These terms are often used interchangeably, but they mean different things. Sexual violence usually refers to any sexual act committed without consent, often through force or coercion. Sexual abuse typically describes ongoing or repeated harm, often involving a position of trust or authority. Sexual harassment involves unwanted sexual comments, behaviors, or advances, often in the workplace or other settings. All are serious, and none are ever the survivor’s fault.
Consent means freely agreeing to participate in a specific sexual activity. It must be given clearly, without pressure, manipulation, or intimidation, and can be withdrawn anytime. Consent cannot be given if someone is underage, asleep, intoxicated, or otherwise unable to make an informed decision.
Yes. Sexual assault is not limited to strangers. It can be committed by partners, friends, coworkers, or anyone else. Being in a relationship or knowing the person does not equal consent.
Survivors may show emotional, physical, or behavioral changes. Signs can include withdrawal, anxiety, depression, unexplained injuries, avoidance of certain places or people, changes in sleep or appetite, or difficulty trusting others. Every survivor responds differently — some show no visible signs at all.
Yes. Men and boys can also be survivors of sexual abuse. While men are sometimes less likely to report or discuss their experiences, the impact is just as real and serious. Abuse can happen to anyone, regardless of gender, and male survivors deserve the same compassion, support, and access to justice as all other survivors.
The most important thing is to listen without judgment and believe them. Avoid pressing for details — instead, reassure them it wasn’t their fault, that they’re not alone, and that help is available. You can encourage them to seek support from trusted professionals, hotlines, or legal advocates, but let them set the pace.
No. Filing a civil legal claim does not require you to file a police report. While some survivors choose to pursue both criminal and civil action, others only seek civil compensation and accountability. You are in control of which steps you take.
Not always. Many abuse cases are resolved through settlements outside of court. If your case does proceed to trial, your attorney will guide and support you through every step.
In many cases, yes. Laws called “statutes of limitations” set deadlines for filing claims, but exceptions often apply in abuse cases. An attorney can review your situation and explain whether you still have legal options, even if the abuse happened long ago.
Nothing upfront. The attorneys we work with handle abuse cases on a contingency basis. That means you don’t pay upfront — they only receive payment if your case is resolved successfully.
It varies. Some cases resolve in months, while others may take longer depending on the complexity, the parties involved, and whether the case goes to trial. Your attorney will keep you updated at every stage.
Yes, in some cases. Courts sometimes allow survivors to file under initials (such as “Jane Doe”) to protect privacy. Your attorney will explain the options for confidentiality in your state or jurisdiction.
Yes. Every inquiry is handled with strict privacy protections. Your information will never be shared without your consent, and you can choose how much to disclose at each step.
After you submit your information, you’ll receive a call from one of our trauma-informed case specialists. They will listen, collect only the details needed, and help determine if you may qualify to file a sexual abuse lawsuit. If you qualify and choose to move forward, we then connect you with an attorney who understands abuse cases and is committed to pursuing accountability on your behalf. Every step is confidential, and you remain in control of how much you share and whether you decide to proceed.
A mass tort is a type of legal action where many survivors file individual claims against the same defendant, such as an institution or organization. Each person has their own case, but the cases are coordinated together.
A class action is when a group of people with similar claims is represented together in a single case. Unlike mass torts, survivors in a class action are usually treated as one group, with one outcome shared by all. Abuse cases are often better suited to mass torts because they allow survivors to maintain their individual stories and recoveries.
Your story matters. We protect your privacy and connect you with trusted legal support.
A safe exit, also known as an emergency exit, is a quick way to exit a website by replacing the current page with a neutral one i.e. Google.
If you need to leave this site quickly, you can use the Emergency Exit button at the bottom. This will redirect to a neutral page (such as Google).
If you are concerned that someone may be monitoring your internet activity, consider using a trusted computer or device at a library, friend’s house, or workplace. You are not alone — there are safe ways to seek support.
Chrome, Firefox, IE: Press Ctrl-Shift-Delete, select what to delete and confirm.
Safari: Go to the gear icon, choose “Reset Safari,” select and confirm.
