We listen. We believe you. And we fight for your justice.
At Zafran Law Group, we have a team of Philadelphia sexual abuse lawyers dedicated to assisting survivors of abuse in Pennsylvania. Whether your abuse happened during childhood, in an institution or through your workplace, our attorneys will deliver trauma-informed legal representation that meets your needs.
Every person has the right to live free from violence and sexual abuse. Unfortunately, the CDC estimates that over one in three women and up to one in four men experience sexual violence in their lifetimes. This means that in the greater Philadelphia area alone, there are over 1.5 million survivors of sexual abuse. Additionally, the US Department of Justice estimates that only 37% of sexual assaults are reported to police and only 12% of sexual abuse of children is reported.
At Zafran Law Group, our sexual abuse lawyer in Philadelphia provide trauma-informed legal support to survivors of:
- Childhood sexual abuse
- Institutional abuse (schools, churches, hospitals)
- Sexual violence by healthcare providers or therapists
- Workplace sexual misconduct
What Are The Legal Rights Of Sexual Abuse Survivors in Pennsylvania?
Sexual abuse survivors have meaningful legal rights, and our PA sexual abuse lawyers are committed to protecting every one of them.
Civil vs. Criminal Sexual Abuse Cases: What’s the Difference?
Many survivors don’t realize they may have both civil and criminal legal options available. Here’s how they differ:
Criminal Case
- Handled by the state
- Goal: punish the abuser
- High burden of proof (“beyond a reasonable doubt”)
Civil Case
- Brought by you and your attorney
- Goal: compensation for trauma, pain, lost wages, and treatment
- Lower burden of proof (“preponderance of evidence”)
Most survivors pursue civil claims for justice, especially when the criminal system fails to act. A civil lawsuit can be filed regardless of whether the abuser was ever arrested or convicted.
Steps To Take After Sexual Assault
- Move to a secure location – Ensuring immediate safety is crucial to prevent further harm or danger.
- Seek medical attention – Visit a hospital or clinic for a medical examination and treatment. Medical professionals can address physical injuries, offer necessary medications, and collect forensic evidence (if necessary).
- Seek mental health support – Reach out to trusted friends, family, or a professional counselor for mental support. Consider contacting a local sexual assault support hotline. Mental support is essential for coping with the trauma and beginning the healing process.
- Report the assault – Consider reporting the assault to the police or local authorities. This can be done immediately or at a later time. Reporting can initiate a legal investigation and may help prevent the perpetrator from harming others.
- Consult a Philadelphia sexual abuse attorney. Legal guidance from Zafran Law Group can help you understand your rights and options, from pressing criminal charges to filing a civil lawsuit.
Can A PA Sexual Abuse Lawyer Help With Childhood Abuse Cases?
Yes, if you are a minor who has suffered sexual abuse, or if you are a parent or guardian who suspects their child has suffered sexual abuse, you will need an experienced sexual abuse lawyer to help you through the legal aftermath of an assault.
Child victims of sexual assault have rights just as adults do in these circumstances, and Philadelphia sexual abuse lawyer will work to ensure those rights are protected. It is important to find an attorney who has experience working with children, as it can be extremely difficult for children or minors to articulate their experiences.
Statute of Limitations for Sexual Abuse Claims
The time you have to file a sexual abuse lawsuit depends on your age at the time of the abuse, the state where it occurred, and recent changes to the law. Below is a state-by-state overview. Don’t assume your window has closed. Contact a Philadelphia sexual abuse lawyer to evaluate your specific situation.
| Pennsylvania | Children: If an individual is under 18 years of age when the sexual abuse occurs, they have until they turn 55 to bring a cause of action. If they are at least 18 but under 24 years old when the abuse occurs, they have until they turn 30 to bring a cause of action. If your abuse occurred as a child and you were under the age of 30 in November of 2019, you have until you turn 55 to bring a civil case. |
| Adults: The statute of limitations for sexual assault to adults in Pennsylvania is 2 years after the time of the assault. | |
| New York | Children: There is no statute of limitations for child sexual abuse. |
| Adults: The statute of limitations is generally five years from the date of the offense. However, there are exceptions for certain offenses, such as rape and sodomy, which have longer statutes of limitations. Additionally, if the assault occurred after 2019, the Adult Survivor Act (ASA) extends the statute of limitations to 20 years | |
| New Jersey | Children: If an individual is under 18 years of age when the sexual abuse occurs, they have until they turn 55 to bring a cause of action. |
| Adults: The statute of limitations is 7 years from the date of the last offense. However, there are exceptions for certain offenses, such as rape and sodomy, which have longer statutes of limitations. | |
| Delaware | Children: Lawsuits can be filed at any time after the sexual abuse of a minor by an adult occurred. |
| Adults: The statute of limitations for sexual assault to adults in Delawere is 2 years after the assault occurred. | |
| Maryland | Children: Lawsuits can be filed at any time after the sexual abuse of a minor by an adult occurred. |
| Adults: The statute of limitations for sexual assault to adults in Maryland is 3 years after the assault occurred. |
Why Hire A Philadelphia Sexual Harassment Lawyer?
If you have been a victim of sexual violence, it can be terrifying and intimidating to speak with an attorney about your experience. However, hiring a trustworthy sexual abuse lawyer can play an important role in your healing process.
Your Philadelphia sexual harassment attorney will work hard on your behalf and keep your story in confidence in order to ensure civil justice against the people or entities that caused your suffering, fight for financial resources for support or resources you need, and ultimately help bring closure to a life-changing experience. A sexual abuse attorney can help give you a voice and support when you need it.
FAQs For Sexual Abuse
Yes. If an institution knew, or should have known, about the abuse and failed to act, your Philadelphia sexual abuse law firm can hold that organization financially liable alongside the individual abuser. Schools, churches, hospitals, sports organizations, and other entities can all face civil liability for enabling or ignoring abuse.
Yes. A civil case is entirely separate from a criminal case. You can pursue compensation through a civil lawsuit regardless of whether your abuser was arrested, charged, or convicted. Our Philadelphia sexual abuse attorneys can help you seek justice even when the criminal system has not acted.
You may still have legal options depending on your age at the time of abuse, the state where it occurred, and recent legislative changes. Do not assume your window has closed. Contact a Philadelphia sexual abuse lawyer at Zafran Law Group to evaluate your specific situation — the law has expanded in many states in recent years.
A Philadelphia sexual abuse lawyer can pursue compensation on your behalf for:
- Medical and therapy expenses (past and future)
- Emotional pain and suffering
- Lost income and reduced earning capacity
- Costs of future care and ongoing support
- Punitive damages against negligent institutions
In addition to individual abusers, our attorneys can work to hold schools, churches, hospitals, employers, and other organizations financially liable when their negligence allowed the abuse to occur.
Yes, a parent or guardian can pursue legal action on behalf of a minor child who has been sexually abused. A Philadelphia sexual abuse attorney can guide your family through the process with the utmost care and confidentiality.
Yes, absolutely. Everything you share with Zafran Law Group during your free consultation is completely confidential. Attorney-client privilege protects all communications, and our team is fully committed to handling your case with discretion and sensitivity.
Not necessarily. Many sexual abuse civil cases are resolved through settlements without going to trial. Your Philadelphia sexual abuse lawyer will always prepare you fully if a court appearance becomes necessary, and will advocate to minimize any additional trauma throughout the legal process.
What Does a Philadelphia Sexual Abuse Lawyer Do?
The most critical role your PA sexual abuse attorney plays is helping you navigate the legal process while ensuring your rights are fully protected from start to finish. Specifically, your Zafran Law Group attorney will:
- Listen to your story and evaluate all potential parties at fault
- File a civil lawsuit and advocate aggressively on your behalf
- Work to secure just compensation and access to recovery resources
- Keep you informed and updated throughout every phase of your case
With a skilled sexual abuse lawyer on your side, you can focus on healing while we handle the fight.