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Healing doesn’t happen on anyone else’s timeline; it happens when a survivor feels ready. And for most survivors, it may take several years to come forward. According to Child USA, 70–75% of survivors of sexual abuse wait five years or more before disclosing their abuse, and the average age of disclosure is 52 years old. The reasons are complex, ranging from trauma responses, fear of not being believed, shame, confusion, or continued control by the abuser or enabling institution.
Some survivors don’t even fully register what happened to them as abuse until years—or even decades—later. That delay is not a failure; it’s part of a known pattern.
But what happens when a survivor is finally ready to come forward?
The Hidden Costs of Starting the Healing Process
Once a survivor begins the process of reclaiming their life, they may face unexpected burdens, both emotional and financial. Healing, unfortunately, isn’t free. It may involve:
- Therapy or counseling sessions
- Prescription medications
- Time off work or reduced earning capacity
- Moving to a safer living situation
- Childcare costs due to trauma-related absenteeism
- Educational interruptions
- Long-term medical care or mental health treatment
- Estrangement from family or community support
These consequences are potentially expensive. In fact, the financial pressure alone can be enough to keep some survivors from pursuing justice. But that’s exactly what compensation in a civil sexual abuse lawsuit is meant to help address.
What Compensation Can Cover in a Civil Sexual Abuse Settlement
When a survivor chooses to file a civil lawsuit (as opposed to a criminal case, which is brought by a prosecutor and may result in jail time rather than financial relief), they may be entitled to compensation that covers a wide range of damages:
- Therapy and mental health treatment
Includes ongoing counseling, trauma-informed therapy, and psychiatric care. - Lost wages or reduced earning potential
Covers time missed from work, job loss, or long-term career damage caused by trauma. - Medical bills
Physical injuries or related conditions—especially in child sexual abuse cases—may require short- or long-term treatment. - Pain and suffering
A general damages category that attempts to account for emotional distress, trauma, PTSD, anxiety, or depression. - Loss of enjoyment of life
When abuse impacts a survivor’s ability to enjoy normal daily activities or maintain relationships. - Educational or relocation costs
Some survivors need to change schools, move states, or rebuild their lives in a new environment. - Punitive damages
In some cases, the court may award extra damages meant to punish the offender or institution for particularly reckless or egregious conduct. - Legal costs
Depending on the case and outcome, legal fees and court costs may be included in the final settlement.
Most Survivors Settle—Not Stand Trial
Media coverage of high-profile court cases like the Sean “Diddy” Combs trial can make it seem like survivors must endure public cross-examination to receive justice. That’s simply not true. The reality is that most civil lawsuits settle out of court. In fact, fewer than 5% of civil sexual abuse cases go to trial. Settlements are typically confidential and often occur without survivors needing to testify. In a civil sexual abuse or assault case, survivors are in control of the narrative.
What Makes Compensation More Likely?
There’s no guarantee of compensation. However, cases are generally stronger when there is:
- Clear documentation (journals, text messages, medical or therapy records)
- A history of institutional negligence or cover-up
- Other survivors with similar experiences
- Consistent timelines and details
- Legal representation from an attorney experienced in sexual abuse cases
Lookback Windows Are Expanding—But Not Everywhere
In recent years, states like California and New York have passed lookback window laws, allowing adult survivors to file civil lawsuits even if the original statute of limitations expired years ago. These windows recognize that trauma takes time and that justice shouldn’t expire on an arbitrary deadline.
But not every state offers this protection. In fact, many survivors still face extremely narrow time frames to act.
That’s why consulting an attorney early—even if you’re unsure about pursuing a lawsuit—can help preserve your rights and protect your future. If you’ve considered therapy but worried about cost, or avoided legal action because of financial fear, it’s worth exploring what compensation you may be eligible for.
Most of the attorneys Survivors Rights partner with who specialize in sexual abuse/assault cases work on a contingency basis. This means that there are no upfront attorney fees, the attorneys only get paid if you receive compensation. Any legal fees or case-related expenses will be clearly explained by the law firm before representation begins.
The bottom line is that you didn’t choose what happened. But you can choose what happens next, including getting the support you deserve.