SUPPORTING SURVIVORS
Relief During Difficult Times
If you are here, something serious happened.
You may not be sure whether you want to bring a case.
You may not be sure whether what happened “counts.”
You may not even be sure you want to talk to a lawyer.
That is normal.
Most survivors who contact us are not looking for a lawsuit. They are looking for understanding, clarity, and control.
This page is meant to explain — calmly and honestly — what a civil case is, what it is not, and how we work with people who have experienced sexual assault, abuse, or other violent harm.
First — You Are Not Required to Decide Anything
You do not have to:
report to the police
confront the person who harmed you
testify in court
file a lawsuit
or even move forward after speaking with us
An initial conversation is confidential.
Its purpose is to help you understand your options so you can make a decision at your own pace.
Many survivors wait months or years before reaching out. Some never file a case. Speaking with us does not commit you to anything.
Criminal Case vs. Civil Case
A criminal case is brought by the government. A civil case is brought by you.
We do not control whether prosecutors file charges, and a civil case does not depend on a criminal conviction.
A civil case focuses on:
accountability
safety failures
institutional responsibility
and the harm the event caused in your life
In many situations, the person who harmed you is not the only responsible party.
Civil cases often involve:
employers who failed to supervise
property owners who failed to provide security
schools or organizations that ignored warning signs
institutions that protected a perpetrator
retaliation after reporting
Why Survivors Sometimes Choose a Civil Case
Survivors contact us for many different reasons:
they were not believed
the criminal system could not proceed
the person was never charged
the conduct was minimized
an institution ignored them
retaliation occurred after reporting
they want the behavior documented
they want policy changes so it does not happen again
For some, it is about financial support for therapy and treatment. For others, it is about having their experience formally acknowledged.
There is no single “right” reason.
Trauma-Informed Representation
Sexual assault and violence affect memory, behavior, and communication. The legal system often misunderstands this.
Survivors frequently worry:
“My memory isn’t perfect.”
“I waited to report.”
“I stayed in contact afterward.”
“I froze.”
“I didn’t fight back.”
“I blamed myself.”
These reactions are medically recognized trauma responses. They are common and expected.
Our firm uses a trauma-informed approach to representation. That means the case is structured around minimizing harm to you while still advocating effectively.
We will:
explain each step before it happens
avoid unnecessary repetition of your story
prepare you carefully for testimony
coordinate timing with your healing
push back against inappropriate defense tactics
work with treating therapists and medical providers when appropriate
limit your direct exposure to the defense whenever possible
You are not expected to navigate the legal system alone, and you will not be forced into surprises.
PTSD, Memory, and the Legal Process
After trauma, people often experience:
fragmented memories
sensory recall instead of chronological recall
delayed reporting
avoidance
dissociation
difficulty describing events out loud
These are not credibility problems. They are recognized features of post-traumatic stress.
Part of our job is helping courts and juries understand how trauma actually works. We frequently work with psychologists, psychiatrists, and neuropsychological experts who explain trauma responses and their long-term effects.
What a Case Actually Looks Like
Most survivors imagine a courtroom confrontation. That is rarely how a case unfolds.
Typical steps:
Private consultation
We listen and answer questions. You decide whether to proceed.Investigation
We gather documents, policies, witness statements, and background information.Filing the lawsuit
This begins the formal process.Discovery
Exchange of evidence and written questions. We handle most of this without your involvement.Your deposition (if necessary)
A structured conversation under oath. We prepare you carefully and are with you the entire time.Resolution or trial
Many cases resolve without trial. If trial becomes necessary, you will know well in advance and be prepared.
A case typically takes time. We are honest about that from the beginning so there are no false expectations.
Your Privacy
We take confidentiality seriously.
In many cases, courts allow survivors to proceed using initials or protective orders that limit public disclosure. We also manage communications carefully to avoid unnecessary exposure.
We will explain exactly what can and cannot remain private before any case is filed.
What We Will Never Do
We will never:
pressure you to file a case
rush you into a decision
share your story publicly without permission
contact the person who harmed you without discussing it with you
minimize your concerns about the process
This is your case and your timeline.
Speaking With Us
The first meeting is simply a conversation and it is alway free. You are interviewing us. You are not expected to discuss anything you do not want to talk about.
You may bring a family member, friend, or support person.
You may take breaks.
You may choose not to answer any question.
You do not need documents or a prepared statement.
You only need to come as you are.
If you decide not to proceed, that is completely acceptable. Our goal is that you leave the conversation with more understanding than when you arrived.
We are here when — and if — you want to talk.