Sexual Abuse Lawyers
PCVA is proud to have some of the top sexual abuse lawyers in its ranks. We are passionate advocates for survivors of sexual abuse and their families, and we take a compassionate, trauma-informed approach to ensure the dignity and well-being of those we serve are protected. Our attorneys have received numerous recognitions for their trial prowess and litigation capabilities, including honors from The National Law Journal and the Washington State Association for Justice. We have successfully taken on some of the largest, most powerful institutions regarding their handling of allegations of sexual abuse, and by doing so, we have helped our clients receive millions in compensation for their suffering while helping to prevent others from experiencing the same harm.
Below, you will learn more about sexual abuse, the law and what it is like to work with a sexual abuse lawyer.
What is considered sexual abuse?
Sexual abuse is any sexual activity where consent has not been obtained or freely given. In many instances, perpetrators use force, make threats or take advantage of someone who is in a position of dependency on them. Oftentimes, the victim and perpetrator know each other.
Sex abuse can cause long-lasting damage. A Department of Justice report revealed that roughly 70% of sexual abuse victims experience moderate to severe distress, a higher percentage than victims of any other crime. Survivors of sexual abuse can face far-reaching consequences, including an increased likelihood of drug use, emotional problems and suicide attempts.
Every 68 seconds, someone in America is sexually assaulted and every 9 minutes, that victim is a child, according to RAINN, the largest anti-sexual violence organization in the U.S. If you are a survivor of sexual abuse, know that you are not alone.
Listen to Courtney’s story to learn more about how PCVA has helped survivors:
Who can a sexual abuse lawyer sue for abuse?
In addition to the perpetrators themselves, institutions that failed to safeguard the victims can also be held liable. Our sexual abuse attorneys have helped survivors of sexual abuse recover damages from the following institutions, among many others:
- Boy Scouts and other youth organizations
- Coaching settings in schools and community sports organizations
- Foster care and other protective care settings for minors
- Group homes and other care settings for people with disabilities or special needs
- Nursing homes and other long-term care facilities
- Church settings including the Catholic church and other faith-based communities
- Public and private school settings
- In the workplace
I was abused in the past, but it was long ago and I was a minor. Can I still sue?
Most likely. In Washington State, a special statute of limitations allows many victims of childhood sexual abuse to file lawsuits for the abuse they suffered many years later, even as adults. That law recognizes that survivors of childhood sexual abuse may not realize or appreciate how the sexual abuse harmed them until much later in life. If you were sexually abused, you will want to contact one of our sexual abuse lawyers to have them confidentially explain your legal options.
Do your sexual abuse lawyers only handle cases in Washington State?
PCVA has offices in Seattle and Tacoma, Washington, as well as New York City. While much of our work is concentrated in Washington State, we are seen as a national sexual abuse law firm with the ability to take on some of the largest institutions, including the Boy Scouts of America and the Catholic Church. Regardless of where you are located, we encourage you to reach out to our sexual abuse lawyers to see how we can help you with your case.
Should I file a sexual abuse lawsuit?
The decision to file a civil sexual abuse lawsuit is a personal one, and several factors must be considered. A sexual abuse lawsuit will allow you to expose the wrongs of your perpetrator and potentially receive financial compensation for your pain. However, you will have to provide information about the trauma you experienced as well as other aspects of your personal life.
PCVA’s sexual abuse attorneys are trained in trauma-informed counsel. This means that to prevent re-traumatization, we have undergone professional training on how to work with individuals who have been subjected to trauma. When you work with us, know that you are working with an advocate who represents you with the utmost empathy and care.
What are the signs of sexual abuse among minors?
The signs of sexual abuse will vary depending on the minor’s age and can present themselves physically, behaviorally or emotionally. While there may be other causes behind some signs of abuse, it is important to trust your gut. Addressing sexual abuse can be painful, but the sooner you take action, the better off the minor in your care will be.
Among minors, warning signs can be difficult to spot, but include the following:
- Evidence of trauma to the genital area
- Sudden regression to old habits such as bed-wetting or thumb sucking
- Excessive knowledge of sexual topics
- Overly compliant behavior
- Spending an excessive amount of time alone
- Changed eating habits
- Reduced self-esteem
- Lost interest in daily activities
- Sudden fear of being away from primary caregivers
Signs that an adult may be grooming a minor for future abuse include:
- Fails to respect boundaries
- Tries to be a child’s friend rather than an adult role model / does not seem to have an age-appropriate relationship.
- Spends time alone with a child outside of their role in the child’s life
- Gives gifts without reason
How PCVA Can Help?
Our nationally recognized sexual abuse attorneys have represented thousands of sexual abuse survivors, helping them achieve justice by holding the institutions that failed to protect them accountable and recovering hundreds of millions of dollars in damages on their behalf. Our attorneys have been involved in some of the most complicated and concerning sexual abuse cases in the country and are often consulted by other law firms for guidance and expertise when representing sexual abuse survivors.
If you or a loved one has experienced sexual abuse or assault, our attorneys are here to listen and help. Schedule a no obligation consultation with one of our lawyers by completing our online form or calling us at (253) 948-3199 or (206) 536-2850. All conversations are completely confidential.
How much do you charge?
Our work is done on a contingency basis. This means that you do not pay us on an hourly basis, and we advance the costs of litigation. If we help you resolve your case, we receive a percentage of the amount you receive, and you reimburse us for the costs we advanced on your behalf.
Our Case Results
See this link for a comprehensive listing of all of our case results. Below are a few highlights of some of our matters.
$25M Settlement in Olympia Early Learning Center Sex Abuse Lawsuit
$9M Settlement in Kiwanis International Sexual Abuse Lawsuit
$8M Settlement in Sexual Abuse Lawsuit Against Foss Home and Village
$7.5M Settlement in Coach Sexual Abuse Case Against Black Hills Football Club
$6M Settlement in Sexual Abuse Case Against United States Bowling Congress
$6M Settlement in Sexual Abuse Case Against Kiwanis International
$4.9 Settlement in Sexual Abuse Case Against Toutle River Boys Ranch
$4.25M Settlement in Sexual Assault Case Against Issaquah School District
$3M Settlement in Coach Sexual Abuse Case Against Seattle Public Schools
$2.4M Settlement in Sexual Abuse Case Against Seattle Employer
$2M Settlement for Sexual Abuse of 10 Juveniles at Green Hill School
$2M Settlement in Sexual Assault Case Against Washington State
$1.5M Settlement in Coach Sexual Abuse Case Against Black Hills Football Club
$1.46M Settlement for Sexual Abuse Case Against Seattle Archdiocese
$1.35M Settlement in Abuse Lawsuit Against Washington’s Department of Social and Health Services
Additional Resources
National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1.800.656.HOPE (4673)
RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network): https://www.rainn.org/
State Law Database: https://apps.rainn.org/policy/