Can I file a civil lawsuit even if criminal charges weren't filed?

Yes. Civil and criminal actions are completely independent proceedings. Civil cases require only preponderance of the evidence (more likely than not, ~51%), compared to the criminal standard of beyond a reasonable doubt (~99%). Many successful civil judgments involve situations where no criminal charges were brought, where charges were declined by prosecutors, or where defendants were criminally acquitted. The O.J. Simpson case is the most widely known example of civil liability despite criminal acquittal.

Is my case kept confidential?

Absolutely. Attorney-client privilege protects all communications. We can file your lawsuit under a pseudonym (e.g., 'Jane Doe' or 'John Doe') in jurisdictions that permit pseudonymous filing under protective orders. Many institutional defendants prefer confidential settlement agreements. All documents can be filed under seal where permitted by court rules.

Can I file a claim for abuse that happened years ago?

Many states have enacted revival statutes or lookback windows that temporarily reopen the statute of limitations for childhood sexual abuse. California's AB 218 (effective 2020, amending CCP §340.1) created a three-year lookback window for previously time-barred claims and extended the general limitation to age 40 or 5 years from discovery of the causal connection. Similar revival legislation exists in New York (Child Victims Act), New Jersey, and other states. The delayed discovery rule may also toll the limitation period until the survivor connects their injuries to the abuse.

Who can be held liable besides the perpetrator?

Institutions liable under various legal theories include: employers (respondeat superior, negligent hiring/retention/supervision), schools and universities (Title IX deliberate indifference, state tort claims), religious organizations (negligent supervision, fiduciary duty breach, fraudulent concealment), healthcare facilities (negligent credentialing, HIPAA violations), property owners (premises liability/negligent security), and foster care agencies (governmental immunity exceptions). We identify every institutional failure that enabled or concealed the abuse.

What compensation is available for sexual assault survivors?

Economic damages include therapy and counseling costs (often lifetime EMDR, CPT, or psychodynamic treatment), medical expenses, lost wages and earning capacity (quantified by forensic vocational experts), and out-of-pocket expenses. Non-economic damages include pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life (hedonic damages), and loss of consortium. In cases involving institutional cover-ups, spoliation of evidence, or deliberate concealment, exemplary (punitive) damages are available in most jurisdictions to punish the wrongdoer and deter future institutional complicity.

I'm afraid of not being believed. Will you take my case seriously?

We believe survivors. Our attorneys are trained in trauma-informed interview techniques, including cognitive interviewing protocols designed to support accurate recall without re-traumatization. We understand the neurobiology of trauma — including tonic immobility, dissociative amnesia, and fragmented memory formation — and how these normal trauma responses are often mischaracterized by defense counsel. Your experience is valid, and your voice matters.

What is the process like for survivors?

We move at your pace. After an initial confidential consultation (in person, by phone, or by secure video), we handle investigation, evidence preservation, expert retention, legal filings, and all communications with opposing counsel. Depositions can be conducted with trauma-informed protocols and protective orders limiting questioning scope. Many cases resolve through confidential mediation without trial testimony. You are always in control of major decisions.

Can a minor file a sexual abuse claim?

Yes. A parent or legal guardian (or court-appointed guardian ad litem) files on behalf of the minor. Most states have special tolling provisions for childhood sexual abuse — the statute of limitations is suspended during minority and may not begin running until the child reaches majority age (typically 18). Many states extend the period further, to age 25, 28, or 40. Revival statutes may also apply to reopen previously time-barred claims.

All Practice Areas

Sexual Assault Victim Attorneys

Last Updated: February 2026

We believe survivors. We work to hold institutions accountable. And we pursue justice with the discretion and compassion you deserve.

See What Your Case Is Worth Send Us a Message

Legal Summary — Sexual Assault Victim Attorneys

Last Updated: February 2026

Many states have expanded or eliminated statutes of limitations for sexual abuse claims, particularly for childhood sexual abuse. Civil lawsuits against institutions — including churches, schools, and youth organizations — may seek compensatory and, where applicable, additional damages when a cover-up is proven. Bond Legal represents survivors across 28 states with confidentiality and compassion.

This summary is AI-generated and for informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice and the reader is urged to verify the factual accuracy of the statements made. Bond Legal LLC (866) 423-7724

1 in 6

American women have been victims of attempted or completed rape

1 in 33

American men have been victims of attempted or completed rape

68 sec

An American is sexually assaulted every 68 seconds (RAINN)

< 1%

Of sexual assaults lead to felony convictions

Overview

Every 68 seconds, an American is sexually assaulted (RAINN). The overwhelming majority of perpetrators will never face criminal charges — but civil law provides an independent path to justice. Civil sexual assault claims operate under a preponderance of the evidence standard (more likely than not), which is significantly lower than the beyond-a-reasonable-doubt standard required in criminal cases. This distinction means survivors can obtain accountability and financial recovery even when the criminal system fails them.

Civil claims hold accountable not only individual perpetrators but also the institutions that enabled, ignored, or concealed the abuse under theories of negligent supervision, negligent hiring/retention, premises liability (negligent security), and respondeat superior. Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 creates additional federal liability for educational institutions that exhibit deliberate indifference to sexual harassment and assault. Many states have enacted revival statutes or lookback windows (such as California's AB 218, amending CCP §340.1) that temporarily suspend statutes of limitations for childhood sexual abuse, allowing survivors to file claims for abuse that occurred decades ago.

At Bond Legal, every consultation is protected by attorney-client privilege. Our approach is trauma-informed, evidence-based, and strategically designed to pursue both financial recovery and institutional accountability. We file under pseudonym (Jane/John Doe) in jurisdictions that permit it, pursue confidential settlements when preferred, and coordinate with victim advocacy organizations. When institutional cover-ups are uncovered, we seek exemplary (punitive) damages to deter future institutional complicity.

Understanding Your Rights

Types of Cases We Handle

Every situation is unique. Select a category below to learn about the specific legal theories, key statutes, and how Bond Legal can help.

Jurisdiction-Specific

State-by-State Legal Guide

Laws vary dramatically by state. Select your state to see the specific statutes, deadlines, and legal nuances that apply to your case.

California Laws

Negligence System: Pure Comparative Negligence (Li v. Yellow Cab Co., 1975)

Statute of Limitations: 2 years from date of accident (CCP §335.1)

CCP §340.1 — SOL for childhood sexual abuse: age 40 or 5 years from discovery (AB 218)

CCP §340.16 — Adult sexual assault: 10-year SOL (AB 2777, 2022)

Civil Code §3294 — Uncapped punitive damages

AB 218 (2019) opened a 3-year revival window for otherwise time-barred childhood abuse claims

AB 2777 (2022) extended adult sexual assault SOL to 10 years

Treble damages available against institutions for cover-ups

Texas Laws

Negligence System: Modified Comparative Negligence — 51% Bar (Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code §33.001)

Statute of Limitations: 2 years from date of accident (Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code §16.003)

Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code §16.0045 — Childhood sexual abuse: age 30 or 5 years from discovery

Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code §41.008 — Punitive damages available (capped) for institutional cover-ups

Extended SOL for childhood sexual abuse until age 30

Punitive damages available for egregious institutional failures

Florida Laws

Negligence System: Modified Comparative Negligence — 51% Bar (HB 837, effective 2023)

Statute of Limitations: 2 years from date of accident (reduced from 4 years by HB 837)

Fla. Stat. §95.11(7) — Childhood sexual abuse: 7 years from reaching age 18 or 4 years from discovery

Fla. Stat. §794.011 — Sexual battery statutes defining criminal liability and civil cause of action

Fla. Stat. §768.0755 — Premises liability: institutional negligence for failing to protect against sexual assault on property

Florida extended SOL for childhood sexual abuse claims

7-year window after reaching 18 provides extended time

Institutional defendants (hotels, schools, nursing homes) face premises liability for inadequate security

New York Laws

Negligence System: Pure Comparative Negligence (CPLR §1411)

Statute of Limitations: 3 years from date of accident (CPLR §214)

CPLR §208(b) — Adult Survivors Act (2022): 1-year revival window for time-barred claims

Child Victims Act (2019): extended SOL to age 55

Child Victims Act opened a 1-year revival window for time-barred childhood abuse claims

Adult Survivors Act (2022) provided similar window for adult sexual assault claims

Alabama Laws

Negligence System: Contributory Negligence (one of only 4 states) (Ala. Code §6-5-580)

Statute of Limitations: 2 years from date of accident (Ala. Code §6-2-38)

Ala. Code §6-2-8 — 2-year SOL for most assault claims

Contributory negligence generally does not apply to intentional tort (assault) claims

Arkansas Laws

Negligence System: Modified Comparative Negligence — 50% Bar (Ark. Code §16-64-122)

Statute of Limitations: 3 years from date of accident (Ark. Code §16-56-105)

Ark. Code §16-56-130 — Childhood sexual abuse: extended SOL

Extended SOL for childhood abuse

Colorado Laws

Negligence System: Modified Comparative Negligence — 50% Bar (C.R.S. §13-21-111)

Statute of Limitations: 3 years from date of accident (C.R.S. §13-80-101)

C.R.S. §13-80-103.7 — Childhood sexual abuse: no SOL until age 18 (then 6 years)

6-year SOL after reaching age 18 for childhood sexual abuse

Georgia Laws

Negligence System: Modified Comparative Negligence — 50% Bar (O.C.G.A. §51-12-33)

Statute of Limitations: 2 years from date of accident (O.C.G.A. §9-3-33)

O.C.G.A. §9-3-33.1 — Childhood sexual abuse: extended SOL (age 23 or 2 years from discovery)

Extended SOL for childhood abuse

Hawaii Laws

Negligence System: Modified Comparative Negligence — 51% Bar (HRS §663-31)

Statute of Limitations: 2 years from date of accident (HRS §657-7)

HRS §657-1.8 — Childhood sexual abuse: age 26 or 3 years from discovery

Extended SOL for childhood abuse

Illinois Laws

Negligence System: Modified Comparative Negligence — 50% Bar (735 ILCS 5/2-1116)

Statute of Limitations: 2 years from date of accident (735 ILCS 5/13-202)

735 ILCS 5/13-202.2 — Childhood sexual abuse: extended SOL

No cap on damages

No damage caps for sexual assault cases

Iowa Laws

Negligence System: Modified Comparative Negligence — 50% Bar (Iowa Code §668.3)

Statute of Limitations: 2 years from date of accident (Iowa Code §614.1(2))

Iowa Code §614.8A — Childhood sexual abuse: extended SOL

Extended SOL for childhood sexual abuse

Louisiana Laws

Negligence System: Pure Comparative Negligence (La. C.C. art. 2323)

Statute of Limitations: 1 year prescriptive period (La. C.C. art. 3492) — SHORTEST in the nation

La. R.S. §9:2800.9 — Extended prescriptive period for childhood sexual abuse

1-year general prescriptive period does NOT apply to childhood sexual abuse

Michigan Laws

Negligence System: Modified Comparative Negligence — 50% Bar (MCL §600.2959)

Statute of Limitations: 3 years from date of accident (MCL §600.5805)

MCL §600.5851b — Childhood sexual abuse: extended SOL

Extended SOL for childhood sexual abuse claims

Minnesota Laws

Negligence System: Modified Comparative Negligence — 50% Bar (Minn. Stat. §604.01)

Statute of Limitations: 6 years from date of accident (Minn. Stat. §541.05) — LONGEST in the nation

Minn. Stat. §541.073 — Childhood sexual abuse: 6 years from reaching age 18

6-year window after reaching 18

Mississippi Laws

Negligence System: Pure Comparative Negligence (Miss. Code §11-7-15)

Statute of Limitations: 3 years from date of accident (Miss. Code §15-1-49)

Miss. Code §15-1-49 — General 3-year SOL applies

Limited extension for childhood sexual abuse

Missouri Laws

Negligence System: Pure Comparative Negligence (Mo. Rev. Stat. §537.765)

Statute of Limitations: 5 years from date of accident (Mo. Rev. Stat. §516.120)

Mo. Rev. Stat. §537.046 — Childhood sexual abuse: age 31 or 3 years from discovery

Extended SOL until age 31

Montana Laws

Negligence System: Modified Comparative Negligence — 50% Bar (MCA §27-1-702)

Statute of Limitations: 3 years from date of accident (MCA §27-2-204)

MCA §27-2-216 — Childhood sexual abuse: age 27 or 3 years from discovery

Extended SOL for childhood abuse

New Mexico Laws

Negligence System: Pure Comparative Negligence (N.M. Stat. Ann. §41-3A-1)

Statute of Limitations: 3 years from date of accident (N.M. Stat. Ann. §37-1-8)

N.M. Stat. §37-1-30 — Childhood sexual abuse: no SOL (eliminated 2019)

New Mexico ELIMINATED SOL for childhood sexual abuse in 2019

North Carolina Laws

Negligence System: Contributory Negligence (N.C. Gen. Stat. §1-139) — one of only 4 states

Statute of Limitations: 3 years from date of accident (N.C. Gen. Stat. §1-52)

N.C. Gen. Stat. §1-17 — Childhood sexual abuse: extended SOL

Contributory negligence does not apply to intentional tort claims

Ohio Laws

Negligence System: Modified Comparative Negligence — 50% Bar (Ohio Rev. Code §2315.33)

Statute of Limitations: 2 years from date of accident (Ohio Rev. Code §2305.10)

Ohio Rev. Code §2305.111 — Childhood sexual abuse: age 30 or 12 years after reaching 18

Extended SOL until age 30

Oklahoma Laws

Negligence System: Modified Comparative Negligence — 50% Bar (Okla. Stat. §23-13)

Statute of Limitations: 2 years from date of accident (Okla. Stat. §12-95)

Okla. Stat. §12-95 — 2-year SOL; extensions for childhood abuse

Limited SOL extensions for childhood sexual abuse

Oregon Laws

Negligence System: Modified Comparative Negligence — 51% Bar (ORS §31.600)

Statute of Limitations: 2 years from date of accident (ORS §12.110)

ORS §12.117 — Childhood sexual abuse: age 40 or 5 years from discovery

One of the most generous extended SOLs for childhood abuse

South Carolina Laws

Negligence System: Modified Comparative Negligence — 50% Bar (S.C. Code §15-38-15)

Statute of Limitations: 3 years from date of accident (S.C. Code §15-3-530)

S.C. Code §15-3-555 — Childhood sexual abuse: age 21 or 3 years from discovery

Extended SOL for childhood abuse

Tennessee Laws

Negligence System: Modified Comparative Negligence — 50% Bar (Tenn. Code §29-11-103)

Statute of Limitations: 1 year from date of accident (Tenn. Code §28-3-104) — SECOND SHORTEST in the nation

Tenn. Code §28-3-116 — Childhood sexual abuse: extended SOL

Extended SOL despite 1-year general SOL

Utah Laws

Negligence System: Modified Comparative Negligence — 50% Bar (Utah Code §78B-5-818)

Statute of Limitations: 4 years from date of accident (Utah Code §78B-2-307)

Utah Code §78B-2-308 — Childhood sexual abuse: age 22 or 4 years from discovery

Extended SOL for childhood abuse

Washington Laws

Negligence System: Pure Comparative Negligence (RCW §4.22.005)

Statute of Limitations: 3 years from date of accident (RCW §4.16.080)

RCW §4.16.340 — Childhood sexual abuse: age 21 or 3 years from discovery

No cap on damages

No cap on damages — favorable

West Virginia Laws

Negligence System: Modified Comparative Negligence — 50% Bar (W. Va. Code §55-7-13a)

Statute of Limitations: 2 years from date of accident (W. Va. Code §55-2-12)

W. Va. Code §55-2-15 — Childhood sexual abuse: age 36 or 2 years from discovery

Extended SOL until age 36

Wisconsin Laws

Negligence System: Modified Comparative Negligence — 51% Bar (Wis. Stat. §895.045)

Statute of Limitations: 3 years from date of accident (Wis. Stat. §893.54)

Wis. Stat. §893.587 — Childhood sexual abuse: age 35 or 3 years from discovery

Extended SOL for childhood abuse

* State laws change frequently. Information current as of February 2026. This summary is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Contact Bond Legal at (866) 423-7724 for a free case evaluation specific to your state and circumstances.

Step-by-Step Guide

What To Do Right Now

Your safety comes first

If you are in immediate danger, call 911. If you are safe, know that there is no timeline for seeking help — you can come forward when you're ready.

Seek medical attention

A medical examination documents injuries and preserves forensic evidence. Many hospitals have Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANEs) trained in sensitive evidence collection.

Preserve evidence if possible

If the assault was recent, try not to shower, change clothes, or wash bedding. Save any text messages, emails, or communications with the perpetrator.

Contact a support organization

RAINN's hotline (1-800-656-4673) provides free, confidential support 24/7. Local advocacy organizations can also provide counseling and resources.

Know that you have legal options beyond criminal court

Civil lawsuits have a lower burden of proof than criminal cases and can provide financial recovery and institutional accountability regardless of whether criminal charges are filed.

Contact Bond Legal for a confidential consultation

Everything you tell us is protected by attorney-client privilege. We listen, we believe, and We challenge — on your terms and at your pace.

Without an Attorney vs. With Bond Legal

See why hiring an attorney makes all the difference.

Without an Attorney

✗Fear of not being believed prevents action
✗Criminal case required for justice (< 1% conviction rate)
✗Only perpetrator held responsible
✗No financial recovery for trauma and therapy costs
✗Identity exposed in legal proceedings

With Bond Legal

Trauma-informed attorneys who believe and support survivors
Civil claims independent of criminal proceedings with lower burden of proof
We work to hold institutions that enabled or ignored abuse accountable
Compensation for therapy, medical treatment, lost wages, and pain and suffering
Pseudonymous filing and strict confidentiality protections

Types of Injuries & Damages

Physical Injuries

Bruising, tearing, sexually transmitted infections, pregnancy, and other physical injuries requiring immediate forensic documentation (Sexual Assault Forensic Exam / 'rape kit') and ongoing medical treatment. Physical evidence collected within 72-120 hours supports both civil and criminal proceedings.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Diagnosed under DSM-5 criteria (309.81), assault-related PTSD includes intrusive re-experiencing, avoidance, negative alterations in cognition and mood, and marked arousal/reactivity changes. Documented through clinical psychological evaluation and validated instruments (PCL-5, CAPS-5), these symptoms are independently compensable non-economic damages with lifetime treatment cost implications.

Depression & Anxiety

Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) are frequently comorbid with assault-related PTSD. Clinical documentation using the PHQ-9, GAD-7, and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II) instruments quantifies symptom severity for damages calculation. These conditions often require long-term psychotherapy (CBT, EMDR, CPT) and pharmacological management.

Substance Abuse

Substance use disorders developing as trauma-coping mechanisms are recognized in psychiatric literature as sequelae of sexual assault. Co-occurring PTSD and substance use disorder (dual diagnosis) require specialized treatment documented through addiction medicine evaluations, creating additional compensable damage categories including inpatient treatment costs.

Career & Economic Impact

Job loss, constructive discharge, inability to work, reduced earning capacity, and educational disruption caused by trauma and its aftermath. Forensic vocational experts quantify these economic damages using earning capacity assessments and labor market analysis. Title VII and state employment discrimination claims may run parallel to tort actions when workplace assault is involved.

Relationship & Trust Damage

Complex trauma responses including attachment disruption, intimacy avoidance, and interpersonal trust deficits are documented through psychological evaluation and relationship functioning assessments. These damages fall under loss of consortium (for partners) and general non-economic damages categories, often requiring long-term therapeutic intervention.

Common Cases We Handle

Workplace sexual assault and harassment
Sexual abuse by clergy or religious institutions
Campus sexual assault (Title IX)
Healthcare provider sexual misconduct
Child sexual abuse (current and historical)
Institutional negligence enabling abuse
Sexual assault in nursing homes or care facilities
Trafficking survivor representation
Military sexual trauma (MST)
Assault due to inadequate security (hotels, apartments, parking)

Why Choose Bond Legal

Trauma-informed, confidential representation
Experience holding institutions — churches, schools, corporations — accountable
Civil claims pursued independent of criminal proceedings
Compassionate attorneys who listen and believe survivors
Pseudonymous filing to protect your identity
Pay no attorney fees unless we recover compensation for you

Your Legal Journey

Our Proven Process

Confidential Consultation

We listen to your story in a safe, private environment. Everything is protected by attorney-client privilege. There is no pressure and no judgment.

Trauma-Informed Investigation

We investigate the assault and the institutional failures that allowed it to occur — without re-traumatizing you.

Identifying All Responsible Parties

Beyond the perpetrator, we identify institutions that failed to protect you — employers, schools, churches, facilities, and their insurers.

Filing Under Pseudonym

In most jurisdictions, we can file your claim under a pseudonym (e.g., 'Jane Doe') to protect your identity throughout the legal process.

Negotiation & Resolution

Many institutional defendants prefer to settle confidentially. Once we determine your case is viable, we negotiate diligently while respecting your wishes regarding publicity.

Trial (If Needed & Desired)

If you choose to go to trial, we prepare a compelling case. Your decision about whether to pursue trial is always respected.

Frequently Asked Questions

In-Depth Legal Guides

Sexual Assault Guides by State

Explore our comprehensive state-specific guides covering local laws, filing deadlines, insurance rules, and step-by-step claims processes.

Sexual Assault in California

Legal guide — 2 years from date of injury SOL

Sexual Assault in Texas

Legal guide — 2 years from date of injury SOL

Sexual Assault in Alabama

Legal guide — 2 years SOL

Sexual Assault in Arkansas

Legal guide — 3 years SOL

Sexual Assault in Colorado

Legal guide — 3 years SOL

Sexual Assault in Florida

Legal guide — 2 years SOL

Sexual Assault in Georgia

Legal guide — 2 years SOL

Sexual Assault in Hawaii

Legal guide — 2 years SOL

Sexual Assault in Illinois

Legal guide — 2 years SOL

Sexual Assault in Iowa

Legal guide — 2 years SOL

Sexual Assault in Louisiana

Legal guide — 1 year SOL

Sexual Assault in Michigan

Legal guide — 3 years SOL

Sexual Assault in Minnesota

Legal guide — 6 years SOL

Sexual Assault in Mississippi

Legal guide — 3 years SOL

Sexual Assault in Missouri

Legal guide — 5 years SOL

Sexual Assault in Montana

Legal guide — 3 years SOL

Sexual Assault in New Mexico

Legal guide — 3 years SOL

Sexual Assault in New York

Legal guide — 3 years SOL

Sexual Assault in North Carolina

Legal guide — 3 years SOL

Sexual Assault in Ohio

Legal guide — 2 years SOL

Sexual Assault in Oklahoma

Legal guide — 2 years SOL

Sexual Assault in Oregon

Legal guide — 2 years SOL

Sexual Assault in South Carolina

Legal guide — 3 years SOL

Sexual Assault in Tennessee

Legal guide — 1 year SOL

Sexual Assault in Utah

Legal guide — 4 years SOL

Sexual Assault in Washington

Legal guide — 3 years SOL

Sexual Assault in West Virginia

Legal guide — 2 years SOL

Sexual Assault in Wisconsin

Legal guide — 3 years SOL

View All Legal Guides

Survivor Support Resource Hub

Bond Legal connects survivors with crisis hotlines, trauma-informed therapy directories, safety planning tools, and advocacy organizations — because healing extends beyond the courtroom.

Visit Resource Hub

Injured? Find Out What You're Owed.

You pay nothing unless we win. Contact Bond Legal now and let us advocate for you.

Call Now — It's Free Submit Your Case Online

Other Practice Areas

Auto Accident Attorneys

Injured in a car accident? Bond Legal auto accident attorneys pursue full and fair compensation. Free case review — pay no attorney fees unless we recover compensation for you. Call 24/7.

Learn More

Truck Accident Lawyers

Seriously injured in a truck accident? Bond Legal handles 18-wheeler and commercial vehicle cases nationwide. We take on trucking companies. Free consultation.

Learn More

Motorcycle Accident Attorneys

Injured in a motorcycle crash? Bond Legal challenges rider bias and pursues full compensation for motorcyclists. Free case review — pay no attorney fees unless we recover compensation for you.

Learn More

ATTORNEY ADVERTISING. The hiring of a lawyer is an important decision that should not be based solely upon advertisements. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. All case results shown are gross amounts recovered before deduction of attorney fees, costs, and expenses. Net amounts to the client may be less. The information on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Each case is unique and must be evaluated on its own merits. Responsible Attorney: Candice Bond, 17500 Red Hill Ave. #100, Irvine, CA 92614. Pay no attorney fees unless we recover compensation for you.

Sexual Assault Victim Attorneys

Overview

Types of Cases We Handle

🏛️Clergy & Religious Institution AbuseReligious institutions have a sacred duty to protect their congregations — especially children. When that trust is betrayed, survivors have the right to hold not just the abuser, but the entire institution accountable.

Clergy & Religious Institution Abuse

🎓Campus Sexual Assault & Title IXOne in five women and one in sixteen men experience sexual assault during college (AAU Climate Survey, 2019). When universities fail to protect students, both federal Title IX law and state tort claims provide paths to justice.

Campus Sexual Assault & Title IX

💼Workplace Sexual Assault & HarassmentWhen sexual assault occurs in the workplace, employers who knew or should have known about the risk — and failed to act — can be held liable alongside the perpetrator under both tort law and employment discrimination statutes.

Workplace Sexual Assault & Harassment

🏠Foster Care & Group Home AbuseChildren in foster care are among the most vulnerable members of our society. When the systems designed to protect them instead expose them to abuse, the governmental agencies and private contractors responsible can be held accountable.

Foster Care & Group Home Abuse

🛡️Nursing Home & Elder Sexual AbuseSexual abuse of elderly and disabled residents in nursing homes and assisted living facilities is a hidden crisis. Residents who cannot advocate for themselves deserve fierce legal protection.

Nursing Home & Elder Sexual Abuse

State-by-State Legal Guide

What To Do Right Now

Your safety comes first

Seek medical attention

Preserve evidence if possible

Contact a support organization

Know that you have legal options beyond criminal court

Contact Bond Legal for a confidential consultation

Without an Attorney vs. With Bond Legal

Without an Attorney

With Bond Legal

Types of Injuries & Damages

Physical Injuries

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Depression & Anxiety

Substance Abuse

Career & Economic Impact

Relationship & Trust Damage

Common Cases We Handle

Why Choose Bond Legal

Our Proven Process

Confidential Consultation

Trauma-Informed Investigation

Identifying All Responsible Parties

Filing Under Pseudonym

Negotiation & Resolution

Trial (If Needed & Desired)

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I file a civil lawsuit even if criminal charges weren't filed?

Is my case kept confidential?

Can I file a claim for abuse that happened years ago?

Who can be held liable besides the perpetrator?

What compensation is available for sexual assault survivors?

I'm afraid of not being believed. Will you take my case seriously?

What is the process like for survivors?

Can a minor file a sexual abuse claim?

Sexual Assault Guides by State

Survivor Support Resource Hub

Injured? Find Out What You're Owed.

Other Practice Areas

Auto Accident Attorneys

Truck Accident Lawyers

Motorcycle Accident Attorneys