Nationwide Sexual Assault & Abuse Lawyer

Millions Recovered for Assault & Abuse Survivors

For survivors of sexual assault and abuse, the path to justice can be filled with many obstacles. By enlisting the support of bold and unwavering advocates, you can effectively navigate the process and pursue the justice and compensation you deserve.

Athea Trial Lawyers is a female-centric firm that’s forged a reputation for fighting on behalf of the injured and wronged. Backed by decades of experience, we’ve helped survivors fight back against powerful institutions and corporations, and have secured a proven record of success in complex claims involving sexual assault, abuse, and harassment.

If you are ready to step forward, we’re ready to help. Call (800) 664-0161.

What is Sexual Assault?

Sexual assault is any non-consensual sexual act or behavior that occurs against a person’s will, often involving coercion, manipulation, force, or threats. Consent is the critical factor: if an individual does not or cannot give their consent due to age, incapacitation, or power dynamics, the act is considered sexual assault.

Sexual assault can be committed by strangers, acquaintances, friends, family members, or partners. It is a violation of personal boundaries and bodily autonomy, and it is considered both a legal and moral offense in most societies.

Common forms of sexual assault include:

• Rape: The non-consensual penetration of the vagina, anus, or mouth using any body part or object.
• Attempted Rape: An attempt to commit rape, even if penetration does not occur.
• Sexual Coercion: Pressuring or manipulating someone into sexual acts without their full, willing consent.
• Unwanted Sexual Touching: Any unwanted physical contact with a person's sexual body parts (e.g., breasts, buttocks, genitals).
• Child Sexual Abuse: Sexual acts or exploitation involving a minor, regardless of consent (as minors cannot legally consent).
• Incest: Sexual acts between close family members who are not legally allowed to marry.
• Groping: Non-consensual touching or grabbing, often in public or crowded spaces.
• Sexual Harassment: Unwanted sexual advances, comments, or behaviors, especially in a professional or institutional setting.
• Drug-Facilitated Sexual Assault: Sexual acts committed against someone who is incapacitated due to drugs or alcohol, often administered without their knowledge.
• Voyeurism (Peeping): Watching someone engage in private activities (like undressing or sexual activity) without their consent.
• Exploitation or Blackmail: Forcing someone into sexual acts through threats, blackmail, or abuse of power.
• Revenge Porn or Image-Based Abuse: Sharing private sexual images or videos without the person’s consent.
• Sex Trafficking: Forcing individuals into sexual acts as part of human trafficking.

Common Signs of Sexual Abuse

Sexual abuse can leave both physical and emotional marks, and recognizing the signs can help provide timely support to the victim. These signs may vary depending on the individual's age, personality, and the circumstances surrounding the abuse.

Physical Signs

• Injuries to Genital Areas: Bruising, bleeding, or pain in the genital or anal regions without a clear explanation.
• Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs): The presence of STIs in someone who has not willingly engaged in sexual activity.
• Unexplained Bruises or Marks: Bruises, scratches, or bite marks on the body that are inconsistent with the individual’s explanation.
• Difficulty Walking or Sitting: Discomfort or difficulty with movements that involve sitting or walking.
• Frequent Urinary Tract or Yeast Infections: These can be physical indicators of repeated sexual trauma, especially in children.
• Pregnancy: Unexplained pregnancy, especially in young individuals or those unable to consent.

Behavioral Signs

• Avoidance of Certain People or Places: Avoiding specific individuals, settings, or social situations for no apparent reason.
• Changes in Personal Hygiene: A sudden change in grooming habits, such as neglecting hygiene or obsessively cleaning themselves.
• Self-Harm or Suicidal Behavior: Cutting, burning, or other forms of self-injury, as well as suicidal thoughts or attempts.
• Substance Abuse: Increased use of drugs or alcohol as a coping mechanism.
• Aggression or Withdrawal: Sudden outbursts of anger, irritability, or becoming withdrawn and isolating themselves from others.
• Fearfulness: Heightened fear, paranoia, or a startle response, especially in interactions involving touch or intimacy.

Emotional and Psychological Signs

• Depression or Anxiety: Feelings of hopelessness, sadness, or overwhelming worry that disrupt daily life.
• Low Self-Esteem: Expressing feelings of worthlessness or guilt, often blaming themselves for what happened.
• Nightmares or Sleep Issues: Trouble sleeping, frequent nightmares, or fear of going to bed.
• Sexualized Behavior: Inappropriate sexual knowledge or behavior for their age, especially in children.
• Regressive Behaviors (in Children): Behaviors like bed-wetting, thumb-sucking, or clinging to caregivers that had been previously outgrown.

Social Signs

• Decline in Academic or Work Performance: Difficulty concentrating, missing school or work, or a sudden drop in performance.
• Loss of Interest in Activities: Losing interest in hobbies, socializing, or things they once enjoyed.
• Trouble Trusting Others: Difficulty forming or maintaining relationships due to a fear of betrayal or harm.
• Reluctance to Be Touched: Aversion to physical contact, even casual touch like a handshake or hug.

Verbal Cues

• Disclosures: The person may hint at or directly disclose their experience, often in subtle or fragmented ways.
• Statements of Fear or Guilt: Expressions like "I don’t feel safe," "It’s my fault," or "I can’t talk about it."

Athea Trial Lawyers offers FREE and confidential consultations and consults with counsel on prominent cases nationwide. To speak with a lawyer, call (800) 664-0161 or contact us online.

Civil Sexual Assault & Abuse Litigation

Sexual assault and abuse lawsuits are not easy cases. However, they can be effectively handled with the support and insight of proven attorneys.

At Athea Trial Lawyers, we fight for survivors in prominent cases, counsel colleagues on winning trial strategies, and empower female trial lawyers. Our work in the field of sexual abuse and assault litigation is extensive, and includes litigation involving a variety of issues and legal challenges. This includes:

• Child sex abuse
• Claims against schools, school districts, youth groups, and sports leagues
• Clergy sexual abuse / claims against churches and religious institutions
• Failure to prevent or protect against abuse
• Willful and systemic cover-ups of sexual abuse
• Violent crime and sexual assault

Seeking justice for survivors is a process that varies from case to case. However, all civil sexual assault claims provide an opportunity for survivors to restore their power and seek justice for inexcusable wrongs – even in the absence of criminal proceedings or convictions. Examples of the negligent or wrongful acts which may lead to liability:

• A school’s failure to appropriately respond to complaints or investigate faculty.
• Negligent hiring or retention of dangerous employees in positions of authority.
• Failure to perform background checks or adequately screen employees.
• Concealing complaints, investigations, or other information about abuse.
• Negligent supervision and failure to report or refer cases to authorities.

Civil sexual abuse lawsuits are handled separately from criminal proceedings and use a lower burden of proof (preponderance of the evidence rather than beyond a reasonable doubt). These cases also allow not just offenders to be held accountable, but also the entities and institutions that failed to uphold their obligations and protect survivors. This can be a powerful deterrent in preventing future abuse.

Why Athea Trial Lawyers?

Athea Trial Lawyers is passionate about what we do and has been fortunate to earn the trust of clients and counsel nationwide. The reasons are simple:

• We have recovered billions for clients and millions for sexual assault and abuse survivors.
• We forge meaningful relationships with our clients and prioritize personal attention.
• We leverage experience to craft winning cases with compelling, out-of-the-box storytelling.
• Our team is comprised of six nationally recognized female trial lawyers, three of whom are members of the Inner Circle of Advocates, a prestigious group of the top 100 plaintiffs’ lawyers.

A Legacy of Fighting for Survivors

Athea Trial Lawyers has helped numerous sexual assault and abuse survivors litigate difficult claims. In addition to recovering millions for victims, our cases have set precedent, shaped laws, and changed the conversation about how the rights of survivors. Some of our work:

• $52 million verdict for the family of a convenience store employee who was abducted, raped, and stabbed to death because the store failed to protect employees. The case inspired Randi McGinn’s book “Changing Laws, Saving Lives,” which chronicles the case and how it brought an industry to their knees.
• $32 million verdict for a client who was sexually assaulted by two high-school football players in Carrollton, Texas during an off-campus gathering at a student’s home. The incident occurred in 2012, when the victim was 14 years old.
• $9.2 million verdict for a minor student who was wrongfully expelled from the Episcopal School of Dallas following the discovery of her abuse by a 34-year-old teacher.
• Sexual abuse litigation against the Jesuit Preparatory School of Dallas and several Texas Dioceses of the Catholic Church over the alleged sexual abuse of a former student and cover up of systemic abuse at the school.
• The first Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) lawsuit in the nation, which was successfully argued by Deborah Chang and later settlement. Deborah went on to lecture extensively on gender-motivated violence.

Request a FREE & Confidential Consultation: (800) 664-0161

Athea Trial Lawyers knows that it takes tremendous courage to step forward with a sexual assault or abuse claim. We are passionate about supporting our clients, protecting their rights and privacy, and pursuing the justice they deserve.

If you have a potential case to discuss, call (800) 664-0161 or contact us online for a confidential consultation.