Atlanta Sexual Abuse Lawyer – Legal Advocacy for Survivors in Georgia

When someone suffers the trauma of sexual abuse or assault, it’s more than just a legal matter; it’s a life-altering experience. At Rafaeli Law PLLC, we fight for justice on behalf of survivors in Atlanta and across Georgia. We believe in a trauma-informed approach, protecting our clients’ dignity while relentlessly pursuing accountability from abusers and negligent institutions.

Understanding Sexual Abuse and Assault in Georgia

Sexual abuse includes any non-consensual sexual activity, and it can happen in homes, workplaces, healthcare settings, schools, or public spaces. According to the Georgia Criminal Code, various degrees of sexual assault and abuse are criminal offenses, and victims can also pursue civil claims to recover damages.

Examples of sexual abuse or assault include:

Molestation or groping: Any unwanted physical contact of a sexual nature, especially in schools, youth programs, or public spaces.
Rape or sexual assault: Forced penetration or sexual acts without consent. Victims may suffer both physical and psychological trauma.
Workplace sexual misconduct: Abuse of power, harassment, or coercion in professional environments.
Child sexual abuse: Often occurs in trusted institutions like churches, schools, or youth organizations.
Negligent security claims: When a property owner or business fails to provide reasonable safety, enabling an assault.

Survivors often face lasting consequences such as PTSD, anxiety, depression, and difficulty maintaining personal relationships or employment.

Your Legal Rights and Options After Sexual Abuse

Georgia survivors of sexual assault have both criminal and civil legal options. Criminal charges are prosecuted by the state and can result in jail or prison time for the abuser. Civil lawsuits are filed by the victim and focus on financial compensation for harm.

You may be entitled to file a civil lawsuit if:

The abuse occurred in a workplace, school, or institution that failed to protect you
You were a child at the time of the abuse and the abuser was in a position of authority
A property owner or manager failed to provide adequate security, such as in a hotel, apartment complex, or event venue

The Devastating Impact of Sexual Abuse

Survivors often face long-term psychological and physical consequences. These may include:

PTSD and Anxiety Disorders: Many survivors suffer from flashbacks, nightmares, or hypervigilance, significantly impacting their quality of life.
Depression and Isolation: Feelings of guilt, shame, or social withdrawal are common.
Medical Issues: Injuries from the assault may require physical treatment or long-term healthcare.
Career and Education Disruptions: Survivors may leave jobs, school, or relationships due to emotional trauma.

At Rafaeli Law PLLC, we understand the profound toll sexual abuse takes on survivors and work with trauma-informed professionals and medical malpractice attorneys to strengthen our cases with credible evidence.

Potential Compensation in a Civil Sexual Abuse Claim

Financial compensation can’t erase trauma, but it can help restore stability. Damages may include:

Medical and Therapy Costs: Coverage for psychological treatment and ongoing care
Lost Wages and Job Loss: Compensation for career interruption or disability
Pain and Suffering: Non-economic damages for mental anguish and emotional distress
Punitive Damages: In egregious cases, Georgia law allows for punitive damages to deter future abuse

Review our case results to learn how we’ve helped other survivors.

Informational Table: Key Facts About Sexual Abuse Cases in Georgia

Topic	Details
Statute of Limitations	Civil claims must generally be filed within 2 years, but Georgia allows tolling in some cases
Burden of Proof (Civil)	Plaintiff must show a preponderance of evidence (more likely than not)
Criminal vs. Civil Cases	Criminal cases punish offenders; civil claims compensate victims financially
Who Can Be Held Liable	Abuser, employer, school, church, landlord, hotel, rideshare company, etc.
Compensation Can Cover	Medical bills, therapy costs, lost wages, emotional trauma, punitive damages
Georgia Sexual Assault Hotline	1-800-656-HOPE (provided by RAINN)
Victim Support Program	GA Crime Victims Compensation Program
Success Requires	Timely reporting, expert legal guidance, and evidence collection (texts, medical records, etc.)
Percentage of Victims Who Report	Only 1 in 3 sexual assaults are reported, per NSVRC
Civil Case Timeline	May range from 6 months to 2+ years depending on evidence and complexity

Sexual Abuse Statistics in Georgia – Local Data & Trends

According to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI), more than 2,800 rape and sexual assault cases were reported statewide in 2022. In the metro Atlanta area, sexual violence is most frequently reported in:

Apartment complexes with inadequate security
Bars and nightclubs
College campuses

These findings highlight the importance of strong safety measures and the responsibility of property owners and institutions to maintain secure environments or be held accountable when they fail.

Explore our related practice in Atlanta premises liability or negligent security cases.

Why Choose Rafaeli Law PLLC as Your Personal Injury Lawyer

Our firm offers a confidential, safe space to discuss your story. Every case is different, but our support includes:

Free Consultations: You can speak directly with an experienced Atlanta sexual abuse attorney at no cost.
Trauma-Informed Advocacy: We never pressure clients to take action they’re not ready for and respect their pace.
Civil Case Guidance: From negligent security to institutional abuse, we help identify liable parties and gather necessary evidence.
No Upfront Legal Fees: We work on a contingency basis, meaning we only get paid if we win your case.

Our Story & Core Values page shares our mission to protect vulnerable communities and restore dignity through justice.

Legal Process: What to Expect When You File a Claim

Here’s how we guide you through a civil sexual abuse case:

Initial Consultation: Speak privately with a lawyer and learn your rights.
Case Investigation: We collect evidence such as police reports, witness statements, and expert testimony.
Identify Liable Parties: May include individuals, employers, institutions, or property owners.
File Civil Lawsuit: If no fair settlement is offered, we initiate formal litigation.
Resolution: Many cases are settled confidentially, but we’re prepared to go to trial if necessary.

Visit our practice areas to see how we tailor our approach based on case type.

Speak with an Atlanta Sexual Abuse Attorney Today

You don’t have to navigate this journey alone. At Rafaeli Law PLLC, we believe survivors, and we’re here to advocate for your rights every step of the way.

We offer confidential consultations, provide clear legal options, and only take payment if we win. Let us help you hold those responsible accountable and support your path to healing.

Testimonials

What Our Clients Are Saying

Hear from the clients who trusted us to fight for their justice—and found peace, resolution, and results.

Rafaeli Law is top-notch! From the very first call, their team was professional, responsive, and clearly knew what they were doing. They didn’t waste any time — they moved fast, kept me informed, and went after results with real determination. You can tell they’re go-getters who truly care about their clients. If you need a law firm that’s sharp, efficient, and fights for you, I highly recommend Rafaeli Law.

Maurice M.

Kerollos A.

Can't say enough good things about Rafaeli Law. Their team is incredibly professional, responsive, and genuinely committed to helping you through every step of the process. Their attention to detail and dedication to achieving the best possible outcome truly sets them apart. If you're looking for a trustworthy, knowledgeable, and results-driven legal team, Rafaeli Law is the place to go.

Heather H.

I had a great experience with Rafaeli Law after my car accident. They were professional, responsive and always made sure I understood each step of the process. A special thank you to Jindy - she was absolutely amazing. She was kind, patient and incredibly helpful every time I had questions or concerns. I highly recommend them to anyone who needs legal help after an accident.

Lorena Z.

Rafaeli Law, not only took the time to really listen to my situation but made me feel like they truly listened so they could understand and do the best they possibly could in asserting my case. In every step of the process they communicated with me. If I ever need a lawyer in the future I will be reaching out to them and will be recommending them to my friends and family.

Vanessa C.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I sue someone for sexual abuse in Georgia even if they weren’t criminally charged?

Yes. In Georgia, you can file a civil lawsuit against an abuser even if no criminal charges were filed or if the person was found not guilty. The burden of proof in civil court is lower than in criminal court, allowing survivors more legal avenues for justice.

2. How long do I have to file a sexual abuse lawsuit in Georgia?

For most adult sexual abuse cases, the statute of limitations is 2 years from the date of the incident. For child sexual abuse survivors, Georgia allows claims until the survivor turns 23. In some cases, this deadline may be extended if the survivor was unaware of the abuse or unable to act.

3. Who can I sue in a Georgia sexual abuse case besides the abuser?

You may be able to sue institutions like schools, churches, daycare centers, or property owners (e.g., apartment complexes, hotels) that failed to provide a safe environment or ignored prior complaints.

4. What compensation can I receive if I win a sexual abuse civil claim in Atlanta?

You may be eligible for damages covering therapy and medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, emotional trauma, and in some cases, punitive damages to punish reckless behavior.

5. Do I need to testify in court if I file a sexual abuse lawsuit in Atlanta?

Not necessarily. Many cases settle privately out of court. However, if the case proceeds to trial, you may be asked to testify. At Rafaeli Law PLLC, we guide you through every step with sensitivity and support.

6. Can I file a lawsuit if the abuse happened years ago?

Yes, depending on the circumstances. Georgia allows tolling of the statute of limitations in certain situations, such as repressed memories or if the survivor was a minor. It’s best to consult an attorney to assess eligibility.

7. What if the sexual assault happened at an Atlanta nightclub or apartment complex?

If the property lacked adequate security, like working locks, lighting, or staff, you may have a claim against the property owner or manager for negligent security. See our negligent security page for more info.

8. How much does it cost to hire a sexual abuse lawyer at Rafaeli Law?

We work on a contingency fee basis, which means there are no upfront costs. You only pay legal fees if we secure compensation for you.

Schedule a Consultation

Get a Free Consultation

If you are facing a personal injury or insurance dispute, Rafaeli Law PLLC is here to help. We are dedicated to protecting your rights and helping you secure the compensation you deserve.

1500 Weston Rd Suite 200, Weston, FL 33326

info@rafaelilaw.com

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