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Survivors deserve clear information about their rights and legal options.
Sexual abuse lawsuits can hold individuals, institutions and corporations accountable, and, in some cases, provide financial compensation for the harm survivors have experienced.
If you choose to reach out, you can confidentially discuss what happened and learn whether you may have legal options. SurvivorsRights.com can connect you with experienced attorneys who handle sexual abuse and institutional abuse claims.
SurvivorsRights.com is not a law firm. We provide survivor-focused legal resources and connect people seeking legal help with experienced attorneys and law firms that can evaluate their circumstances and explain their options.
Have been sexually abused or assaulted.
Source: 1in6.org (opens in a new tab)
Experience sexual assault during their lifetime.
Source: NSVRC (opens in a new tab)
Someone is sexually assaulted in the U.S.
Source: RAINN (opens in a new tab)
It’s natural to worry that coming forward could mean reliving painful experiences in a courtroom or under public scrutiny. But many civil sexual abuse cases resolve without a trial, often through settlement.
Even when a case does move forward in court, an attorney can explain what to expect, prepare you for each stage of the process and discuss options that may help protect your privacy.
When you’re ready, you can complete the form below to request a free and confidential case review and learn more about your potential legal options.
Your information will be kept private and shared only as needed with attorneys or law firms evaluating your potential claim.
You do not have to decide what to do next right away. Confidential support is available whether you are considering reporting the assault, seeking medical care, exploring legal options or simply looking for someone to talk to.
RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network) operates the National Sexual Assault Hotline, which provides free, confidential support 24 hours a day. Survivors can call 800-656-HOPE (4673), text HOPE to 64673, or use RAINN’s online chat (opens in a new tab) to speak with a trained support specialist. RAINN can also help connect survivors with local services and resources.
The National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC) maintains a directory of sexual assault organizations across the United States, including state and territorial coalitions and local survivor-support programs. Depending on the organization, services may include confidential advocacy, accompaniment during medical exams or law-enforcement interviews, follow-up support and referrals to counseling or other community resources.
Seeking support does not require you to report the assault to law enforcement or pursue a lawsuit. You can learn about your options first and decide what, if anything, feels right for you.
It’s never too late to come forward. Many survivors of childhood or past abuse don’t share their story until decades later. And that’s okay. Some states have extended or eliminated time limits (statutes of limitations) for filing lawsuits. If you’re unsure whether you still have legal options, we can help you find out. Fill out the confidential form to learn more.
A nurse reached a confidential settlement with Lyft after a 2019 sexual assault by a driver in St. Louis. She continues advocating for stronger passenger safety measures as Lyft faces broader federal litigation.
Survivors overwhelmingly approved a $327 million settlement involving nearly 900 sexual abuse claims against the Buffalo Diocese. Federal court approval and individual compensation decisions are still pending.
Two former Cornell students allege that the university failed to respond to repeated sexual assault complaints against the same student. Their 2023 lawsuit could reach trial in 2027.
A Washington woman alleges that her husband concealed three Apple AirTags and disabled tracking alerts on her iPhone, allowing him to monitor her during months of domestic abuse.
Six children in Washington and Pennsylvania are at the center of new lawsuits alleging Snapchat’s features helped predators groom and sexually exploit minors.
Private funding companies are offering childhood sexual abuse survivors immediate cash in exchange for future settlement payments. An investigation into Los Angeles County’s $4 billion settlement reveals substantial discounts, financial pressure and privacy concerns.
Two women have filed lawsuits alleging the Salvation Army failed to stop a youth pastor’s sexual abuse of children at its St. Charles, Illinois, community center. The pastor pleaded guilty in 2003.
Maryland’s highest court heard arguments over whether the state can claim sovereign immunity in approximately 1,300 childhood sexual abuse lawsuits involving allegations dating back before July 1982.
A lawsuit accuses former pediatric urologist Bryan Sack of improperly photographing young patients and alleges that Nationwide Children’s Hospital and Mercy Health failed to enforce safeguards. Families are seeking compensation, counseling and answers about sensitive medical images.
The Arkansas Supreme Court has upheld a law reopening certain childhood sexual abuse claims, allowing four survivors to continue a lawsuit against a former pediatrician.
Stanford University faces criticism over changes to its Title IX office, sexual assault terminology and prevention programs. Students organized their own Take Back the Night rally in response.
David Perez, a former discipline hearing officer at FCI Dublin, pleaded guilty to sexually abusing two incarcerated women and lying to investigators. His sentencing is scheduled for March 2027.
For some survivors, learning about their legal rights can be an important step toward accountability. A civil claim may provide a way to hold an individual or institution responsible and, when appropriate, seek compensation for the harm caused.
There is no obligation to take legal action. But if you want to understand what options may be available, you can start with a free and confidential case review.