
Is contacting Jeff Anderson and Associates confidential?
Yes, all conversations are confidential and commitment-free. The goal is to provide information so you can decide what is right for you. Reaching out does not obligate you to take legal action.