What Counts as Sexual Abuse or Assault?
Sexual abuse doesn’t always look like it does on TV. Sometimes, it’s a trusted doctor crossing a line. A coach who groomed you. A coworker who used their position to intimidate or manipulate. Sometimes, it’s someone you loved.
No matter what it looked like, if you were touched or taken advantage of without your full, informed consent, your case matters. Filing a lawsuit for sexual abuse can help you get justice.
Sexual abuse or assault may take the form of:
- Abuse by someone in power
- Child sexual abuse (even if it was decades ago)
- Kidnapping
- Medical sexual abuse by doctors, therapists, or caregivers
- Rape or attempted rape
- Sex trafficking
- Sexual assault or molestation
- Unwanted physical contact
Sadly, sexual abuse can occur in any number of places. Individual perpetrators often commit assaults in spaces where they feel as though they have power and security.
You don’t need to have reported it back then. You don’t need physical evidence. If something happened and you’ve been carrying it alone — you can tell us. We’ll make sure your story is heard.
Why File a Sexual Assault Lawsuit?
Filing a civil lawsuit won’t change the past. But it can help protect your future — and others’.
A civil sexual abuse lawsuit is a type of personal injury claim. In these cases, the victim seeks compensation from their abuser for the harm they’ve caused.
Legal action can help you:
- Hold an individual or institution publicly accountable
- Reclaim power that was taken from you
- Seek financial compensation for therapy, lost wages, and emotional harm
- Send a message that this kind of abuse won’t be buried or excused
You don’t have to be “strong enough.” You don’t have to have it all figured out. You just have to take the first step. We’ll help with the rest.
Is It Too Late to Come Forward?
In many states, it’s not too late — even if the abuse happened years ago. New laws have extended the timeline for adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse to file civil claims. Some states are opening temporary “lookback windows,” which allow survivors to take action even if the original statute of limitations has passed.
If you’re unsure about timing or eligibility, we can walk you through your options on your terms.
We See You. We Stand With You.
At HerCaseMatters, we work with legal teams who treat you with care and respect from day one. No judgment. No pressure. Just a commitment to doing what’s right for you.
- Every conversation is handled with care and respect.
- There’s no cost to talk with us.
- You are always in control of what happens next.
Whether you want to ask a question, tell your story, or just breathe — we’re here for you 24/7.
Contact our team now. Because your case matters. And so do you.
Frequently asked questions
Who is eligible for a sexual abuse lawsuit?
You may be eligible to file a civil sexual assault lawsuit if you are the victim of sexual abuse, even if the abuse occurred many years ago as childhood sexual abuse.
Parents can also file sexual abuse lawsuits on behalf of their minor children.
Where can sexual abuse occur?
Abusers often use an existing power imbalance to create opportunities to take advantage of others. For this reason, sexual assault can occur in any number of locations.
Sexual abuse has been reported in the following settings or instances:
- Airlines and cruise ships
- Boy Scouts
- Clergy or church
- Dating apps
- Entertainment industry
- Foster care
- Hotels or motels
- Medical settings
- Prison, by inmates or police
- Rideshares like Uber or Lyft
- Schools and sports
- Social media
- Spas and resorts
- Summer camps
This list is not definitive. High-profile abusers may attempt to silence their victims, and institutions may even try to protect known abusers — but you can fight back.
Will I have to testify during my sexual abuse case?
In many instances, your sexual abuse civil suit will settle through negotiation, and your case will never have to go through the court system. This is the ideal situation.
If your case goes to court and you are uncomfortable with testifying, your legal team will still do everything possible to secure the compensation you deserve.
Written by: Her Case Matters
At HerCaseMatters, we believe women deserve to be heard — especially when it comes to their health and safety. Too often, harmful drugs, devices, and corporate wrongdoing impact women’s lives without proper warning, support, or accountability. We’re here to change that. We work with trusted legal partners who are deeply experienced in holding powerful companies accountable. But more than that, we’re here to remind women everywhere that their pain is real, their experiences matter, and they deserve justice.
