What happened to you was wrong. It was not your fault. And you have every right to seek justice, healing, and accountability from those who caused you harm.
At Hill & Associates, our Philadelphia sexual abuse and harassment lawyers stand with survivors. We believe you. We listen without judgment. And we are here to help you understand your legal options in a safe, confidential environment.
Whether you experienced abuse as a child, assault as an adult, or harassment in the workplace, Pennsylvania law provides paths to hold your abuser and the institutions that enabled them accountable. You have more power than you may realize. Taking legal action is one way to reclaim it.
From our Center City office, we serve survivors throughout Philadelphia and Pennsylvania with compassion, discretion, and a fierce commitment to justice. Contact us today for a free, confidential consultation.
Free Confidential Consultation | No Fee Unless We Win | Reach Out to Hill & Associates Today
SCHEDULE A FREE CONSULTATION TODAY
Can I Sue for Sexual Abuse If I Never Reported it to the Police?
The short answer: Yes, you can still pursue a civil lawsuit. A civil case is completely separate from the criminal justice system. You do not need a police report, a criminal investigation, or a conviction to file a civil claim. In fact, you control a civil case in ways you cannot control a criminal prosecution.
Many survivors never reported to the police, and some who did saw their cases go nowhere. That does not close the door to justice. In a civil lawsuit, you can seek financial compensation for therapy costs, lost wages, pain and suffering, and emotional distress.
The standard of proof is also lower than in criminal court. For survivors of childhood sexual abuse, Pennsylvania law now provides until your 55th birthday to file a civil lawsuit for abuse that occurred after 2019. Even if you are unsure whether your case falls within the deadline, we encourage you to reach out.
Why do Survivors of Sexual Abuse in PA Trust Hill & Associates?
We understand that coming forward takes tremendous courage. Many survivors carry their experiences for years, even decades, before feeling ready to take action. At Hill & Associates, we honor that journey.
Our team of Philadelphia sexual abuse lawyers creates a space where you can share your story at your own pace, without pressure, and receive honest guidance about your legal options.
Leonard Hill founded this firm in 1999 with a simple commitment: to fight for people who have been harmed by the negligence and wrongdoing of others. Leonard holds an LL.M. in Trial Advocacy from Temple University Beasley School of Law, a credential held by fewer than 1% of attorneys nationwide.
Since founding the firm, our team has participated in recovering more than $1 billion in verdicts and settlements for injury victims. Our successful track record includes a $17 million settlement for a child abuse survivor and a $300,000 settlement for an elder abuse survivor.
Your consultation is free and completely confidential. You pay no attorney fees unless we recover compensation, so there is no risk to you. We believe you should have the information and support you need to make the best decision for yourself.
How Common Is Sexual Abuse?
Sexual violence affects people of all ages, genders, and backgrounds. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly half of women and more than 1 in 6 men in the United States experience some form of contact sexual violence in their lifetimes.
The Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN) reports that an estimated 443,635 people age 12 and older experience sexual violence each year in the United States. Every nine minutes, a child is sexually assaulted. More than 4 in 5 female rape survivors were first raped before age 25, and nearly half were first raped as minors.
If you are a survivor, know that what happened to you is not your fault. Many survivors struggle with feelings of shame, self-blame, or disbelief. These reactions are common, but they do not reflect the truth. The responsibility lies solely with the person who harmed you.
What Qualifies as Sexual Abuse or Harassment Under Pennsylvania Law?
Sexual abuse and harassment take many forms. Pennsylvania law allows survivors to pursue civil claims for a wide range of harmful conduct.
Sexual Abuse
Sexual abuse includes any sexual contact or conduct without consent. This includes rape, sexual assault, molestation, incest, and any unwanted sexual touching. It can occur between adults, or it can involve child victims. Abuse by family members, caregivers, coaches, teachers, clergy, or any person in a position of trust falls within this category.
Childhood Sexual Abuse
Children cannot legally consent to sexual activity. Any sexual contact with a minor is abuse, regardless of whether force was used. Many survivors of childhood sexual abuse do not fully process what happened until years or decades later. Pennsylvania law now recognizes this reality by extending the time survivors have to file civil claims.
Workplace Sexual Harassment
Workplace sexual harassment includes unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature. It can also include creating a hostile work environment through repeated offensive comments, images, or behavior. Both the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act and federal Title VII protect workers from sexual harassment.
Institutional Sexual Abuse
Sexual abuse that occurs within institutions, such as schools, churches, youth organizations, nursing homes, or athletic programs, often involves a pattern of misconduct that the institution knew about or should have known about. In these cases, the institution itself may be liable for negligent hiring, supervision, or failure to protect.
Who Can Be Held Accountable for Sexual Abuse?
A civil lawsuit can hold both individuals and institutions accountable for sexual abuse. Depending on the circumstances, potentially liable parties include:
- The abuser who directly committed the abuse
- Employers who failed to prevent workplace harassment or retaliated against employees who reported it
- Schools and universities that failed to protect students or respond appropriately to reports of abuse
- Churches and religious organizations that concealed abuse or transferred abusers to new positions
- Youth organizations and athletic programs that failed to screen or supervise staff
- Nursing homes and care facilities where vulnerable residents were harmed
- Rideshare companies whose drivers assaulted passengers
Holding institutions accountable serves an important purpose beyond your own recovery. It can expose patterns of misconduct, force systemic changes, and protect future potential victims from the same harm.
How Long Do I Have to File a Sexual Abuse Lawsuit in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania has made significant changes to its statute of limitations for sexual abuse cases in recent years, giving survivors more time to come forward.
Childhood Sexual Abuse
For abuse that occurred after November 2019, survivors now have until their 55th birthday to file a civil lawsuit. This extended deadline recognizes the reality that many survivors need years or decades to process childhood trauma before they are ready to take legal action.
Young Adult Survivors
Individuals who were sexually abused between the ages of 18 and 24 have until their 30th birthday to file a civil lawsuit for abuse occurring after 2019.
Adult Survivors
Adults (age 25 and older at the time of the assault) generally have two years from the date of the assault to file a civil lawsuit.
If your abuse occurred before these laws took effect, different deadlines may apply. However, Pennsylvania's "discovery rule" may extend the deadline in certain situations, particularly where you could not reasonably have recognized the abuse or connected it to your injuries until later.
We encourage you to contact us even if you are unsure whether your claim is still timely. The law is nuanced, and our experienced Philadelphia sexual abuse attorneys can help you understand your legal options.
What Should You Do If You Experience Workplace Sexual Harassment?
Workplace sexual harassment can make every day feel like a struggle. You may feel trapped, afraid of retaliation, or unsure whether anyone will believe you. These feelings are valid. Here is what you should know about your rights and options.
Pennsylvania law protects workers from sexual harassment through the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act, which covers employers with four or more employees. Federal Title VII protects workers at employers with 15 or more employees. Both laws prohibit retaliation against employees who report harassment.
To file a formal complaint, you can contact the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission (PHRC) or the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). You generally have 180 days from the harassment to file with the PHRC. However, consulting with an attorney before filing can help you understand all your options and build the strongest possible case.
If you have experienced workplace harassment, consider documenting incidents in writing, preserving any messages or communications, and noting any witnesses. An experienced attorney can advise you on the next steps and help protect you from retaliation.
What Compensation Can Philadelphia Sexual Abuse Survivors Recover?
A civil lawsuit allows survivors to seek financial compensation for the full range of harm caused by sexual abuse or harassment. While no amount of money can undo what happened, compensation can provide resources for healing and a sense of justice and accountability.
Damages in sexual abuse cases may include:
- Therapy and counseling costs (past and future)
- Medical treatment expenses
- Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress and mental anguish
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Punitive damages (in cases of particularly egregious conduct)
Every survivor's situation is different. During your consultation, we can discuss what compensation may be available based on the specific facts of your case.
What Can You Expect When You Contact Us?
We know that reaching out for help can feel frightening. You may have kept your experience private for a long time. You may be uncertain whether you are ready to take action. Whatever you are feeling, we meet you where you are.
When you contact Hill & Associates, you will speak with a member of our team who will listen to your story with compassion and without judgment. Everything you share is protected by attorney-client confidentiality. There is no obligation or pressure.
We will explain your legal options in plain language. We will answer your questions honestly. And if you decide to move forward, we will stand by your side throughout the process, handling the legal work so you can focus on your healing.
Many survivors find that taking legal action, while difficult, is ultimately empowering. It can provide a sense of closure, validation, and justice that supports long-term healing.
Serving Sexual Abuse Survivors Throughout Philadelphia and Pennsylvania
From our Center City office at 1700 Market Street, Hill & Associates represents survivors throughout Philadelphia and the surrounding region. We handle cases in all Philadelphia neighborhoods, including Center City, University City, North Philadelphia, South Philadelphia, Kensington, Germantown, Manayunk, Roxborough, and the Northeast.
We also serve clients in Montgomery County, Delaware County, Bucks County, Chester County, and throughout Pennsylvania.
Sexual abuse cases in Philadelphia County are typically filed in the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas. Workplace harassment claims may be filed with the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission or proceed through federal court in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.
If you need immediate support, resources are available 24/7. RAINN's National Sexual Assault Hotline can be reached at 800-656-HOPE (4673) or online at RAINN.org.
FAQs About Sexual Abuse and Harassment Claims in Philadelphia
Do I need a criminal conviction to file a civil lawsuit?
No. A civil lawsuit is separate from any criminal case. You do not need to report to the police or wait for a conviction to pursue a civil claim. In civil cases, the standard of proof is lower (preponderance of the evidence rather than beyond a reasonable doubt), and you, the survivor, control the case.
Can I still file a lawsuit if the abuse happened years ago?
It depends on when the abuse occurred and your age at the time. For childhood sexual abuse occurring after 2019, Pennsylvania law allows survivors until age 55 to file a civil lawsuit. Even if you believe your case may be time-barred, we encourage you to contact us. Exceptions may apply, and the law continues to evolve.
Will my case be kept confidential?
Everything you share with us is protected by attorney-client privilege. We take your privacy seriously. While court proceedings can become public, there are steps we may be able to take to protect your identity, and many cases settle before trial without public exposure.
How much does a Philadelphia sexual abuse lawyer cost?
At Hill & Associates, you pay no attorney fees unless we recover compensation for you. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means our fee comes from a percentage of your recovery. Your initial consultation is always free.
What if I'm not ready to file a lawsuit?
That's okay. Many survivors need time to process their experience before taking legal action. A consultation with our team can help you understand your options and the deadlines that may apply, so you can make an informed decision when you are ready.
Can I sue an institution like a school or church?
Yes. Institutions can be held liable for sexual abuse if they were negligent in hiring, supervising, or retaining the abuser, or if they failed to respond appropriately to reports of abuse. Many survivors have successfully held schools, churches, youth organizations, and employers accountable for enabling abuse.
Hill & Associates Puts You In Control
Reaching out for help is an act of courage. Whatever you experienced, whatever you are feeling right now, you deserve support, answers, and the opportunity to pursue justice on your own terms.
At Hill & Associates, we are here to listen, to answer your questions, and to walk with you through every step of this process. Our Philadelphia-based lawyers know how devastating and isolating sexual abuse can be, which is why we work hard to put you back in control. Contact us online for a free, confidential consultation.