Sexual abuse is unfortunately a very common occurrence, and many people do not report this abuse when it happens. Even when they do, many prosecutions are unsuccessful, and survivors rarely find the satisfaction they were seeking.
However, as a survivor of sexual abuse, you can bring a civil lawsuit to claim financial compensation for the abuse you have suffered. If you would like to hold your abusers accountable in this way, contact the Arkansas sexual abuse lawyers at Phillips Law Group.
Sexual abuse involves unwanted touching or other activity that is meant to sexually gratify the abuser. It can include penetration, but sexual abuse does not have to involve rape. The abuser uses force or coercion to commit the acts without the survivor’s consent.
Sexual abuse is often committed against children or disabled people who are legally unable to provide consent. Other adults can also be victims of sexual abuse. In many cases, someone with power or authority over an individual uses this position to take sexual advantage of that person against their will.
Survivors rarely report sexual abuse when it happens, and even when they do report it, the response is often disappointing. A civil lawsuit is a way for a survivor to hold their abuser—and any institutions that enabled the activity—responsible for their actions. An Arkansas attorney from Phillips Law Group can discuss a sexual abuse survivor’s experience and determine whether a lawsuit is possible in their specific case.
One of the major obstacles faced by sexual abuse survivors is that it often takes them many years to come to terms with their experience and feel ready to talk about it. By that time, the legal window for bringing a lawsuit may have closed.
Adult survivors of sexual abuse have only three years from the date of the incident to file a lawsuit. In contrast, Arkansas Code § 16-118-118(b)(1) allows a survivor of childhood sexual abuse or a person with a disability who has experienced sexual abuse to bring a lawsuit at any time. For abuse that occurred before July 28, 2021, a survivor from this group must file a lawsuit before their 55th birthday.
The state legislature also passed a law that opened a window for people whose claims were previously time-barred to file lawsuits. In February 2025, however, the state appeals court struck down that provision of the law. Any survivor who wishes to bring a claim that might be time-barred should contact an Arkansas sexual abuse attorney at Phillips Law Group. They closely follow developments in this area and will be aware of any further changes in the law to permit actions by survivors with time-barred claims.
When a survivor is ready to seek justice from their abusers, they can file a lawsuit seeking compensation. Survivors can pursue claims against individual abusers and institutions that may have enabled or facilitated the abuse.
An attorney pursuing a civil claim for sexual abuse will determine whether any Arkansas institutions, such as churches, schools, companies, or service organizations, played a role. An institution could be liable for its failure to:
Institutions are also liable if they cover up allegations of sexual misconduct or abuse.
A survivor can claim the costs of treating any physical or mental health issues caused by the abuse, including the costs of ongoing treatment. They can also claim money for their diminished earning capacity, emotional anguish, lost enjoyment of life, and the impact the abuse has had on their intimate relationships.
The consequences of sexual abuse can reach into every aspect of your life and persist for decades. Seeking accountability from your abusers can be an important part of your healing journey. The Arkansas sexual abuse lawyers at Phillips Law Group can help you get an acknowledgment of wrongdoing and financial compensation.
Phillips Law Group offers a free initial consultation. Contact the intake team today to explore the possibility of a sexual abuse lawsuit.
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