Civil Lawsuits (Holding the Perpetrator Accountable Without Criminal Charges)
If you do not wish to go through the criminal justice system—or if criminal charges are not filed—you may be able to file a civil lawsuit against:
- The perpetrator
- A third party (e.g., a university, employer, or institution that failed to protect you)
Civil cases do not require the same level of evidence as criminal cases, and survivors can seek financial compensationfor medical bills, therapy costs, and emotional distress.
Statute of Limitations:
- Civil lawsuits often have longer deadlines than criminal cases, meaning survivors may have years to take legal action.
Title IX Complaints (For Sexual Assault on College Campuses)
If the assault occurred at a school or university, you can file a Title IX complaint to hold the institution accountable. Schools are legally required to:
- Investigate sexual misconduct
- Provide accommodations (e.g., housing changes, no-contact orders)
- Take disciplinary action if the perpetrator is a student
How to File:
- File a complaint with your school’s Title IX Coordinator
- If your school fails to act, you can file a federal complaint with the U.S. Department of Education
Employment Protections (For Workplace Sexual Assault & Harassment)
If the assault occurred in a workplace, you may have legal protections under employment law. You can file complaints with:
- The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) (for sexual harassment in workplaces with 15+ employees)
- State labor boards (for smaller employers)
Your employer cannot legally retaliate against you for reporting.