Sexual Abuse Lawyer – Rafaeli Law PLLC

Sexual abuse leaves lifelong emotional and physical scars. Survivors deserve justice, accountability, and healing. At Rafaeli Law PLLC, our experienced sexual abuse lawyers provide compassionate legal counsel to those harmed by individuals, institutions, or organizations that failed to protect them. We handle complex civil claims to hold perpetrators and negligent entities accountable.

According to the National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC), one in three women and one in six men experience some form of sexual violence in their lifetime. Despite these alarming figures, fewer than 25% of victims report the assault. Our firm works tirelessly to bridge that gap—ensuring survivors are heard, supported, and protected throughout every step of the legal process.

For more about our commitment to justice, visit our About and Our Story & Core Values pages.

Understanding Sexual Abuse and Civil Justice

Sexual abuse refers to any non-consensual sexual act or contact, often involving coercion, manipulation, or power imbalance. While criminal prosecution punishes offenders, civil lawsuits seek financial recovery for the survivor’s pain, suffering, and long-term damages.

Civil cases can hold responsible not just the abuser but also:

Institutions: Schools, religious organizations, hospitals, or employers that failed to prevent the abuse.
Supervisors and Staff: Those who ignored or enabled inappropriate behavior.
Property Owners or Managers: If inadequate security or supervision contributed to the incident.

Learn more about related claims such as Premises & Property Injuries and Negligent Security. You can also explore national prevention efforts from the U.S. Department of Justice Office on Violence Against Women.

Types of Sexual Abuse Cases We Handle

Our attorneys represent survivors in a range of civil sexual abuse and assault cases, including:

Clergy Abuse and Religious Institutions
Sexual Assault by Teachers or Coaches
Workplace Sexual Harassment and Coercion
Abuse in Nursing Homes or Assisted Living Facilities
Childhood Sexual Abuse and Exploitation
Institutional Abuse by Healthcare Providers or Caretakers

We combine compassion with strong legal advocacy. Discover related areas on our Medical Malpractice and Nursing Home Negligence pages.

Legal Rights and Compensation for Survivors

Survivors of sexual abuse may pursue damages for both tangible and emotional harm, such as:

Medical and Psychological Treatment
Therapy, Counseling, and Long-Term Care
Pain, Suffering, and Emotional Trauma
Loss of Income or Educational Opportunities
Punitive Damages for Gross Negligence or Cover-Ups

For more details about survivor rights and state laws, visit the RAINN State Law Database or our Legal Disclaimer page for legal guidance transparency.

How Rafaeli Law PLLC Supports Survivors

Our team provides comprehensive support throughout the civil litigation process:

Confidential Consultation: Survivors meet with a trauma-informed attorney who listens without judgment.
Case Investigation: We collect evidence, review institutional records, and consult experts in trauma and victim psychology.
Legal Action: We file claims against abusers, employers, or institutions that allowed abuse to occur.
Settlement or Trial Representation: Our firm seeks full compensation and public accountability.

Learn about our attorneys’ backgrounds on the Our Attorneys and Community & Media pages.

Holding Institutions Accountable

Organizations have a legal duty of care to prevent foreseeable harm. This includes:

Conducting background checks on employees or volunteers.
Providing secure environments in schools, hospitals, and community programs.
Reporting suspected abuse promptly to authorities.

When institutions fail these duties, civil litigation becomes a means to drive systemic change. Read more about similar accountability cases in our Case Results section and insights on the Blog.

For official victim support, visit the Office for Victims of Crime (OVC).

The Legal Process: What to Expect

Navigating a sexual abuse case requires sensitivity and strategic preparation:

Step 1: Initial Consultation – Discuss your experience confidentially.
Step 2: Evidence Collection – Gather reports, communications, or witness statements.
Step 3: Filing the Lawsuit – Outline damages, responsible parties, and desired outcomes.
Step 4: Discovery & Negotiation – Exchange evidence and attempt a fair settlement.
Step 5: Trial (If Necessary) – Our attorneys advocate relentlessly in court for justice.

Areas We Serve

Weston

Miami

Atlanta

Sexual Abuse Case Overview

Aspect	Description
Type of Case	Civil litigation seeking compensation for survivors of sexual abuse or assault.
Common Defendants	Individuals, employers, schools, religious institutions, healthcare providers, or organizations that failed to protect victims.
Key Evidence	Medical records, witness statements, emails, surveillance footage, and institutional reports of prior misconduct.
Damages Recoverable	Therapy costs, lost wages, emotional distress, punitive damages, and medical treatment expenses.
Statute of Limitations	Varies by state; some laws allow delayed filing for childhood sexual abuse survivors.
Legal Process Duration	Typically 6 months to 2 years depending on case complexity and court proceedings.
Confidentiality Options	Courts often permit pseudonyms or sealed documents to protect survivors’ privacy.
Attorney Fees	Contingency-based — no fees unless compensation is recovered for the survivor.

Why Choose Rafaeli Law PLLC

Survivors choose Rafaeli Law PLLC because of our deep commitment to justice and survivor advocacy:

Compassionate Representation: Survivor-centered approach to every case.
Proven Legal Experience: Decades of litigation success in personal injury and civil abuse claims.
Confidential Consultations: Private and protected communication.
No Upfront Fees: You pay nothing unless we win.
Holistic Support: Access to counselors, advocates, and medical professionals.

Explore client feedback on our Testimonials and Case Results pages.

Contact Rafaeli Law PLLC

If you or someone you love has experienced sexual abuse or assault, take the first step toward justice today. Call 954-365-5639 or visit our Contact Us page for a confidential consultation. Our compassionate legal team offers a safe space for survivors to share their stories, understand their rights, and begin rebuilding their lives with trusted legal support.

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. How does Rafaeli Law PLLC handle sensitive sexual abuse cases?

We take a trauma-informed approach, ensuring every client feels safe, supported, and respected throughout the legal process.

2. Can I file a claim if I reported the abuse to my employer but no action was taken?

Yes. If an organization failed to act on reports, they may be held legally responsible for negligence.

3. What compensation is available to sexual abuse survivors?

Victims can recover damages for therapy, lost wages, pain and suffering, and ongoing emotional trauma.

4. How long does it take to resolve a sexual abuse lawsuit?

The timeline varies, but many cases are resolved through settlement within a year, while complex cases may take longer.

5. Can I pursue both criminal and civil action against my abuser?

Yes. Criminal charges hold the offender accountable, while civil claims allow you to seek financial compensation.

6. What happens if the abuser was part of an institution like a school or church?

Institutions that ignored warning signs or covered up misconduct can be held financially liable in civil court.

7. Will I have to face my abuser in court?

Not always. Many cases settle privately, and our lawyers work to minimize retraumatization for survivors.

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

Open 24 hours