What Legal Options Are Available to Victims of Sexual Abuse?
Sexual abuse is a deeply traumatic experience that can impact every part of a survivor's life. The emotional, physical, and psychological toll can last for years—or a lifetime.
Survivors often carry not only the weight of what happened to them but also the fear of coming forward, concern about being believed, and the pressure of confronting powerful institutions or individuals. It takes incredible courage to speak out and seek justice. No one should have to face that journey alone.
At Goldberg, Goldberg & Maloney, our attorneys are committed to supporting survivors with compassion, respect, and dedication. Located in West Chester, Pennsylvania, we help clients in West Chester and the surrounding areas explore their legal options and take the right steps.
There are legal avenues that may provide accountability, compensation, and—most importantly—a sense of justice. If you or someone you care about has experienced sexual abuse, reach out to us today to learn how we can help.
Civil Lawsuits Against Abusers
One of the most direct legal actions a survivor can take is filing a civil lawsuit against the person or entity responsible for the abuse. Civil cases are separate from criminal cases and focus on obtaining compensation for the harm suffered.
In a civil lawsuit, the burden of proof is lower than in criminal court. Survivors must show that it’s more likely than not that the abuse occurred. This standard enables many survivors to pursue justice, even if a criminal case was never filed—or didn’t result in a conviction.
Civil lawsuits can be filed against individuals or organizations that allowed the abuse to occur, such as employers, schools, religious institutions, or other entities. Holding these parties accountable can lead to both compensation and institutional change.
Some of the benefits of civil lawsuits include:
Financial compensation: Survivors may recover damages for medical bills, therapy, lost income, emotional distress, and other related expenses.
Public accountability: Civil lawsuits can expose patterns of abuse and force organizations to take responsibility.
Empowerment and closure: Legal action can give survivors a sense of justice and help them regain control over their lives.
Even if the abuse happened years ago, there may still be a path forward. State laws around time limits, known as statutes of limitations, are changing in favor of survivors—especially in Pennsylvania.
Criminal Charges and Prosecution
Sexual abuse is a crime, and reporting it to law enforcement may lead to a criminal investigation and prosecution. In these cases, the government files charges, and a prosecutor presents the case in court.
Criminal proceedings can result in penalties such as jail or prison time, probation, mandatory registration as a sex offender, and more. Survivors may be asked to testify or provide evidence, but prosecutors handle the legal burden.
While criminal convictions don’t provide direct financial compensation to the survivor, they can offer a sense of justice and public acknowledgment of wrongdoing.
Survivors considering criminal charges should know:
They can report the abuse even if it happened years ago, depending on the statute of limitations in the state.
Prosecutors decide whether to file charges, but survivors have the right to be heard and informed throughout the process.
A criminal case doesn’t prevent a civil lawsuit—in fact, many survivors pursue both.
Our sexual abuse attorneys can help survivors understand what to expect from the criminal justice process and work alongside prosecutors to protect their interests.
Statutes of Limitations in Pennsylvania and Washington, D.C.
Time limits, known as statutes of limitations, determine how long a survivor has to file a lawsuit or criminal complaint after experiencing sexual abuse. These laws can be challenging to interpret, primarily because they’ve undergone significant changes in recent years.
Here’s what survivors in Pennsylvania should know:
For civil lawsuits: According to Helping Survivors, survivors of childhood sexual abuse can now file lawsuits up until age 55, thanks to recent legislative reforms.
For criminal charges: The deadline to press charges often depends on the survivor’s age at the time of the abuse and when it was discovered.
These laws can be tricky to apply, and exceptions may exist based on your unique situation. That’s why it’s so important to speak with experienced attorneys who can review your case and explain your rights.
Legal Options Against Institutions
Survivors of sexual abuse often suffered harm not just from individuals but from organizations that failed to protect them. Schools, religious groups, youth programs, foster care agencies, hospitals, and other institutions may be held legally responsible if they allowed abuse to occur or failed to stop it.
Filing a claim against an institution can lead to broader accountability, exposing systemic failures and protecting others from future harm.
Institutions may be held liable when they:
Ignored complaints or failed to report suspected abuse
Failed to run background checks or supervise employees
Covered up abuse to protect their reputation
Retained known abusers despite past allegations
Pursuing legal action against a large organization can feel intimidating, but survivors aren’t alone. Our firm has experience helping clients take on powerful institutions and demand accountability.
Compensation That May Be Available
Survivors who file a civil claim may be eligible for compensation that reflects the full impact of the abuse they suffered. This can include both financial and emotional losses.
Types of compensation may include:
Medical expenses: Past and future costs related to injuries, hospital stays, and other treatments.
Mental health care: Counseling, therapy, medications, and psychiatric care.
Lost wages: Income lost due to trauma, inability to work, or job loss.
Pain and suffering: Compensation for emotional distress, anxiety, PTSD, and loss of enjoyment of life.
Punitive damages: In some cases, courts may award extra damages to punish the wrongdoer and deter future misconduct.
No amount of money can erase the pain, but fair compensation can provide critical support during the healing process, cover the cost of care, and help survivors move forward.
Confidentiality in Legal Proceedings
One concern many survivors share is the issue of privacy. Coming forward can feel overwhelming, especially when personal details may become public. Fortunately, legal options exist to protect survivors’ identities.
Privacy protections in legal cases may include:
Filing under pseudonyms (like Jane or John Doe)
Sealing court records
Closed courtroom proceedings
Nondisclosure agreements in settlements
Our sexual abuse attorneys understand the need for discretion and take every possible step to protect a survivor’s confidentiality while pursuing justice. Survivors are always in control of how much they share and when.
Alternative Legal Options
Not every case goes to trial. In fact, many legal claims are resolved through out-of-court settlements or alternative processes designed to be less stressful and more survivor-centered.
Other options may include:
Settlement negotiations: Reaching an agreement for compensation without going to court.
Restorative justice programs: Allowing survivors to confront abusers in a structured, supported setting.
Claims through compensation funds: Some institutions or governments have established funds for survivors to file claims without the need for litigation.
While not right for everyone, these approaches can offer resolution and healing in a way that avoids the stress of a trial.
Contact a Compassionate Sexual Abuse Attorney
Sexual abuse is a deeply personal trauma, and no one should be left to carry that burden without support. Legal action isn't about reliving the past—it's about reclaiming your future.
Whether you're considering filing a civil lawsuit, reporting the abuse to law enforcement, or exploring other legal options, Goldberg, Goldberg & Maloney is here to support you.
From our offices in West Chester, Pennsylvania, our attorneys serve survivors with compassion, strength, and respect. If you or someone you love has suffered sexual abuse, you have options. Reach out to us today to schedule a confidential consultation.