Whatever happened — and whenever it happened — you have more options than you've probably been told. Here's what civil justice can look like, in plain language.
The criminal system punishes offenders; it's controlled by prosecutors and demands proof beyond a reasonable doubt. The civil system compensates survivors; it's controlled by you and decided on the preponderance of the evidence. You can pursue a civil claim whether or not police were ever involved, and even if a criminal case was declined or lost.
Not just the individual. Civil law reaches the institutions that enabled harm: schools and universities, religious organizations, youth programs, employers, hotels and casinos, rideshare platforms, healthcare providers, and detention facilities. Institutional claims are often what make recovery meaningful.
Every state sets its own statute of limitations, and in recent years many states have dramatically extended or eliminated time limits for sexual abuse claims, including "lookback windows" that revive older cases. Nevada, for example, eliminated the civil statute of limitations for adult sexual assault survivors in 2023. The only way to know what applies to you is to ask an attorney in your state — the consultation is free and confidential.
You share what you're comfortable sharing. We match you with an alliance attorney in your state. They listen, explain your options, and you decide — file, wait, or walk away. Nothing happens without your say-so.
Many survivor cases are filed using initials or a pseudonym (such as Jane Doe), and most resolve in confidential settlements. Your attorney can ask the court for privacy protections from day one.
Some claims resolve in months through settlement; contested cases can take longer. Your attorney handles the process — most survivors spend far less time on the case than they expect.
Civil claims can recover the costs of therapy and medical care, lost income and earning capacity, and damages for pain and suffering. Courts can also award punitive damages against egregious conduct.