Survivor Justice Alliance | National Civil Justice Network for Survivors of Sexual Abuse & Injury

Why Civil Justice

The Criminal System Isn't the Only Path

A criminal case is the state versus the offender. A civil case is yours, brought on your terms, for your recovery. Civil courts can hold abusers, and the institutions that protected them, financially accountable even when no criminal charge was ever filed.

You Stay in Control

You decide whether to file, whether to settle, and when to stop. The case belongs to you, not a prosecutor.

A Lower Burden of Proof

Civil claims are decided on the preponderance of the evidence, not beyond a reasonable doubt. A civil claim can move forward even when a criminal case never did.

Institutions Answer Too

Schools, churches, employers, detention facilities, hotels, and rideshare companies can be held accountable for enabling or ignoring abuse.

What We Stand For

Believed. Protected. Heard.

A civil case is yours, decided on the preponderance of the evidence.

Your privacy is protected, from the first conversation onward.

You are never alone in this. Support walks with you.

How It Works

Three Steps. Zero Cost.

Reach out, your way. Share only what you're comfortable sharing: a first name and a way to reach you is enough.
We help you look. Our state pages explain the law where you live and how to find an attorney who handles cases like yours.
You decide. Using this site is free and commits you to nothing. Ask any attorney how they charge before you agree; some work on contingency, paid only if the case recovers money.

Ask for Help Finding an Attorney

Tell us only what you're comfortable sharing about finding an attorney in your state. It is free to use and asks nothing of you.

First Name

Phone or Email

State Where It Happened

Anything you want us to know (optional)

Submitting this form does not create an attorney-client relationship. Your message goes to the team that runs this site and is not shared with any law firm unless you agree. This form is not watched around the clock: if you are in danger, call 911, and for support any time call RAINN at 800-656-4673.

Message Received

Thank you for trusting us with this. If you need support right now, RAINN's hotline is free, confidential and open 24/7 at 800-656-4673. If you are in danger, call 911.

Questions

Common Questions

No. The Survivor Justice Alliance does not charge survivors. Attorneys set their own fees: many offer a free first consultation and some work on contingency, so ask how they charge before you agree to anything.

It goes to the team that runs this site so we can respond to your request. It is not published, and it is not shared with any law firm unless you agree. Share only what you are comfortable with, and see our Privacy Policy for details.

Many states have extended or eliminated civil statutes of limitations for sexual abuse, including lookback windows for older cases. An attorney can tell you exactly what applies to you, which is why reaching out is worth it even for older cases.

No. A civil claim does not require a criminal charge, conviction, or police report. Civil cases are decided on the preponderance of the evidence, a lower standard than criminal court.

Wherever you are in this, there is a way forward, and it starts whenever you're ready.

Attorneys: Stand With Survivors

If your practice represents survivors of abuse or serious injury, join the alliance and receive referrals from survivors in your state who need exactly what you do.

Join the Alliance