Skip to content
If you or a loved one has suffered from sexual abuse, we may help connect you with an experienced attorney who will listen and guide you through the legal process, and help you pursue justice.
If you or a loved one has been through something incredibly traumatic and painful, it might feel like the weight of the world is on your shoulders. We know it’s not easy, but the important thing to remember is that you’re not alone.
The right legal support can help you regain control and start moving toward healing, and that’s our mission at SurvivorsRights.com—to help connect you with the most experienced and empathetic sexual abuse/assault attorneys. If and when you’re ready to take action (you are in control of whether to pursue justice), one of the most important steps is finding the right attorney.
You wouldn’t hire a carpenter to rewire your home’s electrical circuits; you’d hire an electrician. The same goes for legal cases. When it comes to something as personal and traumatic, you want someone with the experience to fight for you, someone who understands the intricacies of these cases. You need a sexual abuse attorney—someone who specializes in cases like yours and can ensure the best possible outcome.
Sexual abuse cases aren’t just about money (though compensation is an important part). It’s about justice—taking back control and being treated with dignity and respect. And it’s about healing: therapy, support groups, healthy habits—these are all pieces of the puzzle to help you feel as whole again as possible. But to make sure you get there, you need the right advocate in your corner.
An experienced Oregon sexual abuse attorney won’t just focus on compensation. They’ll be there every step of the way, ensuring your voice is heard and making sure you’re treated with the respect and compassion you deserve throughout the process. This isn’t just a case for them—it’s your life, your healing, and your journey toward justice.
Upwards of 90% of eligible survivors miss out on the chance to pursue justice and receive compensation simply because they doubt whether their experience qualifies. It takes just seconds to find out if you qualify to file a legal claim. Simply answer the following questions below to check your eligibility.
Your information is 100% confidential, and there are no upfront costs. The Oregon sexual abuse and assault attorneys we partner with only get paid if you win your case or receive a settlement, with zero hidden fees or obligations. You won’t owe a single penny unless you receive compensation (which most often is in the form of a settlement before a case goes to trial).
By checking your eligibility, you’re not committing to anything—just taking the first potential step toward justice and compensation.
Pursuing justice after sexual abuse isn’t just about filing paperwork like an automaton. The sexual abuse attorneys in Oregon we partner with won’t treat you like a number. They approach each case with empathy, knowing that each survivor’s story is unique, deserves to be heard and believed.
Although building a legal case is obviously an important step in holding perpetrators accountable, the experienced Oregon sexual abuse attorneys we partner with go above and beyond. They will guide you through an emotionally complex process with the sensitivity and strategy your case demands.
Unlike a general attorney, a sexual abuse attorney approaches your case with a trauma-informed mindset, meaning they know how to ask questions and gather details without re-traumatizing you. They understand the emotional nuances of these cases and adjust their approach to ensure you feel safe and supported.
Sexual abuse laws, including statutes of limitations, mandatory reporting, and victim compensation funds, are specialized legal concerns. A sexual abuse attorney is well-versed in these legal intricacies, which can be far more complex than general legal matters. They know the timelines and specific laws that affect your case and will ensure your case is filed within the correct time frame.
Sexual abuse attorneys may engage expert witnesses such as psychologists, medical professionals, and other specialists who can testify about the emotional and psychological impact of the abuse. These experts can also help the court understand the unique aspects of the trauma that might not be immediately visible or tangible.
Sexual abuse cases often involve delicate evidence, such as DNA, medical records, and personal testimony. A specialized attorney knows how to handle this evidence with the utmost sensitivity and confidentiality. By doing so, your evidence will be preserved and presented in a way that supports your case.
If your case involves an institution (such as a school, church, or healthcare facility), a sexual abuse attorney has experience in holding these institutions accountable. This can involve suing the institution for negligence or failing to act on prior complaints of abuse. A regular attorney might not have the experience or knowledge of institutional liability in these cases.
Some states and institutions have victim compensation funds available to survivors of sexual abuse. The Crime Victim and Survivor Services within the Oregon’s Department of Justice is one such program. Our network of Oregon sexual abuse attorneys are familiar with this program and can help you apply for financial assistance that may be available outside of your lawsuit.
While all attorneys offer client support, a sexual abuse attorney specifically understands the emotional toll of the process. They may provide referrals to counseling services or support groups and ensure you’re emotionally supported as you go through the legal proceedings.
Whether you live in Portland, Eugene, Salem, Bend, Medford, or anywhere in between, it’s essential to find a local attorney who understands the nuances of Oregon law. After all, if you live in, say, Coos Bay, you likely wouldn’t want to drive the 160 miles to meet with an attorney in Medford.
SurvivorsRights.com may help connect you with an experienced, local attorney. While we can’t guarantee that if you live in Yachats, OR (pop: 1,000) there will be an attorney we partner with. However, our network includes attorneys throughout Oregon.
Local attorneys are familiar with the specific statutes, court processes, and regional challenges, which can make all the difference in the outcome of your case.
If you’re ready to speak to someone who will listen and guide you with care, we can connect you to an experienced, local attorney. Contact us today for a confidential consultation and take the first step toward justice.
We partner with Oregon-based attorneys who handle a broad range of sexual abuse cases, providing specialized legal guidance for survivors. Here are some of the most common types of cases we assist with:
Currently, under Oregon law, survivors of child sexual abuse have until they turn 40 years old to file a civil lawsuit, or within five years of discovering the connection between the abuse and their injuries. If House Bill (HB) 3582 passes, the legislation, introduced in February 2025, would remove the statute of limitations for civil actions related to child sexual abuse cases. An attorney who specializes in these cases is essential to build a strong case, ensure the survivor’s rights are protected, and pursue justice and compensation for the harm they endured.
—> Update: May 30, 2025 — Oregon Public Broadcasting and other media outlets are reporting that Oregon’s House of Representatives has passed HB 3582. The bill aims to eliminate the statute of limitations for civil lawsuits involving child sexual abuse and adult sexual assault. The bill also removes a legal loophole that protected institutions unless they “knowingly” enabled abuse. If passed, Oregon would join 19 other states in expanding survivors’ rights to seek justice on their own timeline.
Abuse within religious institutions often involves deep betrayal of trust. We work with survivors to pursue justice against clergy members and the institutions that failed to protect them.
Healthcare professionals are entrusted with intimate care, and abuse by these trusted individuals is a gross violation of that trust. If you’ve been abused by a medical professional, we can help you hold them accountable.
Elderly individuals in care facilities are particularly vulnerable. If your loved one has been sexually abused in a nursing home or care facility, we can help you seek justice and protect their rights.
Sexual abuse can occur in K-12 schools or college settings, whether by teachers, staff, or fellow students. Schools have a legal duty to protect students, and when they fail, we fight for accountability.
Children in foster care should be protected, yet abuse can occur at the hands of foster parents or social workers. We help families pursue legal action against those responsible for such abuses.
Incarcerated individuals still have rights. Sexual abuse in prisons or jails can be addressed under the Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA), and we help survivors assert their legal rights.
When your child is placed in daycare, you trust the facility to keep them safe. If abuse occurs, we help you hold daycare providers accountable.
Abuse within organizations like the Boy Scouts or at summer camps can have lifelong effects. With recent large settlements, we work to ensure survivors receive the compensation they deserve.
Coaches hold significant power over young athletes. If that power is abused, we help survivors take legal action and pursue justice.
Oregon has recently enacted significant reforms to its statutes of limitations for sexual abuse and assault cases, providing survivors with extended opportunities to seek justice. Understanding these changes is crucial for survivors considering legal action.
Under House Bill 3632, effective January 1, 2024, the timeframes for prosecuting certain sexual offenses have been extended:
DNA Evidence: If a suspect is identified through DNA evidence, there is no statute of limitations for prosecuting first-degree rape, sodomy, unlawful sexual penetration, or sexual abuse.
Survivors seeking civil remedies for sexual abuse have the following timeframes:
These extensions acknowledge that many survivors may not immediately recognize the abuse’s effects, allowing more time to come forward.
Oregon mandates that certain professionals, including teachers, healthcare providers, and law enforcement officers, report any suspected child abuse, including sexual abuse, to the Department of Human Services or law enforcement. This requirement aims to protect victims and initiate timely investigations.
Nobody would blame you for not thoroughly understanding these statutes, let alone knowing what your legal rights are. Consulting with an experienced Oregon sexual abuse attorney can provide clarity and guidance tailored to your unique situation. Every survivor’s story is unique. An attorney can help determine the applicable statutes of limitations for your case and assist in pursuing the justice you deserve.
If you have questions about your rights or need assistance connecting with a qualified attorney in Oregon, our intake team may help connect you.
The attorneys that our intake team may help connect you with prioritize a trauma-informed, survivor-first approach, which is critical in handling such sensitive matters. Here’s why choosing our Oregon sexual abuse attorneys makes a difference:
Reaching out for legal help is a courageous first step toward justice. If you’re ready to take action, we’re here to help you understand your legal options and ensure that you receive the support you need during this challenging time. Our compassionate intake team is standing by to help you discover your legal options.
Oregon law allows survivors of child sexual abuse to file a civil lawsuit anytime before they turn 40—or within five years of discovering the abuse caused them harm, whichever is later. For adult survivors, the deadlines can vary. It’s best to consult an attorney to understand what applies in your specific case.
Yes. Many survivors come forward years after the abuse took place. Oregon’s laws provide extended windows for civil action, especially for those who were abused as children. If you’re unsure whether your case still qualifies, an attorney can help assess your options.
You can still pursue a civil lawsuit, even if the abuser was never arrested or prosecuted. Civil and criminal cases are separate processes. In civil court, the burden of proof is lower, and the goal is financial compensation and accountability—not jail time.
Yes, in many cases. Oregon courts may allow you to file under a pseudonym (like Jane or John Doe) to protect your privacy. Your attorney can request this protection when your case is filed.
In many cases, yes. Schools, churches, foster agencies, and other organizations can be held accountable if they knew or should have known about the abuse and failed to act. These lawsuits are often key to uncovering systemic negligence and securing justice beyond the individual abuser.
Yes. If the abuse occurred in a state-run or contracted facility, you may have a case against the Oregon Department of Human Services (DHS) or the private agency involved. These cases are complex and time-sensitive, so it’s important to speak with an attorney as soon as possible.
Every case is different, but many sexual abuse civil lawsuits take several months to a few years. Some are resolved quickly through settlement, while others may go to trial. A qualified attorney can guide you through each step at a pace that supports your healing.
That’s completely understandable. Most cases settle before going to trial, and your attorney can often handle much of the legal work without requiring you to testify publicly. You’re always in control of how far you want to go.
Civil lawsuits may result in compensation for pain and suffering, medical and therapy costs, lost income, and more. While no amount of money can undo the trauma, financial recovery can support your healing and hold institutions accountable.
You don’t have to do this alone. Our intake team may be able to connect you with a trauma-informed attorney in Oregon who understands these cases and can help you explore your options—all in a confidential, pressure-free setting.